url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050,Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. 
The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. 
These energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future.
Details on Herrera Beutler's legislation:
Grid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428.
 
    Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on:
    
        Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and
        Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid
    
 
BEST Act, H.R. 2986.
 
    Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048,Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. 
With Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. 
Folks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049,Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. 
Herrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region.
The Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler.
The Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama.
""Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA).
The Columbia River is the largest wheat export gateway in the nation, second in the nation for soybeans, and the third largest gateway in the world. The channel supports over 50 million tons of cargo valued at $24 billion each year, and over 40,000 local jobs are dependent on commerce that runs through the Columbia River. Traffic is expected to grow, increasing the need for additional locations for large, deep-draft vessels to safely turn and park on the lower river.
Background on Columbia River Turning Basins:
Turning basins along the Columbia River allow large, deep-drafting ships to turn around in the event of severe weather or emergencies. Currently, there are a limited number of areas for vessels to safely turn on the Columbia River. Frequently, several ships will form a caravan spaced approximately two to three miles apart. There can be upwards of four or five ships in the caravan ranging from 750 to 1000 feet in length, carrying a wide variety of product, and loaded as deeply as possible to maximize the 43-foot channel. Additionally, intense storms from autumn through spring necessitate closures on the Columbia River Bar which can require the caravans to turn around and return to an anchorage location as far as the Vancouver/Portland area. With very few places on the lower Columbia River to safely turn vessels of this size, it is vital another federal turning basin be established at the Lower Martin Bar.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=07DC4A12-79B0-40E6-A14C-F0B9A6E8D6A7,"Murray Strengthens Investments in Mental Health Crisis and Opioid Epidemic, Stresses Need for Action Given COVID-19 Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Appropriations bill includes nearly $4 billion to respond to the opioid epidemic, over $1 billion for mental health care
Murray: Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to fight the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today.
The COVID-19 crisis has been incredibly hard on so many families, but especially people who were already fighting addiction or dealing with mental health issues. Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. I have not, and will not, lose sight of the mental health crisis we are facing as a country. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for this important work, and will be continuing to push for further action as well.
The Fiscal Year 2021 bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities.
The bill also includes over $1 billion to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which will expand efforts to identify and help children and youth in need of mental health care.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E69D55A-F19D-4A41-A8AC-95375179DC1F,"Senator Murray Secures Billions to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible, Will Continue Fight to Help Every Family Get Quality Child Care",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $85 million increase in funding to help states make child care more affordable and accessible in the year-end spending package. The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020, to help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life.

Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $10 billion in emergency relief to support the child care sector during this crisis. While $10 billion marks an historic investment in our child care sector, significantly more funding is needed to stabilize our child sector that has been rocked by COVID-19 and ensure that every single family has access to child care going forward.

We have long had a child care crisis in this countryand it has always hit families of color and working families the hardest. And now, as our economy is rocked by the impact of the coronavirus, our child care sector is struggling to even keep its doors open, leaving parents in a totally impossible situation.

We absolutely cannot overlook the critical role child care will play in our nation's ability to recover from the current COVID-19 crisis. Frontline workers need access to child care to stay on the job, and families across the country need child care to return to once our economy opens up. This is a step in the right direction, but we've got a lot more to do to make sure parentsespecially women and in particular women of colordon't have to struggle even more to handle both work and family care.

We not only need to make sure that we avoid mass closures of child care providers due to COVID, but we need to make access to affordable, quality child care a reality for every family going forward. I will continue to fight to expand access to quality, affordable child care, support universal access to high-quality preschool programs for every 3 and 4 year old and significantly improve compensation and training for the early childhood workforce.

In May, Senator Murray introduced the Child Care is Essential Act to create a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund within the existing Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The new Child Care Stabilization Fund would provide grant funding to child care providers to stabilize the child care sector and support providers to safely reopen and operate.

TheChild Care for Working Families Act(2019) would ensure that no family under 150 percent of state median income pays more than seven percent of their income on child care and that families under 75 percent of the state median income will not have to pay anything at all.The bill would also support universal access to high-quality preschool programs for all 3- and 4-yearoldsand significantly improve compensation and training for the child care workforce.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=51AA0155-88E9-4ED0-8420-1D048E674B63,Senator Murray Celebrates Senate Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray has long fought for changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which was included in the year-end funding package that the Senate passed today
Senator Murray championed the inclusion of provisions that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country and address other Washington state water infrastructure priorities
ICYMI: Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports  MORE HERE
ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports  MORE HERE
Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system
(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the Senate passage of the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The WRDA agreement was included in the year-end appropriations bill that the Senate passed today, and was passed by the House earlier this month.
For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad we'll be able to finally make these changes, and I look forward to the bill being signed into law.
Once signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF will significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation incorporates long sought after formula changes to distributions from the HMTF and builds on a provision included in the CARES Act that allowed all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep ports competitive.
Senator Murray has delivered a huge win for The Northwest Seaport Alliance by making critical changes to the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT). As a donor port to this fund, we routinely only see pennies on every dollar collected at our ports. By making the HMT more equitable, we will become a more competitive gateway, allowing us to improve our harbors and provide relief to neutralize the disparity versus ports in Canada where no HMT is charged, said Port of Tacoma Commission President and Co-Chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance John McCarthy.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance thanks Senator Murray for her tireless work on behalf of our cargo gateway. These improvements to the HMT are long overdue and something our stakeholders and customers have long been waiting. Better rates and a more efficient gateway can mean more cargo, which translates into more jobs and economic growth for our region, Port of Seattle Commission President and Co-Chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance Peter Steinbrueck said.
Senator Murray successfully pushed to include language in the WRDA legislation to more equitably distribute funding to ports across the country by setting aside minimum percentages of annual HMTF allocations for donor and energy ports, Great Lakes ports, and small harbors. This means that ports across the country, including the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, would receive an increased, fairer share of annual maintenance money. Currently, imports through large ports like Tacoma and Seattle generate over 50% of the national HMT revenues, yet these ports receive only 3% in return because their naturally deep harbors require minimal maintenance dredging, the primary purpose for which HMT funds are used. To further address this,Senator Murray also successfully worked to include a rebate program that would benefit ports in Washington state by allowing U.S. ports to issue rebates to shippers for using their services, mitigating the current incentive for shippers to divert cargo to Canadian ports, which do not assess a harbor maintenance tax.
In addition to securing reform to the HMTF, the 2020 WRDA bill includes several other water infrastructure priorities for Washington state, such as addressing deepening issues at both the Seattle and Tacoma Harbors, and continued progress for the construction of a fish passage facility at Howard Hanson Dam and maintenance work within the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Program (PSNERP). Additionally, the bill includes the deauthorization of a federal channel within the Port of Anacortes's Cap Sante Marina, which would ease some operation and maintenance work as well as provide some permit streamlining. The bill also authorized a feasibility study for a turning basin on the lower Columbia River.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7740DC3F-376D-43FB-A9AA-45C10B2B6156,"Murray Wins Increased Investments for Medical Research, Public Health, and Global Health Security",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for medical research, public health preparedness, and global health security which she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today.
This pandemic has underscored just how important it is we make sustained investments to keep our country and the world prepared for whatever public health threats may emerge. We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats.
I'm glad we were able to increase funding for programs that are critical to these efforts for the year ahead. However, the work of ensuring we are prepared for public health emergencies is never done. Public health infrastructure saves livesand the better funded and prepared our public health system is before a crisis, the more lives it will be able to save during one. That's why I'm also going to continue pushing to pass a bill that provides dedicated, annual funding to build our public health infrastructure.
Senator Murray also continues to push for dedicated, annual funding to build the nation's public health infrastructure, as she outlined earlier this year when she released the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act.  The Fiscal Year 2021 bill includes the following:
Medical Research: The bill provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an additional $300 million for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research, $3.12 billion in all to find treatments and cures for these devastating conditions. It also includes increases of $60 million for the next phase of the BRAIN Initiative and a funding increase of no less than 1.5 percent for every NIH Institute and Center to support investments that advance science and speed the development of new therapies, diagnostics and preventive measures, improving the health of all Americans. As in fiscal year 2020, the bill provides $225 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Non-recurring Expenses Fund to support improvements to NIH's Bethesda campus. Finally, the agreement directs NIH to require its grantees to notify it when key personnel are removed for concerns of harassment, an essential step toward addressing the findings of the 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on sexual harassment in academia.
Infectious Diseases: The bill includes $596.7 million, a $35 million increase, for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support advanced efforts to develop vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and therapeutics to minimize serious threats of infectious diseases. The bill also includes $770 million, a $35 million increase, for Project Bioshield to speed the research, development, acquisition, and availability of medical countermeasures to improve preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Finally, the bill also includes $287 million, a $27 million increase, for pandemic influenza preparedness to improve the effectiveness, production, and supply of influenza vaccines and therapeutics to combat seasonal epidemics and pandemics.
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: The bill provides $201 million, a $25 million increase, for influenza planning and response to support CDC's efforts to expand vaccine effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, enhance virus characterization, increase genomic testing of influenza viruses, and increase influenza vaccine use by removing barriers to vaccination and promoting vaccination coverage. Improvements in the development and delivery of seasonal influenza vaccine are critical to the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to a potential influenza pandemic.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness: The bill includes $695 million, a $20 million increase, to enhance support to State and local health departments in developing and maintaining capable, flexible, and adaptable public health systems to rapidly respond in an emergency.
Global Health Security: The bill provides $193 million, a $20 million increase, for Global Health Security to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks around the globe. This funding will allow CDC to continue to build a long-term, sustainable foundation that maintains the agency's capacity to address contagious disease threats where they occur.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8757159E-F74E-4D2E-87A9-9B9FC7023001,"Senator Murray Secures Much Needed Assistance for Families and Small Business Owners in Washington State, Pushes for More COVID Relief in New Year",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The approximately $900 billion COVID-19 relief legislation passed the Senate 91-7 as part of a year-end funding bill
In bipartisan package to address coronavirus pandemic, Senator Murray successfully fought to include immediate relief for families and small businesses
SMALL BUSINESS: $325 billion in federal grants, loans, and assistance to support struggling small businesses
RENTAL ASSISTANCE: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide assistance to those struggling to make rent
Senator Murray: My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winter
Senator Murray: While these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year
(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democratic appropriator and the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on her vote in support of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, long overdue legislation to provide much-needed relief to families, workers, and small business owners in Washington state and across the U.S.
My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winterand then to double down in the year ahead on fighting for policies that truly reflect the depth of the crisis we're facing, and help us dig out of this pandemic and come back stronger and fairer.
As I've said since the start of the pandemic in Washington state nearly a year ago, we need to be squarely focused on addressing the underlying public health crisis and on helping communities deal with the economic devastation we're seeing. I'm glad that over the next few tough months, workers' unemployment insurance will be extended and more families will be able to stay in their homes and get help putting food on the table. We have also secured more much-needed support for small businesses, schools, public health, and health care providersincluding for testing, vaccine distribution, and development and procurement of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and medical supplies, all of which are vital to fighting the virus, saving lives, and ultimately bringing this pandemic to an end.
I've also said that a historic crisis like this demands bold solutionsbecause we want every worker and family to experience an economic recovery, not just those at the very top. So, while these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year: 
 
stimulus checks that reflect the depth of the crisis families are facing,
universal paid leave, 
more investments to continue to help schools provide educational services to students, whether they are operating remotely, in-person, or a hybrid of both, and to stabilize our child care sector, 
support for small businesses, especially women and minority-owned small businesses, to come back from the economic crisis,
student loan relief,
help for state, local, and Tribal governments to support vaccine distribution and testing capacity without cutting jobs or slashing budget priorities like education and health,
policies to expand quality, affordable health care and funding to strengthen our public health workso every family and community can stay safe and healthy through this crisis and others,
premium pay for workers on the frontlines, 
help for people with disabilities to live independently at home, and more.
 
I will continue to advocate for pandemic response efforts that reflect the disproportionate harm this virus is causing to Black and Latino communities and all communities of colorand to ensure immigrant workers, so many of whom are working on the frontlines of this crisis, are fully included in our relief efforts.
This virus has shown us clearer than ever that we will be stronger, healthier, and more prosperous if we can ensure none of us are left behindthat each of us can get health care, can feed, take care of, and spend time with our loved ones, and can have the ability to live the full life we choose. The last painful year reminds us how far we are from this goalbut also how urgent and necessary the work is to achieve it. I am more committed than ever and I look forward to the work ahead with each of you.
See below some highlights of several federal investments and other priorities Senator Murray helped secure in the relief package:
 
Working Families

Unemployment Insurance: $300 increase to the weekly unemployment insurance benefit and continuation of expanded eligibility for benefits to those impacted by COVID-19.
Direct Payments: $600 per individual, plus $600 for each child dependent.
Child Care: $10 billion to help stabilize the child care market and allow states to expand child care assistance to essential workers and working families who are in great need of child care services.


 
 
Economic Support

Small Businesses: $325 billion for the Small Business Administration for new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants as well as provisions to allow the hardest hit and smallest businesses to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. Also includes targeted funding for restaurants, bars, and live entertainment venues.
Low Income Communities and Communities of Color: $12 billion in targeted emergency investments to help low-income communities and communities of color.
Transportation: Approximately $45 billion in relief for transit agencies, airports, bus and motor coach operators, and Amtrak.


 
 
Health Care

Testing: $22.4billion, all sent directly to states, territories, Tribes, and localities, for testing, tracing and COVID mitigation programs. Of this total, $2.5 billion will be sent out as grants specifically targeted at needs in underserved areas, including both communities of color and rural communities.
Vaccines: $8.75 billionto the CDC and states, territories, Tribes, and localities for vaccine distribution and $19.695billion to BARDA for manufacturing, production and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary supplies.
PPE and Medical Supplies: $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile.
Provider Relief Fund: Additional $3 billion for the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund established in CARES.


 
 
Washington State Priorities

Education: $54.3 billion for K-12 education and $22.7 billion for higher education, to address learning loss, implement public health protocols, and provide quality education to all students. $4.05 billion for Governor's Emergency Relief Fund to provide relief to schools and colleges hit the hardest by the crisis.
Rental Assistance: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide rental and utility assistance, and an extension of the existing CDC eviction moratorium.
Nutrition: $13 billion to increase individual monthly SNAP benefits by 15 percent. Expands SNAP eligibility for college students.
Hanford and PNNL: Extends the CARES Act provision known as section 3610, which provides federal agencies the authority to reimburse contractors who are temporarily unable to work, due to facility closures or other restrictions, for the costs of paid leave during the COVID pandemic.
Broadband: $7 billion for broadband infrastructure deployment, broadband mapping, affordable broadband programs, and digital inclusion activitiesincluding $1 billion for Tribal communities.
Agriculture: $13 billion for direct payments, purchases, and loans to farmers, ranchers, and local food producers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic.
Fisheries: $300 million for the NOAA fishery disaster assistance program, including $30 million for tribal fishery participants.
Postal Service: Converts the $10 billion in USPS loans from the CARES Act into grants.
Tribes: Extends the deadline to December 31, 2021 for tribes to expend Coronavirus Relief Funds includes in CARES Act.


 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D48676-D3FA-43B0-A5C3-F86FC8857201,"Murray, Cantwell Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following a call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes on the vacant BPA Administrator position, Senators Murray and Cantwell made clear a candidate with knowledge of the Pacific Northwest and vast experience in utility management is required to successfully run BPA
In a break from norms, Department of Energy has not consulted Senators Murray and Cantwell on potential BPA Administrator candidates
WASHINGTON DC  U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries.
I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, Senator Murray said. So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominating Greg Zerzan would be disastrous for the BPA and the millions of families that rely on the affordable energy and power it provides. Unlike in years past, this consideration process has lacked transparency, and I strongly urge the Department of Energy to follow its historic precedent and nominate a candidate with the experience and independence required to successfully lead BPA and ensure it remains a valuable public asset.
BPA Administrator is one of the Pacific Northwest's toughest jobs. The position requires a deep knowledge of our unique grid, strong relationships with regional stakeholders, and an understanding of how to balance the needs of hydropower, agriculture, and salmon. Now more than ever we need an Administrator that can hit the ground running and ensure our region continues to receive the affordable and reliable electricity supplies that have powered our economy for decades, Senator Cantwell said.
The BPA Administrator is not an appointed or political position, instead the Administrator is selected by DOE after review by a merit review board. Typically, the Administrator has substantial prior experience at BPA and Pacific Northwestern senators are consulted during the candidate interview and selection process. During the Friday call, Deputy Secretary Menezes confirmed to the Senators that the report that DOE is considering Zerzan, and three internal candidates, to fill the vacancy are true. The Senators voiced their displeasure with the fact that they had not been consulted on these candidates and urged the DOE not to move forward with someone who is unqualified and has no experience at BPA or any similar organization. The Senators also made clear that they would not support a political choice who posed a threat to the apolitical nature of the Administrator position and could lead to the privatization of BPA, something that the Senators have long opposed.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A4CF44FE-70C9-4623-923B-B31308CA9F10,Murray Secures Key Investments For Families In End-of-Year Funding Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more
Bill increases funding for public schools, Head Start, child care, and the maximum amount students can receive through Pell grants
Agencies charged with securing workers' wages, and ensuring safe workplaces would also get funding boost
Deal increases funding for workforce training and program to help struggling families pay their energy bills
Full omnibus also includes bipartisan deal to end surprise billing, fund community health centers
Murray: Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible.
Murray: While this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate AppropriationsSubcommitteeon Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement on the LHHS Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill which passed as part of the larger spending and COVID-19 relief omnibus today.
Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible.
 As our country fights COVID-19, this bill would increase investments in key global health, public health, and preparedness programs as well as medical research. Funding from this bill won't only bolster our efforts against COVID-19, but against other public health crises, like opioid addiction, the HIV epidemic, and our nation's abysmally high maternal mortality rate.
This bill would also increase support to schools, students, and parents across the country after this tumultuous year. It includes increases to funding for public schools, for the Head Start program, and for child care, and also increases the maximum Pell grant award students can receive.
It also helps workers and families across the country by increasing support for agencies that ensure they have a safe workplace and that they get the pay they have earned. And at a time of economic uncertainty for so many families, it increases funding for workforce training to help people searching for a new job, and for an energy assistance program that will help families struggling to make ends meet keep the heat on this winter. 
Of course, while this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot. We still have dramatically more we need to do to get our communities through this pandemic and build a stronger, fairer, future for everyone. Fortunately, with President Biden and Vice President Harris, we have an incoming Administration that appreciates the enormity of this moment and is already showing they are prepared to work with Congress to tackle the challenges ahead.
Key Points & Highlights
Medical Research
The agreement provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an additional $300 million for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research, $3.12 billion in all to find treatments and cures for these devastating conditions. It also includes increases of $60 million for the next phase of the BRAIN Initiative and a funding increase of no less than 1.5 percent for every NIH Institute and Center to support investments that advance science and speed the development of new therapies, diagnostics and preventive measures, improving the health of all Americans. As in fiscal year 2020, the bill provides $225 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Non-recurring Expenses Fund to support improvements to NIH's Bethesda campus. Finally, the agreement directs NIH to require its grantees to notify it when key personnel are removed for concerns of harassment, an essential step toward addressing the findings of the 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on sexual harassment in academia.
Support for Public Schools
The bill includes approximately $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools. This include $16.5 billion, an increase of $227 million more than the fiscal year 2020 level, for the Title I-A grants to local educational agencies program. Title I-A grants assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement. These programs provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth.
College Affordability
The bill increases the Pell Grant maximum award by $150, to $6,495, when combined with mandatory funding, for roughly 7 million college students from low and middle income families. This increase builds on previous successes for students, starting with the reinstatement of Year Round Pell Grant authority in fiscal year 2017, and a total increase of $425 in the maximum award since fiscal year 2018. The President did not request an increase in the maximum award. The bill also includes roughly $60 million in additional investments in Federal Work Study, grant aid and other preparation and higher education support programs, many of which the President proposed to cut.
Workforce Development and Training
The bill includes $9.4 billion for DOL's Employment and Training Administration, which is a $100 million increase. The bill includes $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training formula grants to states to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers. The bill provides $185 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, an increase of $10 million, and rejects the President's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to unqualified employers to develop low wage, lower quality programs. The bill includes $45 million for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program, an increase of $5 million, to better align workforce development efforts in in-demand industries with postsecondary education. The bill also provides approximately $900 million in emergency contingency funding to help states address spikes in unemployment claims due to the ongoing pandemic.
Worker Protection Programs
The bill makes important investments in agencies that help workers receive the pay they earn; ensure that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions; and strengthen trading partner commitments to comply with labor rights under free trade agreements and preference programs. The agreement builds on last year's increases in key worker protections agencies, which were the largest real increases seen in a decade. The Wage and Hour division receives $246 million, an increase of $4 million more than fiscal year 2020 and $17 million or 7.4 percent more than fiscal year 2019. This will strengthen efforts to recover wages for workers that do not receive the pay they are entitled to receive for their work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) receives $592 million, an increase of $10 million more than fiscal year 2020 and $34 million or 6 percent more than fiscal year 2019, to ensure that employers are following the law and providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. Finally, the agreement includes $96 million for the International Labor Affairs Bureau to work with trading partner countries on their commitments to labor requirements under free trade agreements and trade preference programs, work that would have been undermined by the President's proposed $77 million cut to the agency's budget.
Ending the HIV Epidemic
The bill includes $443 million for the second year of the domestic HIV/AIDS elimination initiative, an increase of $132 million. This includes $207 million within the HRSA Community Health Centers and Ryan White programs to increase investments in high need communities and provide PrEP to protect people at highest risk of getting HIV. It also includes $175 million within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research programs to develop and deploy innovative data management solutions, increase access to PrEP, and better detect and respond to HIV clusters. Within NIH, it includes $61 million, an increase of $10 million for the Centers for AIDS Research.
Maternal Mortality
The bill includes $62 million, an increase of $9 million, in HRSA and at the CDC for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate. This will fund stronger data systems to improve surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality.
Infectious Diseases
The bill includes $596.7 million, a $35 million increase, for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support advanced efforts to develop vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and therapeutics to minimize serious threats of infectious diseases. The bill also includes $770 million, a $35 million increase, for Project Bioshield to speed the research, development, acquisition, and availability of medical countermeasures to improve preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Finally, the bill also includes $287 million, a $27 million increase, for pandemic influenza preparedness to improve the effectiveness, production, and supply of influenza vaccines and therapeutics to combat seasonal epidemics and pandemics.
Opioids & Substance Use
The bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities.
Mental Health
The bill includes increased funding to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which will expand efforts to identify and help children and youth in need of mental health care.
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
The bill provides $201 million, a $25 million increase, for influenza planning and response to support CDC's efforts to expand vaccine effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, enhance virus characterization, increase genomic testing of influenza viruses, and increase influenza vaccine use by removing barriers to vaccination and promoting vaccination coverage. Improvements in the development and delivery of seasonal influenza vaccine are critical to the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to a potential influenza pandemic.
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
The bill includes $695 million, a $20 million increase, to enhance support to State and local health departments in developing and maintaining capable, flexible, and adaptable public health systems to rapidly respond in an emergency.
Global Health Security
The bill provides $193 million, a $20 million increase, for Global Health Security to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks around the globe. This funding will allow CDC to continue to build a long-term, sustainable foundation that maintains the agency's capacity to address contagious disease threats where they occur.
Head Start
The bill provides $10.75 billion, $135 million more than fiscal year 2020, for Head Start. The bill continues to strongly support Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships in order to best meet the needs of local communities to provide continuous high-quality services to low-income infants and toddlers. The bill also includes $10 million for quality improvement for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs.
Child Care
The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020. The increase will help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The bill provides $3.75 billion for LIHEAP, a $10 million increase over fiscal year 2020.
Expanding Support for Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities
The bill includes $2.3 billion for the Administration for Community Living programs, and increase of $35 million, to support nutrition and family caregiver programs, home and community based supportive services, and promote strategies that enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in their communities.
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
The bill rejects the President's proposal to eliminate CNCS, and instead includes $1.1 billion, a programmatic increase of $40 million, to expand investments that help thousands of nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, and local governments meet pressing local needs through service and social innovation.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): The bill rejects the President's proposal to phase-out federal support for CPB and end the public-private partnership that supports the public media system of roughly 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations throughout the nation. This public media system provides free educational and media programming to all Americans, particularly essential support for smaller stations serving rural areas. The bill instead provides $475 million, an increase of $10 million more than fiscal year 2020, for regular operations, and $20 million to continue investments in public broadcasting's interconnection system and infrastructure, the second increase in a row after a decade of no increase in federal support of the mission of CPB.
Emergency Water Utility Assistance: The agreement includes $638 million in emergency spending to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. The funding will go to States and Indian Tribes to assist those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services. The provision will also help owners and operators of public water systems or treatment works to reduce water utility rates charged to low-income households. As utility shut-off moratoriums are lifted across the country, this provision will help ensure that those most in need will continue to have access to water service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D20BE9D2-4E82-449E-A7A6-E5F36A7466EC,"Senate Murray Secures Washington State Transportation, Housing, and Agriculture Priorities in End-of-Year Package, Emphasizes More Work Ahead in New Year",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The bipartisan spending deal addresses crucial priorities for Washingtonians, including college affordability, infrastructure funding, and critical agricultural research, among others
LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more  MORE HERE
The package includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief funding, and Senator Murray called for additional funding in the new year  MORE HERE
Senator Murray: Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face
(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that as Congress passed bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state, there is still much work to be done to help those who are struggling in Washington state and across the country make it through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which also included COVID-19 relief legislation, will keep the government funded through the 2021 fiscal year. The bill now heads to the President's desk.
Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face.
I'm glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement that includes much needed relief for families, workers, and small business owners who are just scraping by and makes critical investments in public health, college affordability, access to quality, affordable child care for our servicemembers and their families, and repairing our aging infrastructure. And I'm pleased we were able to get funding for a number of key Washington state priorities, such as Hanford cleanup, agricultural research, and salmon restoration.
But there is so much more I would have liked to see addressed, and major challenges we've got to tackle in the new year. I look forward to doing that work with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, and as voice for Washington state in the Senate, I will continue fighting to ensure that our federal government meets this moment and provides the short and long-term relief and support that families in Washington state and across the country so desperately need. 
See below highlights of several federal investments and other priorities Senator Murray secured for Washington state in the funding package:
 
Transportation & Infrastructure
 
 
Harbor Maintenance Tax and Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: Includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for and helped secure to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The legislation would incorporatelong sought afterformula changes to distributions from the HMTF and build on a provision included in the CARES Act to allow all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep Washington state ports competitive. See more HERE.
 
 
TIGER/BUILD program: $1 billion for FY21. Since Senator Murray created the TIGER program in 2009, it has awarded $9 billion to help facilitate 678 projects in every state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, including 70 projects in FY20 alone. Of that total, Washington state has received $293.5 million to support more than 22 projects, including $5.8 million for the Pioneer Street Extension project and $17.75 million for the Mills to Maritime Cargo Terminal project this past year. Previous Washington state BUILD projects include the Barker Road grade separation in Spokane Valley, Tacoma LINK expansion, a new ferry terminal in Mukilteo, the North Spokane Corridor, the Mercer Corridor Redevelopment project in Seattle, the South Park Bridge Replacement in King County, the West Vancouver Freight Access project at the Port of Vancouver, improvements to I-5 to relieve congestion around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and terminal modernization projects at the Ports of Seattle and Everett.
 
 
Federal-Aid Highway Program: $49 billion for FY21. This program provides financial support to states and localities for the development, construction, and repair of highways and bridges. Senator Murray successfully secured report language highlighting the conditions and resiliency of the nation's bridges, and specifically recommending funding that can be used for repair and replacement on bridges like the West Seattle bridge. The language also directs the Federal Highway Administration to work with state and local stakeholders to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens in order to advance urgent bridge projects.
 


 
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): $3.45 billion, $50 million above FY20 level. These grants support home ownership, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and economic development projects in communities throughout the country.
 
 
Homeless Assistance Grants: $3 billion, $223 million above FY20 level. These grants provide funding to break the cycle of homelessness and move the homeless to permanent housing through rental assistance, emergency shelter, and supportive service provisions, among other steps.
 
 
HOME Investment Partnerships Program: $1.35 billion. The HOME program is the federal government's only block grant program to help state and local governments create more affordable housing units for low-income families. Senator Murray has been instrumental in continuing the HOME program, previously fighting to save the program from near elimination, and successfully working to protect the program from attacks from the Trump Administration in spending bills over the past four years.
 
 
HUD-VASH and Tribal HUD-VASH: $40 million and $5 million respectively. Despite efforts to zero-out these critical programs, which provides housing assistance vouchers to veterans in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray was again able to save the programs and is committed to their continued success.
 

 
Agriculture and Nutrition
 
 
Agricultural Research: $4.1 billion for agriculture research programs at the Agricultural Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Includes sustained and increased funding for research supporting Washington state specialty crops, including wine grapes and barley. The bill also includes language directing research and engagement by USDA on Little Cherry Disease (LCD), an increasingly significant problem for Washington state cherry growers.
 
 
SNAP: $114.035 billion, an increase of $46.149 billion from FY20.
 
 
Child Nutrition Programs: $25.11 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion from FY20.
 

 
Environment, Interior, Energy and Climate Change
 
 
Hanford clean-up: $926.1 million for Richland Operations and $1.645 billion for Office of River Protection to facilitate nuclear waste cleanup at Hanford, an approximately $33.08 million increase above FY20.
 
 
PNNL: $23 million to complete construction of PNNL's Energy Sciences Center and $23 million for its Grid Storage Launchpad project.
 
 
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund: $65 million, consistent with FY20 funding levels.
 
 
NMFS Protected Resources Science and Management of Pacific Salmon: $67 million, an increase of $2 million over FY20 funding.
 
 
Pacific Salmon Treaty: $39.5 million for implementation, $4 million above the FY20 level.
 
 
Puget Sound Cleanup: $33.75 million for the Puget Sound Geographic program, $0.75 million above the FY20 level.
 
 
Mud Mountain Dam: Includes language encouraging the timely completion of Mud Mountain Dam by the close of 2020.
 
 
Water Assistance: $638 million for new ""Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program,"" which makes grants to state, local, and Tribal governments to distribute to drinking water and wastewater utilities.
 


 
Child Development Centers: $206.2 million for the construction of four new child development centers.
 
 
Special Victims Counsel: $46 million, a 32% increase over FY20. Senator Murray created the Special Victims Counsel to provide victims of military sexual assault, in all branches, with a trained lawyer to guide them through the legal process.
 
 
Sexual Assault Prevention: Adds $7.5 million to implement DoD's Sexual Prevention Plan of Action and to fund prevention efforts throughout the armed services.
 
 
VA Caregivers: $1.2 billion, a $500 million increase over FY20, for VA's Caregiver Support Program.
 
 
Veteran IVF: Extends VA's authorization allowing them to cover fertility services such as IVF for service connected veterans, building on Sen. Murray's years of work to allow VA to cover fertility services to veterans injured during their service to our country.
 


 
National Archives in Seattle: Includes language for NARA and GSA to explore action to prevent the immediate closure of the Sand Point facility as well as identify long-term options to ensure continued access to its contents.
 
 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Chief Medical Officer: Increases funding for the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at DHS by 33 percent over President Trump's requested level, and directs the additional spending towards medical oversight, education, and training, as well as development of effective department-wide planning and interagency coordination protocol for public health emergencies. This additional funding will also be directed to create standards for providing physical and mental healthcare of minors detained in CBP custody. The CMO is the primary medical authority for DHS, and while under the current administration the office has been relegated to a more advisory capacity, the CMO is responsible for setting policies that impact the medical treatment of migrants.
 


 
Early Learning & Head Start: $135 million increase for the Head Start program above FY20.
 
 
Child Care: $85 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant above FY20, which helps expand access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families.
 
 
Support for Elementary and Secondary Education: $16.5 billion, an increase of $227 million over the FY20 enacted level, for the Title I-A grants to local educational agencies program. The bill also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education. Federal Title I-A grants and special education funding bring more than $500 million annually to Washington state schools.
 
 
Workforce Training: $9.4 billion for the Employment and Training Administration which is a $100 million increase over FY20. This includes: $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Training formula grants to states; $185 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, an increase of $10 million, and rejects the President's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program; $45 million for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program, an increase of $5 million; and it provides approximately $925 million in emergency contingency funding to help states address spikes in unemployment claims due to the ongoing pandemic.
 


 
Medical Research: $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of $1.25 billion over the FY20 level.
 
 
Maternal Mortality: $62 million for the Maternal Mortality Initiative in CDC and HRSA, an increase of $9 million for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate.
 
 
Mental Health: $35 million increase for the Mental Health Block Grant, in order for states to develop crisis care programs, a $5 million increase for Zero Suicide, and a $5 million increase for the Suicide Lifeline.
 
 
Opioids & Substance Use: $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over FY20 levels.
 
 
Domestic Violence: $7.5 million more for Family Violence and Prevention Services Act programs and a $1 million increase for the National Domestic Violence Hotline to $13 million.
 
 
Urban Indian Health: $62.7 million, an increase of $5 million above FY20 levels.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E20601DA-A4C5-41C1-85DD-C5276AB714AA,Senator Murray Secures Billions to Improve Educational Opportunities for K-12 Public School Students Across the Country,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray secures over $40 billion in year-end spending deal, and $54.3 billion in COVID emergency funding for public schools
Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their harmful privatization agenda
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools, totaling over $40 billion, in the must-pass year-end spending bill. Of the $40 billion, $16.5 billion is for Title I-A grants to local educational agencies to assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement.Thesefunds help provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth.

Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $54.3 billion in emergency relief for an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. In addition to all of the uses of funds authorized under the CARES Act, this funding can also be used to address learning loss and school facilities improvements necessary for health measures. States will also need to report how they are using funds, including how they are using funds to address the full scope of learning loss due to COVID. Additionally, Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their school privatization agenda and create private school vouchers, by instead providing states with funding to provide services to private school students related to public health protocols, education technology, and learning loss.

While the funding for public schools is a step in the right direction, Senator Murray will continue to fight for the over $175 billion in funding needed to support our K-12 public schools that she called for in her Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (CCCERA).

Students, parents, and educators nationwide have been thrown into a kind of uncertainty and chaos we've simply never seen before. That's why we need to give schools the resources they need to keep their campuses safe during this pandemic and to keep students learning, whether in-person or online. This funding is a step in the right direction, but I will keep pushing for my plan to provide public schools with the over $175 billion that they need to ensure every single student can recover from this crisis.

But it's clear getting through this crisis and getting back to normal' isn't enough. This pandemic has highlighted the existing inequities and systemic racism students across this country deal with every dayinequities that have left too many students behind, including students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, and students from families with low-incomes. Our goal should be to make sure every student can attend a high quality public school, and that every studentno matter their race, socio-economic status, disability, or where they livehas the support they need to receive a high quality education.

In June, Senator Murray introduced the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (CCCERA), a $430 billion dollar bill to address the national child care and education crises and provide relief to students, families, schools, and educators across the country during this pandemic. The legislation included $175 billion for K-12 schools, to help schools address learning loss, implement public health protocols, and provide quality education to all studentswhether they open in-person, remotely, or a hybrid of both.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F283A988-C459-4F71-90A1-C2F162161FF6,"Murray Increases Investments in Fight Against Maternal Mortality, Will Continue Efforts to Improve Maternal Health",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Appropriations bill includes $62 million for initiative created to address maternal mortality crisis, an increase of $9 million
Efforts to include bipartisan maternal mortality provisions first agreed to 18 months ago in the Lower Health Care Costs Act were torpedoed by Republicans at the last minute
Murray: It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to address maternal mortality she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today.
It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. While we were able to push for and win increased investments in stopping this crisis, I'm frustrated that other bipartisan steps were not included in this package and I will keep fighting to get them over the finish line.
For example, we need to make sure medical professionals receive bias training in order to combat differences in quality of caresomething we know is important to help Black women and other women of color get quality care, as studies suggest they often aren't trusted about their own levels of pain or their symptoms. We also need to improve maternal care and access in rural communities where it is too often lacking. It's critical we collect more data so we can better understand and tackle this problem across demographics as well.
None of these steps are one bit controversialin fact, they've already received strong bipartisan support. I'm frustrated that Republicans once again listened to their far-right special interest groups rather than women and I'm going to keep working to get these policies signed into law.
In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $62 million at HRSA and the CDC for an initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality ratean increase of $9 million from Fiscal Year 2020. This will fund stronger data systems to improve surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality. In addition, Senator Murray secured $975 million for maternal and child health programs, an increase of $32 million, including the state formula grants, Healthy Start and a new Maternal Mental Health Hotline to support screening and referral to treatment for postpartum depression and related maternal mental health challenges.
Senator Murray is also continuing to push for passage of bipartisan provisions to address maternal mortality first included in the Lower Health Care Costs Act which passed out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July 2019 20-3. Talks to include the provisions in the end-of-year spending bill fell apart when Republicans asked for poison pill changes to language that has been agreed upon for over year. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FCC6640B-672D-4750-B5F9-8F981F38BE4C,Senator Murray Secures Funding Increases for Workforce Training to Help People Get Back to Work,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for workforce and career training education programs included in the year-end spending package.
As we continue navigating the economic consequences of the COVID crisis, millions of workers across the country are facing unemployment and struggling to find new jobs. We owe each of these workers the chance to gain the skills and training they need to get back on their feet. Strengthening investments in our nation's workforce and career training programs is a good first stepbut with an unemployment crisis this devastating, we've got a lot more work to do. Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work.
In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $9.4 billion, an increase of $100 million, for the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, which includes:
 
$2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million, for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers,
$185 million, an increase of $10 million, for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, rejecting President Trump's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to low wage, lower quality programs.
$45 million, an increase of $5 million, for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program.
$316 million, an increase of $5 million, for Veterans Employment and Training programs.
$100 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Reentry Employment Opportunity program.
$97 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Youthbuild Program.
$94 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker program and new language that expands eligibility for the program.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-led-effort-modernize-water-supply-infrastructure-included-year,Newhouse-Led Effort to Modernize Water Supply Infrastructure Included in Year-End Spending Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The end-of-year spending package passed by both Chambers of Congress on December 21, included ground-breaking provisions Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced to maintain and update critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure projects across the rural West. The provisions establish a first-of-its-kind Aging Infrastructure Account to provide stability and flexibility for local water managers who maintain and operate federal BOR water infrastructure.
Rep. Newhouse released the following statement:
I introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act to ensure federal water supply infrastructure, like irrigation canals and dams, remain functional and efficient for the families, communities, and huge sectors of our economy across the West that depend on these critical Bureau of Reclamation projects, said Rep. Newhouse. The creation of an Aging Infrastructure Account demonstrates the federal government's commitment to modernizing and updating our nation's crumbling water supply infrastructure. This is a huge win for communities  like ours in rural Central Washington  that rely on this infrastructure for our way of life.
Rep. Newhouse was recently elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress, with modernization of aging water infrastructure in the West serving as a key pillar of his platform. The inclusion of these provisions is a demonstration of his effective advocacy and leadership in securing these substantive improvements for rural communities.
""The National Water Resources Association thanks Congress for including water infrastructure legislation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We are especially grateful for the inclusion of Representative Newhouse'sWater Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. As the incoming Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Representative Newhouse successfully advocated for the incorporation of language which will improve western water infrastructure and protect the health and livelihoods of millions of Americans while driving crucial economic activity.  Ian Lyle, National Water Resources Association
""The Washington State Water Resources Association recognizes and thanks Congressman Newhouse for his leadership in securing funding for the improvement of water infrastructure in Washington state and across the West. His chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will ensure continued focus on the importance of water supply to the future of irrigated agriculture and the economies that depend on those supplies. Passage of theWater Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Actis evidence of Congressman Newhouse's vision for his constituents and all of the Western states. We thank him for his significant effort on this legislation.""  Tom Myrum, Washington State Water Resources Association
Western water infrastructure that was built early in the last century is aging. Rep. Newhouse's H.R. 4659  which will soon be signed into law - establishes a revolving loan account to address extraordinary maintenance backlogs within Bureau of Reclamation-owned facilities. Failing to address this critical backlog in the short term could well lead to dealing with it in the long term, in a much more costly manner. Rep. Newhouse's good work on this bill will better help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical Reclamation water supply infrastructure. - Dan Keppen, Family Farm Alliance
The Columbia Basin Project, while not yet completed, has components that are now 70+ years old. Aging infrastructure is an ongoing concern, and the Bureau has the permanent responsibility to address maintenance. Farmers need water to continue providing an affordable, safe, and reliable food supply. Without reliable water, farmers cannot meet ever-increasing food demands of the American people and the world. The Aging Infrastructure Account is a welcome and necessary component that allows water managers to access funds for outstanding maintenance needs on projects in the West including the Columbia Basin Project. These investments help support the $5 billion economic activity generated from our region alone. Congressman Newhouse's longtime relationship and understanding of the needs of our region and specifically the Columbia Basin Project is to be applauded. We hope his chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to address the water infrastructure needs throughout the West.  Vicky Sharlau, Columbia Basin Development League
Much of the water infrastructure throughout the Yakima Valley is in urgent need of replacement and improvement. This Aging Infrastructure Account will go a long way to help our local water managers and operators ensure that we can continue to provide reliable water deliveries to farmers and families, make ecosystem enhancements throughout our region, and maximize efficient use of water in drought years. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for being a champion for western water users.  Scott Revell, Roza Irrigation District
Background:
Rep. Newhouse introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Act in October 2019. The legislation, which aims to help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical water supply infrastructure, includes language to create an Aging Infrastructure Account for BOR maintenance projects and allows repayment of funds to be used by BOR on future extraordinary maintenance programs without further appropriations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-provide-tax-relief-small-businesses-using-ppp-funds,Newhouse Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Small Businesses Using PPP Funds Included in Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included the language of his legislation, H.R. 6884, the FIRST Act:
The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline for small businesses throughout Central Washington and across the country, but business owners have expressed unease about the unintended tax consequences of this historic program, said Rep. Newhouse. This relief package includes language of a bill I introduced the FIRST Act  that will ease these concerns by allowing businesses to continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. These funds were intended to help business owners, not tie their hands when they go to file their taxes for 2020. I am proud to have worked to include these clarifying provisions in the final bill.
In May, Rep. Newhouse introduced the FIRST Act to reiterate congressional intent of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing business owners who utilize PPP funds to continue to take tax deductions for ordinary business expenses.
The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) praised the inclusion of the FIRST Act and Rep. Newhouse's leadership on behalf of small businesses:
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided vital financial assistance to 107,660 Washingtonian small businesses. Unfortunately, IRS guidance limited the benefit of the PPP by prohibiting the deductibility of forgiven expenses. Congressman Newhouse stood up for small businesses and pressed for Congressional action to ensure struggling businesses would avoid surprise tax increases as they try to emerge from the pandemic. As a result of this advocacy, today's legislation clarifies that forgiven PPP expenses are deductible  saving already-strained small businesses from an unexpected tax bill. NFIB appreciates Congressman Newhouse's continued leadership to protect small businesses.  Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, NFIB",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402047,"Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Finalize COVID Relief for Southwest Washington Families, Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the final agreement on a COVID relief package. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve the deal later today, and quick Senate passage is also anticipated. 
With so many Americans out of work, small businesses on the brink of permanent closure, and families struggling to make ends meet, I'm relieved to have helped Congress reach agreement on another COVID relief package that will provide immediate aid to individuals and communities.I've been tirelessly working to get this relief to those who need it, both by developing the framework for the agreement with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and keeping the pressure on Democrat leadership with a discharge petition to circumvent D.C. gridlock and pass a small business relief bill. 
This relief should have been delivered to the American people months ago. Nevertheless, residents will benefit immensely from additional forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been small business lifelines, an unemployment insurance extension, direct cash payments, assistance for our frontline health care providers, and funding for more readily available COVID vaccines and testing. 
I remain confident that America will get through this crisis and thrive on the other side, and I'm going to continue doing everything I can to maintain the bridge to get us there, Herrera Beutler said. 
COVID relief legislation highlights: 
 
    $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program for first-and second-time borrowers
    Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, for up to 10 weeks, for the period of December 26, 2020  March 14, 2021
    $600 Economic Impact Payments for adults and dependents 
    $82 billion for schools and universities to assist with reopening for safe in-person learning
    $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen
    $68 billion for vaccine purchase, distribution, testing, and existing provider relief fund",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reacts-passage-omnibus-spending-bill-and-covid-19-relief,Newhouse Reacts to Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill and COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief to Central Washington communities:
This funding package includes a number of priorities for Central Washington  from strengthening our world-class agricultural industry and water supply infrastructure to supporting energy innovation at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and ensuring the cleanup efforts at Hanford continue in a timely manner, said Rep. Newhouse. After months of refusing to negotiate, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats stopped withholding critical COVID-19 relief, and I am proud to have finally delivered additional relief to families, workers, and businesses throughout our district. This long overdue package does not address all of our concerns, but it makes significant progress to help our communities recover from this pandemic, reopen our society, and rebuild our way of life.
The full text of the funding bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D866A29-3F6D-4C29-B95F-17838B5367CC,Senator Murray Negotiates Wins To Make College Affordable and Accessible to More Students,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"555,000 additional students will be eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, each year
Senator Murray: Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal.
(Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, negotiated wins in a bipartisan, bicameral higher education proposal that will be included in the must-pass year end spending bill to make college more affordable and accessible to more students. Senator Murray successfully fought to significantly expand who is eligible for financial aid, remove barriers students face in accessing financial aid, provide financial relief for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and better support working students, working families, students with low-incomes, and student parentsall of which Senator Murray has long fought for. Each year, an additional 555,000 students will be newly eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be newly eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, as a result of this legislation.
Specifically, Senator Murray secured policies that restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, students who have been defrauded, and students with drug-related offenses; significantly expand who is eligible to receive Pell Grants and the maximum award; simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); make the financial aid process easier to navigate for students experiencinghomelessness and students formerly in foster care; forgive outstanding debts of HBCUs that received loans under the federal HBCU Capital Financing Loan Program; increase support for working students and families by reducing the work penalty threshold for financial aid; and takes steps to ensure students with low-incomes and student parents can access programs that support their basic needs.
Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal. For too long, students who are incarcerated, students who have been defrauded by for-profit colleges, and students who have drug-related offenses have been blocked from receiving federal aid. But now, I'm incredibly pleased that these students will finally be able to access aid and begin and continue their education. And as the pandemic and economic recession has made it even more difficult for students to afford and continue college, I'm proud we have taken important strides to make our financial aid process work betterespecially for students experiencing homelessness, students formerly in foster care, and working families, said Senator Murray.
These are important steps forward, but there's still a lot of work to be done. I'll keep fighting to build on this progress and make higher education more affordable, accessible, accountable,and safer for all students, continued Senator Murray.
The bipartisan, bicameral proposal takes language from Senator Murray's Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act and the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act, and builds on her longtime efforts to support HBCUs, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions, and her efforts to support students with low-incomes and student parents in order to:
 
Restore Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, by removing a counterproductive prohibition that has encouraged recidivism and limits incarcerated individuals' ability to support themselves and their families upon release. Especially important during this pandemic, investing in post-secondary education for incarcerated individuals has also been shown to improve conditions inside prisons;
Restore Pell Grant eligibility for defrauded students, by resetting the clock on a student's eligibility if they are defrauded by predatory for-profit colleges and successfully receive a borrower defense discharge; and
Restore Pell Grant eligibility for students with drug-related offenses, by repealing a 1998 prohibition on federal financial aid for college students convicted of a drug offense, which disproportionately disqualifies students of color and students with low incomes from receiving aid.
Expand eligibility for the maximum Pell Grant award, by ensuring that all families who make under 175 percent, and single parents who make under 225 percent, of the federal poverty level will receive a maximum Pell Grant.
Increase support for working students and families, by reducing the work penalty that many students face when working to support themselves and pay for the rising costs of college. The legislation enacts a 35 percent increase for working students and 20 percent increase for families to the income protection allowance (IPA), shielding more of their income from reducing their financial aid.
Make critical investments in our nation's HBCUs, by forgiving the debt HBCUs have received to finance capital infrastructure projects and allowing HBCUs to redirect that spending on educating their students.
Support students with low-incomes and student parents, by requiring the Secretary of Education to notify students of their eligibility of programs that support students' basic needs, including housing and food security and access to child care. 
Remove barriers to financial aid for students experiencing homelessness and students formerly in foster care, by easing the application and determination process for becoming eligible for aid.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402046,"Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Katie Porter Introduce Organ Transplant Legislation",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which will prohibit using an individual's physical or mental disability as the sole basis of determining their eligibility for an organ transplant. 
The legislation, named after Charlotte Woodward, a vocal advocate against discrimination who has Down syndrome and received a heart transplant in 2012, helps clarify that doctors, hospitals, transplant centers and other health care providers are prohibited from denying access to necessary organ transplants solely on the basis of a qualified individual's disability. 
There are misconceptions that people with disabilities can't manage the treatment needed after an organ transplant or wouldn't benefit from such an operation  and those claims are simply not true, Herrera Beutler said. Charlotte Woodward is a wonderful woman with Down syndrome who is also the namesake for this legislative solution. Charlotte has been sharing her experience of successfully receiving and managing a heart transplant in order to put an end to this discrimination and help more people receive the life-saving gift of organ donation.I'm proud to introduce legislation with my colleague, Rep. Katie Porter, to ensure that people with disabilities aren't turned away when they're in need of life-saving organ transplant.
Too often, discrimination stops Americans with disabilities from getting the lifesaving organ transplants they need, Porter said. I'm proud to partner with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler on critical legislation that bars healthcare providers from denying necessary transplants solely because an individual has a disability. These protections for Americans with disabilities and their families will save lives.
As one of the very few people in the world with Down syndrome who has had the opportunity to receive a lifesaving heart transplant, I am so very, very grateful that people with disabilities will have the same opportunity as I in the future, Charlotte Woodward said. In the past, too many precious lives were lost due to discrimination in organ transplantation. I am so very, very thankful for the generosity of my heart donor and that of her loving family. Her gift has allowed me to live my life to the fullest and to go on to advocate for others to be able to do the same. The passage of this bill will be a monumental step towards a more just world, and I am proud to play a part in it.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, a Stanford University study found that 85% of pediatric transplant centers consider intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) as a factor in their determinations of transplant eligibility at least some of the time.
Additionally, the National Working Group on Disability and Transplantation found that 52% of people with ID/DD receive a referral for a specialist evaluation, and 33% of those who are referred are never evaluated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-on-covid-19-exposure,Rep. Heck on COVID-19 Exposure,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement regarding his potential exposure to COVID-19:
 
	""I was recently informed that my wife, Paula, and I were exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, Paula tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms. I tested negative. We are quarantining separately in accordance with CDC guidelines. I will continue fulfilling my duties remotely and cast any votes this week via proxy.""
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402045,Herrera Beutler Presses for Addition of Commuter Representatives to I-5 Bridge Replacement Process,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today formally called on I-5 bridge replacement project leaders to extend a December 18 deadline for applications to its advisory groups and create commuter representative positions to ensure the project meets the needs of the people who will actually use the bridge on a regular basis. 
In a letter to Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and Interstate Bridge Replacement Project Administrator Greg Johnson, Herrera Beutler shares a growing concern from Southwest Washington residents that the current process is repeating fundamental mistakes made by the failed Columbia River Crossing project.
bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs, Herrera Beutler wrote. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. 
The full text of the letter follows, and a PDF is available here. 

Dear Secretary Millar and Administrator Johnson, 
I want to first of all thank you for briefing me on the I-5 bridge replacement process last week. Through our discussions to date, you've demonstrated a sincere commitment to an improved I-5 bridge across the Columbia River. 
I want to reiterate a point we discussed that I believe would aid this process and alleviate a growing concern being expressed to me by our communities that not enough is being done to ensure that this process will avoid the pitfalls that ultimately doomed the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). I implore you to add a Commuter Representative Advisory Group to your community engagement organization that will provide honest and direct input on behalf of daily car commuters who are and will continue to be the largest users of the bridge. 
In recent years, I've heard some claim that a few individual legislators killed the CRC at the 11th hour, but such a revisionist view brushes over critical errors that were made in the planning stages of the CRC that led to its demise. For instance, it wasn't until 2012 that Clark County citizens were finally granted a county-wide vote on whether they supported light rail as part of the project (they rejected it  and again in 2013 by a double-digit margin). And recall that it wasn't until seven years into the process before it was discovered that the bridge design was too low to accommodate vessels critical to regional commerce. The two are related, since light rail was a factor in limiting design flexibility. 
The lack of critically-minded commuter representatives in the current process is an omission that could be fatal to the project. Recall that the CRC boasted of the number of listening sessions, advisory panels and citizen engagement activities it held, yet it still managed to ignore community opposition to major components of the project. 
Please avoid repeating that mistake. Instead, bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. 
Additionally, you communicated to me a December 18 deadline for considering advisory members. That short timeline is incompatible with the glaring need I've outlined. I urge you to extend this deadline to recruit and interview qualified citizens to serve as commuter representative advisory members. A short extension of the process now to fully engage Southwest Washington commuters could very well prevent having the project derailed later on after multiple years and hundreds of millions of dollars spent. 
I am certain you've brought all of the engineers, consultants and organized interest groups the project will ever need into the process. What's needed now is a voice for the tens of thousands of Southwest Washington commuters who drive across the I-5 bridge every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1BEB80AB-3513-4510-95B5-59A6613D285B,"Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FDA granted an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine last Friday
Reporting revealed the Trump Administration turned down an option this summer to pre-order additional doses of Pfizer's vaccine
Senators: We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation.
Senators: the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and 16 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, asking about recent reports that earlier this year the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine when given the opportunity. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. In their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines.
We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic, wrote the Senators.
The letter continued, To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic.
The letter was also signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
Full text of the letter below and PDF available HERE.
December 14, 2020

Dr. Moncef Slaoui
Chief Advisor, Operation Warp Speed
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301

General Gustave Perna
Chief Operating Officer, Operation Warp Speed
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301

Dear Dr. Slaoui and General Perna:

We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic.
While we are encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine candidate, we are concerned that the Trump Administration's decision not to purchase more doses when given the opportunity will mean this development will not have the impact it could have to protect families from COVID-19. According to news reports, Pfizer offered the United States Government the chance to pre-purchase doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in excess of the initial order for 100 million doses.[1] When doing so, Pfizer reportedly warned that demand for its vaccine would likely outpace supply. However, the Trump Administration declined that offer; in consequence, the United States Government will not be able to purchase additional supply from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. The European Union has finalized a deal with Pfizer for up to 300 million doses, and Canada has agreements to purchase up to 76 million doses.[2]
There have been over 16 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and over 299,000 associated deaths. Hospitals across the country are at capacity and facing increasing numbers of infections in the coming weeks. The number of daily COVID-19 deaths soared to a new high of over 3,200 last week.[3] Our government must widely distribute safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that can be administered to patients at no cost as soon as possible to help stop transmission of this deadly virus in our communities. Yet, if we do not have sufficient vaccines purchased, there will soon be nothing to distribute. Reports last week indicate the U.S. may face a vaccine cliff this spring, due to the Trump Administration's failure to purchase sufficient doses of vaccine.[4]
Operation Warp Speed anticipates distributing vaccines for 20 million people this month and 50 million people by the end of January. Limited supplies of vaccines, however, will force experts to make hard decisions about who should receive the first doses of the vaccine. Indeed, millions of Americans may not receive the vaccine for months or nearly a year. The longer it takes to vaccinate people, the longer it will be until we can have a meaningful recovery from this pandemic.
Given these reports, we are very concerned the Trump Administration has not adequately planned for vaccine demand in the coming months, potentially imperiling the public health. To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic.
To provide this transparency, we respectfully request a briefing to respond to the following questions by December 28, 2020.
 
What is your current projection of how many vaccine doses are necessary to vaccinate the entire population?
How much vaccine has the United States Government contracted, and paid, for?
How many doses of the Pfizer vaccine are contracted for delivery between now and April 1, 2021? How many are contracted for delivery between April 1 and July 1, 2021? How many are contracted for delivery after July 1, 2021?
Did the United States Government have the opportunity to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine? If so:

 
 i. How many doses did Pfizer offer, and under what terms and conditions?
 ii. Why did the United States Government not accept this offer?
 
How much vaccine does the United States Government have a contract option to purchase, and with which manufacturers?
How much funding is available to make these purchases?
How much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to exercise all contract options in full?
How much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to purchase the number of doses described in 1?

 
Sincerely,
###
    

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/trump-covid-vaccine-pfizer.html


[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/trump-covid-vaccine-pfizer.html; https://www.wsj.com/articles/canada-authorizes-covid-19-vaccine-from-pfizer-and-biontech-11607531030


[3] https://covidtracking.com/data/charts/us-daily-deaths


[4] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/08/coronavirus-vaccine-shortage-443839",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=691B511E-5080-4002-83AB-631C6DDFE3E4,"Murray, Cantwell Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state
WASHINGTON DC  U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.
The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy.
State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued.
The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and Rural Housing Service. The letter also included specific program guidance to ensure the funds would put much-needed housing assistance funding in the hands of people significantly impacted by fire; help incentivize and prioritize affordable housing rebuilding; ramp up lending capacity in fire impacted states; and help repair and rebuild housing, community facilities, and infrastructure projects.
Senators Murray and Cantwell have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just last week, the senators sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package, and they were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in athird lettersince September urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Murray and Cantwell also asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Murray and CantwellurgedPresident Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwellintroduced legislationto support pre-fire season controlled burns.
The full text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Shelby, and Vice Chairman Leahy,
We write to request that the Senate immediately consider and pass urgent federal housing assistance for residents of Oregon, Washington, and California impacted by historically destructive and dangerous wildfires. While FEMA has delivered substantial emergency relief to our home states, the scale of natural disasters in western states demands additional resources that can only be delivered through disaster supplemental legislation.
Since August dozens of large fires in Oregon, Washington, and California have burned over 5 million acres, displacing tens of thousands of people and resulting in dozens of fatalities. Air travel was temporarily suspended in several locations due to poor visibility, schools were forced to close, and many of our constituents have been forced to stay indoors due to extremely hazardous air quality conditions. Many of these homes and business are uninsured, leaving these victims even more vulnerable in the recovery process.
The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden.
State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief. We strongly encourage you to consider including the following specific funding levels and programs as you work to negotiate an appropriate disaster supplemental response package in the near future.
 
$15 billion for Community Development Block Grant  Disaster Recovery
To ensure that funds reach victims quickly, HUD should use the same process by which CDBG  COVID Relief (CDBG-CV) funds were recently allocated and disbursed.
CDBG grantees should be allowed to immediately use CDBG-CV funds to assist people significantly impacted by fire.
Current CDBG grantees should be allowed to pledge CDBG and CDBG-DR estimated allocations as collateral for funding through HUD's Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program, and borrow up to 10 times their estimated annual allocation.
CDBG-DR funds should be able to pay of land acquisition loans executed as a direct result of fire recovery efforts.

  
$3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund
$3 billion for wildfire impacted states will help incentive and prioritize affordable housing rebuilding, including private owners of manufactured housing parks who might otherwise sell to an investor to build luxury housing.

  
$2 billion Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding
CDFI funding can quickly ramp up lending capacity in fire impacted states through the preexisting CDFI lending network.

  
$1 billion for USDA Rural Development and Rural Housing Service
Funds should be directed towards repairing and rebuilding housing, community facilities, and infrastructure projects.
Expand USDA's Section 502 Manufactured Housing Loan Pilot program to any fire impacted state, and modify lending rules to cover new manufactured homes on land owned by nonprofits and housing authorities.

 
We thank you for your consideration, and look forward to working with you on this matter of importance to our states.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6708AB1-9AF3-4062-BD0B-5DA145BF8166,Murray: FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine Good News But Far From Mission Accomplished,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively.
Murray: The undertaking ahead is enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. Murray: States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution.
Murray cites work ahead to provide PPE, manage the cold chain, promote vaccine confidence
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.
I'm grateful to the researchers and experts who have worked tirelessly to develop this vaccine and evaluate its safety and efficacy. But while this is good news for the world, it is far from mission accomplished. To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively.
The undertaking aheadrapidly and equitably distributing and administering this vaccine across the nation at no cost to patientsis enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. The fragments of a plan we've seen from them don't come close to the comprehensive national vaccines plan I have called for, and leave far too many unanswered questions about what happens next. Will we be able to get enough PPE? How can we store, transport, and distribute vaccines at super cold temperatures most efficiently? What are we doing to promote vaccine confidence?
States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. They've gotten very little of either so farand I'm not going to stop until that changes. I'm glad the incoming Biden Administration is already showing it understands the enormity of this challenge, and I look forward to working with them to tackle it.
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-it-time-secure-updated-columbia-river-treaty,COLUMN: It is Time to Secure an Updated Columbia River Treaty,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Without the systems and infrastructure we have built to harness the power of the mighty Columbia River, the Pacific Northwest as we know it would cease to exist. Dams along the Columbia provide countless benefits to our communities  from reliable, affordable electricity and flood control to irrigation, navigable waterways, and a clean energy grid second to none in the country. We must continue to work collaboratively with our neighboring states and Canada to ensure we can responsibly reap these benefits while caring for our environment and natural ecosystems.
That is why the United States and Canada entered into the Columbia River Treaty in 1961. Millions of people on both sides of the border have an interest in maintaining a strong agreement, but outdated provisions  particularly those relating to commercial and power coordination  have caused great concern for homeowners, businesses, and ratepayers in our district and the surrounding region who are being treated unfairly.
The Treaty in its current form is punishing ratepayers in the Northwest. Current market rates are forcing us to pay Canada for benefits far in excess of the value provided to the United States. Ratepayers on our side of the border are currently required to overpay Canada by approximately $200 million per year according to the Treaty's provisions, costing some households in Central Washington as much as $500 per year.
When the Treaty was first signed, we didn't have nearly the same technological capabilities we do today. Scientific innovation aimed at improving power generation and increasing fish passage through our dams  much of which is happening right here in Central Washington  has advanced our ability to make our region a literal powerhouse for clean and affordable energy. Continuing to operate under this decades-old agreement while ignoring these advancements is doing all entities a disservice, but it is particularly harmful to those of us in the United States who are sending millions of dollars to Canada annually while receiving little to no benefit in return.
Since coming to Congress, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to urge the Administration to modernize the Columbia River Treaty and provide more equitable benefits to Americans.
In 2018, the United States and Canada began these negotiations, but good faith efforts by the State Department and U.S. negotiators have been rejected by Canada. No Treaty negotiations have taken place since June nor are they likely to resume for months to come. With the U.S. sending $1 million to Canada every two to three days, this situation is no longer tolerable and demands a strong response from the United States.
That is why I introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside my Pacific Northwest colleagues, Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Greg Walden (R-OR), urging President Trump to direct Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the power provisions of the Columbia River Treaty.
The United States is stuck in a bad deal, and it is time to stop the wealth transfer to Canada. Issuing the intent to terminate signals to Canada that we are serious about a timely negotiated outcome and simply initiates a 10-year period for the United States and Canada to negotiate a modernized Treaty equitable to both countries. We must prioritize making a fair deal that no longer disproportionately impacts U.S. ratepayers.
It is time to secure an updated Columbia River Treaty, and I am hopeful the Trump Administration will take this necessary action to do so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CE2212B-98F4-457A-838A-EDC88CD48C61,"Senator Murray Announces Bipartisan Deal to Protect Patients, End Surprise Medical Bills",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New bipartisan legislation would build on strong state laws like Washington state's to expand protections and end surprise medical bills for all patients, without increasing premiums
Murray on the need to swiftly pass surprise billing legislation: Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered.
Savings from proposal would allow Congress to fund community health centers and other critical primary care programs for four years
(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),top Democrat on the Senate health committee,released the following statement regarding a bipartisan deal she brokered with her colleagues in the House and Senate on legislation to end surprise medical bills. Senator Murray has been working to end surprise billing, and raised the issue at one of the first in a series of HELP Committee hearings on lowering health care costs back in 2018.
I've heard from so many patients who have gotten exorbitant surprise bills for out-of-network medical careeven when they made sure to go to an in-network facility. Today I'm thrilled to be able to tell them that we have reached a bipartisan agreement that will end the practice of surprise billing once and for all.As with any compromise, this isn't the bill I would have written on my ownbut I'm pleased to say that it meets all of the principles I have been focused on from the start. It protects patients from surprise medical bills, without increasing their premiums or interfering with strong state-level solutions to this problemlike Washington state's. In fact, it builds on and expands the ban on surprise medical bills to more people in our state.
I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure we go from an agreement to legislation that is passed and signed into law as soon as possible. Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered. This pandemic is scary enough for families without them having to fear that the care they need may come with a price tag they can't afford. The savings from this agreement will also allow us to provide four years of funding for community health centers and other critical primary care programs. These programs support providers on the frontlines of so many public health crises, like the maternal mortality crisis, the mental health crisis, and of course this pandemicand they absolutely need our support.
In a joint statement today, Senator Murray and her colleagues announced the details of the deal and said they would push to get it included in the end of year funding package.
The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:
 
Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.
 
 
Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.
 
 
Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.
 
 
Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.
 
 
If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.
 
 
Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.
 
 
Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.
 
 
Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.
 
The legislation would also provide around $18 billion in savingswhich would allow Congress to provide four years of funding for community health centers and other critical primary care programs, including the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Special Diabetes Program, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
Legislative text is available HERE.
Section-by-section is available HERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C14B45C0-5486-441D-8E05-7BAA1A5AD087,Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray: As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met
(Washington, D.C.)  U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA) passing the Senate by a vote of 84-13. Senator Murray voted in favor of the bill.
I'm glad that the Senate and House were able to come together on a bill that takes some important steps to support our brave servicemembers at home and abroad, continues the fight against sexual assault in the military, begins reckoning with our nation's history of racial injustice in the military, and authorizes additional funding for military child care centers.

There is no question, however, that we have much more work ahead of us to ensure every one of our servicemembers and military families can trust their country will honor their sacrifices. We need to ensure members of the transgender community who want to serve their country are able to do so, that all our servicemembers and their families have a fair shot at accessing retirement benefits they've earned, and that we address the growing issue of food insecurity for military families. Additionally, we have more to do to stop weapons of war and federal law enforcement from being used against Americans exercising their First Amendment rights.
As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met.
Senator Murray is a former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a longtime advocate for veterans and those actively serving in the military, workingto bolster federal support for military child care center construction and other critical services for servicemembers and military families. This summer, Senator Murray also introduced legislation to improve financial security and access to retirement benefits for military families, and cosponsored amendments to the NDAA to end President Trump's hateful transgender service ban, rename Confederacy-inspired military basses and assets, stop the transfer of tear gas and other military equipment to police departments, and block federal law enforcement from occupying American cities.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=13DCFDDE-86B8-4583-9DE1-40017B374BC6,Senator Murray Secures Relief for Washington State Veterans and Their Families In End-of-Year Veterans Package,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A longtime champion for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, Senator Murray successfully included her VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Actin a package of veterans legislation that passed the Senate yesterday
Senator Murray's VANET Act would ensure that VA fulfills its duty to pay for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans
Senator Murray: I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular
ICYMIfrom January 2020: Senator Murray's Legislation to Help Provide Relief to Veterans with Newborns in Need of Emergency Treatment Passes Senate Committee MORE HERE
(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed an end-of-year veterans package, H.R. 7105, that included U.S. Senator Patty Murray's (D-WA)VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Act, as well as provisions Senator Murray fought to include that would provide assistance to veterans and their families on child care, fertility services, and more. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote before heading to the President's desk.
We make a promise as a nation to take care of our veterans and their families, and that means making sure they know that their country will have their backs every step of the way. When I heard from veterans in Washington state and across the country about VA leaving them to foot the bill for transporting their babies in an emergency, about how hard it is to find quality, affordable child care, I knew we had to take action,Senator Murray said.I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular. It's the least we can do for their courageous service.
A longtime advocate for veterans and their families, and a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Murray proposed the VANET Act after hearing stories from veterans that VA refused to pay the cost of transporting veterans' infants in some emergency situationsdespite the fact that VA is supposed to cover these costsand leaving veterans to foot the expensive bill. To address this, Senator Murray's provision in this package, along with language from her bill in the National Defense Authorization Act, would clarify existing law by requiring VA to both cover the upfront costs for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans and reimburse veterans who were inappropriately forced to pay those costs out-of-pocket.
Senator Murray also successfully fought to include language in the package to make permanent a pilot program to provide child care to veterans receiving VA health care and give VA five years to implement the provision of child care at every VA medical center, conduct a study of fertility services offered by VA, and require the women veterans call center to respond to requests for assistance in accessing health care and benefits. In addition to these provisions the bill includes the Deborah Sampson Act, which Senator Murray has cosponsored and would eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face, as well as provisions from Senator Murray's Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act to make permanent women veterans' ability to receive reintegration and readjustment counseling services in group retreat settings.
Read the fact sheet on theVA Newborn Emergency Treatment ActHERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=766D84AE-A3C8-4648-9F05-8F87CD0DE4B0,"Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season
Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll
WASHINGTON DC  This week, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package.
A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package.
The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres.
The members' letter calls for:
 
Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources;
Investments in fire risk mitigation, such as establishing a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps to restore forest health and making investments in vital Forest Service programs that assist with forest management, such as the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program;
Federal support for fire response efforts, including investments in FEMA's Staffing For Adequate Fire And Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, increased funds for late-season interagency hotshot crews, and increased pay and benefits for federal wildfire personnel; and
Investments in fire recovery efforts to support the work being done by local, state, and federal officials to revitalize the environmental health, water quality, and economy of communities impacted by wildfires.
 
Senators Murray and Cantwell have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just this week, the senators were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in a third letter urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Murray and Cantwell asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Murray and Cantwell urged President Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwell introduced legislation to support pre-fire season controlled burns.
In addition to Murray, Cantwell, Wyden, and Neguse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tom Udall (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Salud Carbajal (D, CA-24), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Ral Grijalva (D, AZ-03), Jared Huffman (D, CA-02) Ro Khanna (D, CA-17), Ann Kirkpatrick (D, AZ-02), Barbara Lee (D, CA-13), Jerry McNerney (D, CA-09), Grace Napolitano (D, CA-32), Tom O'Halleran (D, AZ-01), Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-20), Katie Porter (D, CA-45), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D, CA-40), Brad Sherman (D, CA-30), and Mike Thompson (D, CA-05).
The full text of the letter is available HERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-tri-cities-students-winners-2020-congressional-app,Newhouse Names Tri-Cities Students as Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named four Kennewick students as the winners of the 2020 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app-designing competition for K-12 students. Brianna Simpson of Richland High School, Conner Anderson of Chiawana High School, Taran Zorn of Kamiakin High School, and Erika Gaskins of Southridge High School worked as a team to design the winning app, Llama Trauma. All four students are seniors attending the Tri-Tech Skills Center, a cooperative program that provides students with technical and professional skills training they might not receive in conventional high schools.
Their app puts the user in the role of a scarecrow tasked with protecting crops being grown for a food bank from hungry llamas. The students designed the app to draw attention to the growing problem of food insecurity in the United States and encourage Americans to donate to their local food banks.You can see a preview of the app by clicking here.
Congratulations to Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika on their winning app, Llama Trauma,said Rep. Newhouse.I am impressed by their creativity and ability to highlight the important topic of food security. Designing an app during a pandemic posed an additional obstacle, and these students went above and beyond to design a successful app in a remote learning environment. I am encouraged that Central Washington's students will be among the next generation of this country's top innovators, and I wish Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika future success.
The winning students will receive a mentoring session from scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to further develop their skills, in addition to a credit from Southwest Airlines. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and theCongressional App Challenge website.
Background:
The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, compared to 3.4% growth for non-STEM occupations. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. invest in our youth now and help them acquire necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.
Last year's Central Washington Congressional App Challenge winners, three 12th graders who also attended Kennewick High School and Tri-Tech Skills Center  Maxwell Blake, Preston Ryan, and Lucas Kaser  won with their appClean Streets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-nw-lawmakers-president-trump-terminate-columbia-river-treaty,Bipartisan NW Lawmakers to President Trump: Terminate Columbia River Treaty Power Provisions to Benefit U.S. Ratepayers,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), and Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced a resolution to encourage the Trump Administration to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the commercial and power coordination provisions of the Columbia River Treaty. 
The United States has been unfairly burdened by the outdated Columbia River Treaty, and it is long past time to stop the wealth transfer from our constituents to Canada, said the bipartisan group of lawmakers. The existing Treaty punishes Northwest electric ratepayers, forcing them to pay for benefits far in excess to the value provided to the United States. With good faith negotiations at a standstill, we urge President Trump to take a strong stance and issue the notice of intent to terminate the power coordination provisions of the Treaty.
Click here to read the text of the resolution.
Background:
Updating the Columbia River Treaty, which has not been revised since it was ratified in 1964, will allow the U.S. and Canada to find solutions for management of the river that could provide new opportunities for cooperation on clean energy solutions, flood control, and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest region.
In 2016, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden joined U.S. House and Senate colleaguesto call on the U.S. State Department under President Obama to finalize its negotiating parameters and to press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator.Both actions are required for formal discussions to begin.
On June 21, 2017, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden were joined by Pacific Northwest lawmakers in sending a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to commence negotiations with Canada over the Columbia River Treaty as soon as possible.
The United States and Canada began negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in May 2018. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of State has hosted public town halls to provide updates on the modernization process. One of these public town halls was hosted in Richland, Washington, at the request of Rep. Newhouse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-urges-administration-open-mmiw-cold-case-office-central,Newhouse Urges Administration to Open MMIW Cold Case Office in Central Washington,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt requesting a Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous American Indians and Alaska Natives be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. Cold Case Task Force Offices are an additional step toward addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, specifically dedicated to solving cold cases.
As you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year, wrote Newhouse. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis.
Newhouse continued, With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country.
The Cold Case Task Forces are in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order establishing an interagency task force, Operation Lady Justice. The offices will be staffed with law enforcement personnel and newly appointed special agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS), along with personnel from other Operation Lady Justice Task Force partners, including tribal law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Offices of the U.S. Attorneys.
On July 27, 2020, the Trump Administration established the first Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Bloomington, Minnesota. Six additional Cold Case Task Force offices were opened in Rapid City, South Dakota; Billings, Montana; Nashville, Tennessee; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and Anchorage, Alaska.
Read the full text of the letter here and below: 
Dear Attorney General Barr and Secretary Bernhardt,
Thank you for your leadership implementing Operation Lady Justice and your commitment to solving the open cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) through the establishment of Cold Case Task Force Offices across the United States. I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. 
Through the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice, President Trump has undertaken an unprecedented initiative to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people  particularly MMIW.
As you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis.
Native Americans make up an estimated 2% of our state's population, however a recent report by the Washington State Patrol shows that Native Women account for 7% of the state's reported missing women. My congressional district is home to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes) and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation)  two of the 29 federally-recognized tribes in Washington state, and there are currently 31 open cases of MMIW on or near the Yakama Nation reservation alone.
Both Yakama Nation and Colville Tribes have been actively engaged in working with my office to enact solutions that improve law enforcement coordination, empower law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate MMIW cases, and increase communication with Native communities. With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CA1C4E5-3C25-4819-BB9D-B5FACFAFEECC,Senator Murray Highlights Urgent Need for Pandemic Aid to Washington State Business Leaders,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today Senator Murray addressed the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses about her efforts to secure federal relief for workers, families, and small business
Senator Murray also answered questions about relief for small businesses and child care providers
Senator Murray: Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke virtually to members of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Association of Washington Businesses today about her efforts to get federal relief to those who are struggling across Washington state during the COVID-19 pandemic. During both virtual events, Senator Murray said that she has been listening to the many families, workers, and small business owners across the state who have gone without new federal relief since April, and she is fighting to get them the assistance they need.
A lot of people in our state are sufferingfrom small business owners struggling to stay afloat, to families who can't make their next rent payment, to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are worried about federal unemployment benefits running out. I have been in touch with people in every corner of Washington state and every community, and this crisis is getting dramatically worsenot betterand doing less as communities need more just doesn't make any sense to me. Senator Murray told the member of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. I really believe that Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time.
Senator Murray highlighted that while House Democrats passed comprehensive relief legislation such as the HEROES Actback in May andHEROES 2.0 in October, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to budge from his inadequate proposal, holding up critical relief for millions across the country and preventing state, local, and Tribal governments from receiving the support they need to enact an effective public health response.
Democrats put forth an unprecedented proposalthe HEROS Actin May, and Mitch McConnell would not take that up in the Senate. We have negotiated that down by $1 trillion to find common ground and get this help out of the door, and we are all working as hard as we can, Senator Murray told the AWB. I'm pushing especially hard to get a deal, and have really been pressing the case to anyone who will listen about why the Senate needs to act boldly and urgently in order to give our families and communities the help they need.

Senator Murray also answered questions from both organizations about her priorities in the short and long term on issues that are critical to so many in Washington state, including the child care crisis, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and what may be possible under the incoming Biden Administration. Senator Murray highlighted a number of different legislative proposals she's put forth to help tackle some of the challenges that Washingtonians are struggling with, such as the Child Care is Essential Act, and the RELIEF for Main Street Act.
We had a child care crisis before the pandemic hit us, and now that it has hit us, it has really opened up a real challenge for everyone. There's no way people can go back to work if they don't have any child care to be able to send their kids to Senator Murray said during the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce event. I really believe the federal government has got to step up to support the child care industry through this crisis and beyond. I have introduced the Child Care is Essential Actit's legislation to help providers keep their doors open and help working families afford the cost of child care. We're pushing very hard to get some of this relief into the current COVID package.
Senator Murray emphasized during both events that even with a vaccine on the horizon, Congress is long overdue in getting help to those in need during this pandemic and resources to states in order to contain the virus and eventually vaccinate the country, and even more relief will be needed in the New Year in order to begin our nation's long road to recovery.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A8C78C7-403F-4398-9160-D778F295D37F,Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray led full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor
Letter urges approval of Governor Inslee's September request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to address wildfire destruction in Whitman County that destroyed community of Malden, other areas in Eastern Washington
Spokesman-Review: Malden, Pine City residents wait to rebuild as federal aid stalls  MORE HERE
Members: For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way [] 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season
Members: Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led the full Washington state congressional delegation in writing a third letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's devastating wildfires. The Governor's request includes Individual and Public Assistance for eligible communities across Eastern Washington, including the town of Malden, where wildfires destroyed 80% of homes and businesses leaving most of its residents unable to return. Other Western states ravaged by wildfires this year, such as Oregon and California, have received essential federal assistance provided under major disaster declarations, but the thousands of Washingtonians forced to evacuate remain without aid as the Governor's request still awaits approval. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA 3rd), Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th) also joined the letter.
In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state the lawmakers wrote. In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community.
83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance, the lawmakers added. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way. For 83 days, the state of Washington continues to be overwhelmed as it copes with clean-up and rebuilding efforts on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season.
On September 17, Senator Murray led the full Washington state congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a major disaster declaration for the state, as well as public assistance and individual assistance for Whitman County, following the unprecedented wildfires in Eastern Washington and other areas. In the letter the lawmakers also offered support for emergency federal assistance in additional areas in the state impacted by wildfires that have cost lives, destroyed structures, forced thousands of families to evacuate their homes, and caused communities to lose power for extended periods. Senator Murray also led an October 13 letter from the Washington state congressional delegation in support of Governor Inslee's October 8, 2020 request for a Major Disaster declaration for the State of Washington and supplemental federal assistance, and to reiterate support for the governor's September 16 request.
Read the full letter below or HERE.
December 8, 2020

The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, DC 20500

The Honorable Peter T. Gaynor
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Mr. President and Administrator Gaynor:

We write to inquire about Governor Jay Inslee's September 16, 2020, and October 8, 2020 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Washington and supplemental federal assistance.
As you know, Washington state grappled with a wildfire season of historic scope and intensity this year. In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state. That area alone exceeded each of the total burned acreages in each of the fire seasons between 2002 and 2019, with the exception of 2015's devastating wildfire season. These wildfires forced the evacuations of thousands of people, threatened 3,000 homes and structures, and deteriorated air quality to hazardous levels at that time.
In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community. Thankfully, nobody died in Malden. But most of its 300-some residents were uninsured and already living on the economic margins. According to state records, Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved.
Now, 83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way. For 83 days, the state of Washington continues to be overwhelmed as it copes with clean-up and rebuilding efforts on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season.
Again, we fully support Governor Inslee's request for a major disaster declaration statewide as well as Public Assistance and Individual Assistance for eligible counties. Please let us know if you need further information to inform your decision.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6ACF302C-0A3F-4226-8607-9FD3A00FB4AC,Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray has long fought for the proposed changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which passed the House of Representatives today
New bill includes proposals Senator Murray has championed that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country
ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports  MORE HERE
Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system
(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passing the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote.
For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad to see it pass the House and I look forward to voting in favor of it in the Senate.
If signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF would significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation would incorporate long sought after formula changes to distributions from the HMTF and build on a provision included in the CARES Act that allowed all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep ports competitive.
Senator Murray successfully pushed to include language in the WRDA legislation to more equitably distribute funding to ports across the country by setting aside minimum percentages of annual HMTF allocations for donor and energy ports, Great Lakes ports, and small harbors. This means that ports across the country, including the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, would receive an increased, fairer share of annual maintenance money. Currently, imports through large ports like Tacoma and Seattle generate over 50% of the national HMT revenues, yet these ports receive only 3% in return because their naturally deep harbors require minimal maintenance dredging, the primary purpose for which HMT funds are used. To further address this,Senator Murray also successfully worked to include a rebate program that would benefit ports in Washington state by allowing U.S. ports to issue rebates to shippers for using their services, mitigating the current incentive for shippers to divert cargo to Canadian ports, which do not assess a harbor maintenance tax.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402036,Herrera Beutler Secures Funding to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Southwest Washington,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) applauded an announcement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver will be receiving a $136,159 grant to help prevent youth homelessness. 
As a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Herrera Beutler helped secure the funds now being invested in the Homeless Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. This initiative targets housing assistance to young adults under the age of 25 who have recently left the foster care system and are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. 
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, and the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) estimates that 25 percent of those young adults will experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care. 
Young adults who age out of foster care face the incredible challenge of securing housing and are often left without the support they desperately need, Herrera Beutler said. I'm proud to have helped secure the funding necessary to jumpstart this initiative specifically targeted to help foster youth in Southwest Washington.Making sure these folks can access housing assistance so they can further their education or obtain and keep steady employment can make the difference in transitioning into a safe, secure adulthood.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-lockdowns-destroy-livelihoods,COLUMN: Lockdowns Destroy Livelihoods,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this year, our economy and our way of life was rocked when the COVID-19 pandemic caused small businesses to shutter their doors. With employees across the country out of work and small business owners wondering if they would ever reopen, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure businesses could continue to provide paychecks to their employees while we weathered this pandemic storm.
The U.S. Small Business Administration took on the herculean task of distributing these loans at a record pace, and the Paycheck Protection Program resulted in saving over 104,000 in Central Washington jobs.
Unfortunately, more than $138 billion in funding remains untouched in the PPP. The program, which has served as a lifeline for millions of Americans, simply needs to be reauthorized  but Speaker Pelosi has blocked numerous attempts to bring a bill to the floor that would do just that.
To be clear: These funds are being used as a political pawn. Instead of immediately delivering relief to the small businesses who are once again facing state-imposed restrictions and regulations, Speaker Pelosi is politicizing these funds for her own ideological purposes.
For months, she has refused to negotiate anything smaller than a massive relief bill filled with policy riders that fit her agenda. In fact, she recently admitted that she was purposefully waiting for a new President before she would settle for anything less. By doing this, she is demonstrating that small businesses and the millions of Americans who rely on them for employment are not her priority.
I have joined House Republicans in advocating for a targeted relief package that will help our communities and our economy rebound from the pandemic.
Earlier this year, I introduced the FIRST Act  a bill to allow businesses who received Paycheck Protection Program funding to utilize the program to its full extent and continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. The FIRST Act will ensure businesses that are struggling to make ends meet are not further impacted when they file their 2020 tax returns. I have been working with my colleagues  both Democrats and Republicans  to ensure this legislation is included in the next bipartisan package of pandemic relief.
Many small businesses that survived the first economic lockdown have been struggling for months  with some hanging on by just a thread. Now, the Governor's latest one-size-fits-all statewide lockdown mandate could be the final straw.
Imposing lockdowns  without critical relief from the federal government  will destroy livelihoods.
With states across the country shutting down for the second or third time, our small businesses are desperate. By opening access to the remaining PPP funds and providing deductions for business expenses, as the FIRST Act does, we can soften the blow of these harsh mandates.
Over the past few months, I have met with small business owners and employees across Central Washington. They all need help. With less than 10 scheduled legislative days remaining in the 116th Congress, this fight is not over. Revitalizing our country and rebuilding our economy remain my top priority, and I will continue working to deliver the desperately-needed funds our small businesses need and deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-delivers-farewell-remarks,Rep. Heck Delivers Farewell Remarks,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House for the final time before his retirement from Congress at the end of this session. A transcript of his remarks follows:
	Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on this floor for the last time. My purpose is to convey two simple thoughts. First, an expression of gratitude, foremost to my wife Paula. We're newlyweds  we have only been married 44 years  and to my two sons. Their support has been the only reason I have been able to do this. I have been absent. I am sorry. I promise to do better. Thank you as well to my staff. Every member here knows full well we ain't nothing without them. We are just the ornament on the hood of the car, and they are the engine. They have both my undying love and gratitude. Thank you to my colleagues. My life is enriched and I am a better person for having known you. And a very special call out to my dear, dear friend  albeit messy roommate  and an outstanding legislator, Derek Kilmer. And last, thank you to the people of the 10th Congressional District of Washington, whom I affectionately but sincerely refer to as my bosses. You sent me here to represent a newly created congressional district. It was truly my privilege. Thank you. Second, a plea. A plea to all those who follow here: please, please work to nurture this institution. Institutions sustain us, be they our houses of worship for our faith or this secular equivalent for our democracy. They get us through hard times, but only if we tend to them. Citizens in a democracy have rights and responsibilities. Members of this institution, this body likewise. We are all too aware of our rights here, but it is the responsibilities that bear emphasizing. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a civil fashion. It is self-evident that civic discourse in America has degraded. Some would say that it has even become vulgar. It is hard to reach agreement with a colleague tomorrow whom we have character assassinated today. So, let us not measure our success in terms of the number of Twitter followers we have gathered through emotion-charged or clever attacks. Let us not define those with whom we disagree  even if that disagreement is profound  as the other. We live in a pluralistic society. Part of our responsibility is to figure out how the political Rubik's Cube comes together, getting to yes among different and competing points of view, fashioning a result where everyone can get up from the table, perhaps not with everything they sought, but with enough to vote yes while still being true to our values. There is such a thing as principled compromise. Indeed, I believe that principled compromise is the only way we can move forward and lift up those around us in desperate need of our help. Do we no longer believe that? Or did we forget it? Where I have failed to live up to these ideals, I beg your forgiveness. I can only promise to keep trying. Finally, I cannot help but think of the eternal wisdom of our former colleague John Dingell, the longest serving member of this chamber in our nation's history. When I arrived here every first-term member walked on down to where he sat and sought his advice, and he gave the same to everyone. He would look us in the eye and say: You have an important job, a very important job. And you're not a very important person. Indeed, John taught us that we do not possess power, but that we only hold it in trust.  
		For the privilege of holding the trust for these last 8 years I am forever changed and forever grateful. I am 2,300 miles out and headed home. With that, Mr. Speaker, I permanently yield back.
Congressman Heck has proudly represented Washington's 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2013. He announced in December 2019 that he would retire from Congress at the end of his current term. In November 2020, he was elected by the people of Washington to serve as the state's next Lieutenant Governor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402035,"U.S. Reps. Herrera Beutler, Murphy Introduce Legislation to Provide Hardship Waivers to Give Relief to Unemployed Workers",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) have introduced legislation to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. 
Recent reports detail unemployed and furloughed workers are finding themselves in debt because of errors made by state unemployment agencies. These individuals in need of unemployment payments are suddenly being forced to pay back thousands of dollars, with state agencies threatening to garnish paychecks and tax refunds to obtain repayment.
H.R. 8812, the Relief for Working Families Act, extends hardship waivers to states to waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. States are able to grant hardship waivers to individuals who receive state unemployment benefits, but federally distributed benefits have yet to have the same standard applied. 
Washington's Employment Security Department should not be further burdening struggling workers because of its mistakes. Until it can develop a system to more accurately administer unemployment benefits, we should give ESD the tools to provide relief to folks struggling to put food on the table, Herrera Beutler said. I'm introducing legislation that ensures individuals are not held accountable for states' mismanagement of jobless benefits, but that preserves states' abilities to crack down on scams and seek repayment of truly fraudulent claims. 
Because of indifference and incompetence from state leaders, Florida's unemployment system failed workers when they needed help the most, resulting in non-payment of benefits, under-payments, delayed payments andin some casesoverpayments, Murphy said. These overpayments were made due to bureaucratic mistakes. Florida workers should not be punished for errors made through no fault of their own. Requiring workers to pay back these funds nowwhen some federal assistance has lapsed and state mismanagement of the unemployment system continuesonly adds insult to injury. This bipartisan bill seeks to prevent such an injustice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-western-caucus-executive-director-117th-congress,Newhouse Names Western Caucus Executive Director for 117th Congress,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman-elect Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named Sean V. O'Brien as the organization's new Executive Director for the 117th Congress.
I have worked with Sean throughout my three terms in Congress, and I know him to be committed to solving the issues facing the rural West, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Sean has been instrumental in my efforts to strengthen and secure water supply infrastructure, ensure public lands are accessible for America's hunters, recreationists, and local communities, and reform the outdated federal policies harming our nation's land, water, and species management. His relationships on Capitol Hill and with the many partners of the Western Caucus will be invaluable to achieving our goals in the 117th Congress.
Newhouse continued, I am grateful for the service of our outgoing Executive Director, Tim Charters, who helped Chairman Gosar grow the Western Caucus into the prestigious advocacy organization it is today. I look forward to working with Sean to continue to grow our membership, expand our influence, and defend and protect the values of rural America. He will do an excellent job serving the Caucus.
I am humbled to serve as Executive Director for an organization that does so much to raise the voices of rural communities in our nation's capital, said O'Brien. Chairman-elect Newhouse has developed a strong vision to execute a results-oriented strategy that will elevate the Caucus to new heights. Under his leadership, we are ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the bipartisan Members of the Caucus and the communities they represent across our great nation.
Sean V. O'Brien currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director to Rep. Newhouse, handling energy, forestry, and natural resources portfolios, including Rep. Newhouse's work on the House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee. He specializes in issues including hydropower, nuclear energy, grid storage, water supply and critical infrastructure, and Endangered Species Act reform.
O'Brien previously served as Campaign Manager for Rep. Newhouse's re-election race in 2016. He studied Political Science at Gonzaga University and is a graduate of the Gorton Leaders Program at the Slade Gorton Policy Center as well as the Association of Washington Business Institute's Leadership Washington Program.
Tim Charters will continue to serve the Western Caucus through the 116th Congress, concluding January 2, 2021.
Background:
On November 19, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus unanimously elected Rep. Dan Newhouse to serve as Chairman for the 117th Congress.
The Congressional Western Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities. The Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress who represent these communities and fight for the priorities of the American people in the process. Hands-on Member education and experiences have been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.
Initially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy, and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values, and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.
Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402034,"Herrera Beutler Applauds New Bipartisan COVID Relief Proposal, Presses for Swift U.S. House Consideration",2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today applauded a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief plan unveiled by the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of Senators today.The plan would quickly direct aid to families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers intended to last through the end of March. 
Herrera Beutler is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus  made up of 25 Democrat and 25 Republican House members  that helped develop the plan. The framework allocates $908 billion in total aid, including both new funding and reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding. A breakdown can be found, here.
This effort represents a bridge to get America's workers, small businesses and communities through this challenging time until vaccines and treatments are readily available, Herrera Beutler said.I won't let up in my efforts to break the gridlock that's plagued Washington, D.C. and get a COVID relief package through Congress and out to the Americans who need it. While the framework released by the group today needs further refinements, families and employers in Southwest Washington are suffering through no fault of their own and we need to move quickly. I urge Speaker Pelosi to act now and take up this bipartisan plan to provide the relief and support that our communities have desperately needed for months.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month,COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized.
The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.
The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.
I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.
The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.
This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.
The federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.
The Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.
As discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.
Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month,COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized.
The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.
The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.
I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.
The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.
This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.
The federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.
The Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.
As discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.
Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month-0,COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized.
The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.
The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.
I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.
The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.
This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.
The federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.
The Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.
As discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.
Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-newhouse-elected-western-caucus-chairman,What They Are Saying: Newhouse Elected Western Caucus Chairman,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. On November 19, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress.
 WHAT THEY ARE SAYING 
The American Public Power Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus in the upcoming Congress. He has long recognized the importance of hydropower to his public power constituents and the entire Pacific Northwest. His knowledge of energy issues in the West will be a great asset to the Congressional Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him in his new role.  American Public Power Association
Western Energy Alliance is pleased that Congressman Newhouse will lead the Congressional Western Caucus. He understands the public lands issues that are crucial for communities across the West, and how productive uses like energy, mining, timber, ranching, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. He has been a strong voice for the balance that must be maintained on public lands to ensure rural communities thrive while enabling all Americans to enjoy recreational opportunities on public lands. The recent election clearly showed the American people are practical, and that policies like simply stopping development of oil and natural gas on federal lands would upset the decades-long balance that enables job creation and economic opportunity across the region while providing the resources for conservation. Chairman Newhouse will be a strong leader to ensure such misguided efforts do not go forward.  Kathleen Sgamma, President of the Western Energy Alliance
Rep. Dan Newhouse is a champion in the House of Representatives for accelerating new nuclear energy and energy storage technology innovation which will both continue to bring high paying jobs and economic value to the American West.  Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath
We congratulate Congressman Newhouse and look forward to working with him to promote U.S. energy leadership through the responsible development of our energy resources. Rep. Newhouse knows firsthand the importance of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry to communities throughout the West and we are confident that under his leadership the Western Caucus will continue to be a leading voice in Washington.  Bill Koetzle, Senior Vice President of the American Petroleum Institute
Congratulations to Congressman Newhouse for being unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus; American oil and gas producers look forward to working with you on solving our energy challenges and meeting our growing energy needs.  Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council
The National Mining Association (NMA) congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his recent selection as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and looks forward to continuing to work with him and his staff in the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus has long been a partner in seeking to promote public land access, responsible resource development, and ensuring that the voice of rural America is heard. NMA and its members are committed to working with the Western Caucus in a bipartisan fashion to help support our nation's economic recovery and further strengthen our national security.  National Mining Association
The American Exploration & Mining Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. The bipartisan Western Caucus has proven time and again to beeffective inadvancing the priorities of western communities and the Nation asawhole. AEMA looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Western Caucus under Congressman Newhouse's leadership to ensure America has a secure and stable supply of the mineral resources required by our modern society.  Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association
On behalf of the 400 members of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), I would like to commend the members of the Western Caucus for their decision to unanimously elect Rep. Dan Newhouse as Chairman. Rep. Newhouse is a fierce advocate for western communities and his pragmatic leadership will be instrumental in advancing policies that promote environmental stewardship and improve the livelihoods of American families. NSSGA is ready to work with Chairman Newhouse and all the members of the Western Caucus to streamline federal permitting, modernize outdated regulations to cut unnecessary red tape and invest in infrastructure that increases access and drives economic opportunities for rural communities.  Michele Stanley, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association
""Congressman Newhouse has long been a strong advocate for water infrastructure. He has worked tirelessly on common sense water policies that will benefit communities large and small. As a farmer he knows how important water infrastructure is to our nation, its food supply, and the economy.The National Water Resources Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Western Caucus.""  Ian Lyle, Executive Vice President of the National Water Resources Association
The American Forest & Paper Association congratulates Representative Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Western Caucus. In Washington state, Congressman Newhouse has been a strong leader for the paper and wood products industry, which is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the United States with approximately 950,000 employees. We look forward to working with Representative Newhouse and the entire Western Caucus, creating further economic impact, supporting manufacturing jobs in America and advancing the sustainability goals of our industry.  Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association
The American Farm Bureau Federation applauds the election of Rep. Dan Newhouse as the Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. As a third generation Yakima Valley farmer, Rep. Newhouse truly understands the unique challenges of farming and ranching in the West and the negative impacts federal regulations can have on the rural economy. We look forward to working with Chairman Newhouse and the Western Caucus to pursue bipartisan solutions for rural America in the 117th Congress.  Dale Moore, Executive Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation
The Congressional Western Caucus has long been a strong supporter of Western irrigated agriculture. As a third generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, there could not be a better choice than Rep. Dan Newhouse to take over at the helm of the Western Caucus. We congratulate him, and look forward to working with him in the 117th Congress.  Dan Keppen, Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance
From the benefits of public lands grazing to the mitigation of catastrophic wildfires and beyond, the issues the Western Caucus engages on are essential to the management of our nation's public lands and therefore the sheep industry. It is critical that we continue to highlight opportunities and provide the context necessary for Congress and policy makers to make decisions that support not only the West, but the nation. Representative Newhouse understands these issues and has a record of engaging with stakeholders from all sides to find solutions. The American Sheep Industry is proud to welcome Representative Newhouse as Chairman of the Western Caucus.  Benny Cox, President of the American Sheep Industry Association
""Congressman Newhouse is a strong advocate for cattle producers and has been instrumental in getting critical legislation across the finish line while at the same time educating others on the issues that producers face on a daily basis. His tireless work ethic and policy acumen makes him perfectly suited to take on this role and lead the Congressional Western Caucus into the future. We congratulate Chairman-elect Newhouse on his successful election and look forward to continue working with him in the 117th Congress.  Ethan Lane, President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association
We congratulate Congressman Newhouse on being elected to serve as Chairman of the Western Caucus. Rep. Newhouse has been an effective champion for the dairy industry on issues ranging from ag labor to trade to the environment. We look forward to working with him and his caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle as he assumes this new role.  Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation
""From Washington state to Washington D.C., Representative Newhouse has been a legislative champion for public lands ranchers and the natural resources upon which they rely. His farming background gives him unique insight into the issues that matter to livestock producers and he understands the gravity of his work to represent rural communities and America's public lands from his Congressional post. Representative Newhouse's passion for and leadership on natural resource and land-use issues makes him well-suited to lead the Congressional Western Caucus. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role and can think of no one better to lead the Caucus into the new Congress. Ranchers across the West send him hearty congratulations for this well-deserved recognition. Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council
Congratulations to Congressman Dan Newhouse on his election as Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. I have known and worked with Dan for years as a constituent in Washington State but now look forward to continuing to work with him at a federal level on important issues like agriculture, private and federal land management, water issues and much more.NACD looks forward to continuing to work with Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus while emphasizing the locally-led principle for natural resource management for farmers, ranchers and other landowners across the U.S.  Michael Crowder, President-elect of the National Association of Conservation Districts
SCI congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his appointment to chair the Western Caucus. Hunters have a champion in the Chairman. The Western Caucus will continue to be a strong voice for sportsmen on Capitol Hill under his leadership. We look forward to our work together in the new Congress and beyond.  W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International
Rep. Newhouse is a friend of DU and a leader for western states' issues. His broad background in agriculture and conservation, his passion for rural America and his ability to craft solutions make him a perfect leader of the Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him and stand ready to be a resource for his efforts.  Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited
The National Shooting Sports Foundation congratulates Congressman Dan Newhouse as incoming Chairman of the Western Caucus. Steadfast in his support of hunting and conservationtwo of the most important things that connect Western values and the firearm and ammunition industryNSSF appreciates Congressman Newhouse's unwavering leadership in preserving and protecting the traditions we Americans hold dear. We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Newhouse and the caucus in the 117th Congress on priorities important to the industry and the diverse and growing Second Amendment community.  Lawrence Keane, Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation
Background:
The Congressional Western Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities. The Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress representing western, rural, and resource-based communities and fighting for the priorities of the American people in the process. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.
Initially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.
The Caucus focuses on hands-on Member education and experiences of rural, resource, and western life has been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ADFF19A7-E4B7-4DE4-881F-8076E2C4811A,Senator Murray Announces Support for Independent Restaurant and Music Venue Pandemic Relief Bills,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"This week, Senator Murray voiced her support for two bipartisan bills, the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, which would support independent restaurants and music venues that are struggling during the pandemic

Senator Murray has previously supported House Democrats' HEROES 2.0 relief bill, which includes both of these pieces of legislation
Senator Murray: The Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians

(Washington, D.C.) This week, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), signed on to the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, two bipartisan pieces of legislation to provide independent restaurants and live music venues that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic with the resources they need to stay afloat.

This pandemic has been devastating for so many small and independent businesses across Washington state, and restaurants and music venues are no exception, Senator Murray said. These bipartisan proposals would provide much-needed relief to struggling businesses, and the Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians.

The RESTAURANTS Act would establish a Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) at the Department of the Treasury with $120 billion in funding left over from the CARES Act, and provide independent Washington state restaurant owners with the financial support they need to rehire workers and deal with the long-term ramifications of COVID-19. Awards would be one-time grants valued to cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020, with a maximum grant of $10 million. Restaurants would not need to pay back their grants and could use the funding for payroll, benefits, mortgages, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, protective equipment, cleaning materials, food, and any other expenses deemed essential by the Treasury Department.

In order to support beloved music and entertainment venues in Washington statefrom Neumos in Seattle to the Big Dipper in Spokaneand all across the country, the Save Our Stages Act would provide the Small Business Administration (SBA) with $10 billion for grants to independent live music venue operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. The bill would direct the SBA to make grants to eligible venues up to $12 million, and narrowly define independent live venue operators, promoters, and talent representatives to prevent large, international corporations from receiving federal grant funding. The bill would also permit recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the COVID pandemic including rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, operating leases, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines.

Senator Murray has previously supported the House-passed HEROES Act 2.0, which includes the targeted small business relief measures that make up both of these pieces of legislation.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=435B2A62-7E91-4E1B-B424-8D52B11D05DC,Senator Murray to GSA Administrator: Put Our Nations Health and Safety Ahead of Political Loyalty and Begin a Formal Transition Immediately,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a letter, Senator Murray urged GSA Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and end the unprecedented delay in transition that is undermining our federal response to COVID, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives
ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden  MORE HERE
Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy: It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, called on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and begin a formal transition of power to provide President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to combat COVID-19. In a letter, Senator Murray stressed that Administrator Murphy's unprecedented delay is undermining critical work to keep communities safe and support students, workers, and families in Washington state and across the country during this crisis.
You are choosing to put political loyalty ahead of public health and safety by refusing to make a determination of ascertainment to begin a formal transition of power to the President-elect, wrote Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy.
By delaying the start of the formal transition, you are impeding the ability for the incoming administration to receive access to resources and personnel. Such a delay could hamper the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives. It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis, continued Senator Murray.
Senator Murray noted that Administrator Murphy's continued delays have prevented President-elect Biden and his transition team from accessing current executive branch employees and resourceslimiting their ability to coordinate with current officials to facilitate a smooth pandemic responseand prevented the FBI from beginning background investigations on President-elect Biden's nominees.
This action follows Senator Murray last week calling on Administrator Murphy to end her delay, immediately ascertain Vice President Joe Biden as President-elect and Senator Kamala Harris as Vice President-elect, and make available the transition resources that are provided by law.
The full letter is HERE and below.
November 23, 2020
The Honorable Emily W. Murphy
Administrator
General Services Administration
1800 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20405

Dear Administrator Murphy:
I am increasingly troubled by your continued delay in providing President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, and their staffs with the critical resources necessary to begin the transition for their incoming administration. Your agency's mission is to ensure the federal government has the products, services, and facilities it needs to serve the public. Yet, you are choosing to put political loyalty ahead of public health and safety by refusing to make a determination of ascertainment to begin a formal transition of power to the President-elect.
By delaying the start of the formal transition, you are impeding the ability of the incoming administration to receive access to resources and personnel. Such a delay could hamper the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives. It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis.
President-elect Biden has laid out a clear, comprehensive vision for how he plans to assert federal leadership to tackle COVID-19, from ensuring access to testing, therapeutics, and vaccines, particularly in communities hardest hit by the virus, to strengthening contact tracing and developing and distributing clear, evidence-based standards for businesses, schools, and communities to follow in order to keep people safe. Allowing the transition team to begin work with public health officials and to assess resource and personnel needs for the next administration is critical to achieving improved outcomes for patients and families across the country. In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the Chief Scientific Adviser for Operation Warp Speed, have both expressed that the ability to coordinate with the Biden transition team would facilitate a smooth response to the pandemic.
Continuing to delay ascertainment also undermines President-elect Biden's ability to begin his administration with the strongest possible federal workforce. Without being able to access current executive branch employees and resources, the transition team is limited in its ability to understand gaps and resource needs, as well as to assess the consequences of the unprecedented exodus of federal officials under President Trump. Additionally, the delay has meant the FBI has not yet begun background investigations on President-elect Biden's nominees.
The people of the nation have elected their next president, and it is past time for the nation's leaders to allow a seamless transition of power. I call on you to immediately make a determination of ascertainment, so President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, and their transition team can begin their critical work without further delay.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wishing-you-safe-and-happy-thanksgiving,COLUMN: Wishing You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"From turkey and mashed potatoes to parades and football games, there are a number of family traditions that signify Thanksgiving, but none are as important as the opportunity to reflect on all we have to be grateful for and give thanks.
The global pandemic has changed almost everything about our lives. Millions of Americans are working and learning from home, many are struggling to make ends meet, and thousands have tragically lost loved ones. We all long for personal connection, and the uncertainty of this virus and the seemingly endless lockdowns have resulted in hopelessness and deteriorating mental health for far too many of us.
Like almost every holiday or event celebrated in 2020, this Thanksgiving will be a little different; but now  perhaps more than ever  it is important to be thankful for what we have and look forward to the future.
This year, I am grateful to live in Central Washington, where we witness our communities continue to come together throughout the pandemic to demonstrate that we still have a lot to be thankful for.
Up and down our food supply chain, grocery store employees, producers, and processors are working to ensure that food remains on our shelves and on our tables. Despite the challenges facing our agricultural producers, Central Washington's farmers and ranchers are distributing thousands of pounds of food to families across our state and region. Food banks are working in overdrive to process donations and provide for those in need, and local restaurants continue to donate meals to front line workers.
Local businesses adapted their business models  in some cases overnight  to keep their employees safe, and they continue to employ enhanced safety measures and precautions to protect workers. Other businesses are shifting their operations to produce masks and other personal protective equipment, as well as sanitizers that have been utilized throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Teachers, school administrators, and parents are ensuring our children continue to receive a high-quality education, while safely working toward getting our kids back into classrooms where they can continue to learn, create, and evolve into the next generation of Central Washington leaders.
And of course, we all owe a great deal of gratitude to our healthcare professionals and first responders who have been working around the clock to treat patients, stop the spread of COVID-19, and keep our communities safe and healthy.
Throughout these challenging times, we still have a lot to be thankful for, and I have never been prouder to hail from Central Washington. We can show our gratitude by each of us doing our small part to protect our communities. Those who are able can shop at a small business this holiday season or support a local restaurant during the lockdowns.
Show compassion to one another and recognize that this holiday season may be more difficult than others. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take the time to extend your thanks to those around you, and if you are going to gather with your families and loved ones, please do so safely.
From my family to yours, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=61090081-91EC-4073-A4BD-9EAEE9D2AF86,"Senators Murray, Cantwell Call On Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden",2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Delay in providing resources to Biden-Harris Transition creates unacceptable risks to pandemic response, national security
Senators: Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency
ICYMI: Senator Murray Tells Secretaries of Education, Labor and HHS to Preserve All Records to help facilitate presidential transition  MORE HERE
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and their Democratic colleagues in calling on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to end her unprecedented delay, immediately ascertain Vice President Joe Biden as President-elect and Senator Kamala Harris as Vice President-elect, and make available the transition resources that are provided by law. This delay creates unacceptable risks to national security and pandemic response efforts as the United States passed more than 250,000 deaths, including more than 2,600 in Washington state according the state Department of Health.
The United States is in the midst of a pandemic that has now claimed over 250,000 lives, with the number of new cases rising daily. Our country also faces a number of ongoing threats, including physical and cyber attacks from foreign actors, violence from domestic extremists, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, wrote the Senators.
The GSA Administrator's ascertainment of a President-elect is also critical for agencies' willingness to share information with the transition team, including classified information, as well as for the expeditious processing of security clearances for candidates for high-level national security positions. Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency, continued the Senators.
Under the Presidential Transition Act, GSA is charged with providing resources and support to the President-elect and Vice President-elect so they can be ready to govern from Day One. Administrator Murphy must complete the ascertainment process to allow the President-elect's transition team to receive needed information from agency officials at public health and national security agencies, ensure incoming national security officials can receive background checks and access to classified information and provide federal funding and resources to support the transition process.
A smooth and efficient transition is one of the hallmarks of American democracy. With the exception of the Presidential election in 2000 and the resulting recount, ascertainment by GSA normally happens within a day after a winner is declared, including in 2008 and 2016. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission found that the shortened transition following the 2000 recount created serious vulnerabilities, including delays related to key national security appointments.
Text of the letter is copied below and available HERE.
November 19, 2020
The Honorable Emily W. Murphy
Administrator
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F St., NW
Washington, DC 20405
Dear Administrator Murphy,
We are writing to express deep concern regarding reports that the General Services Administration (GSA) has delayed providing President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to ensure a timely and efficient presidential transition. We urge you to immediately ascertain Vice President Biden as President-elect and Senator Harris as Vice President-elect and allow the transition team to receive the resources required under the law. We also request an urgent briefing on steps GSA is taking to ensure an orderly transition.
The United States is in the midst of a pandemic that has now claimed over 250,000 lives, with the number of new cases rising daily. Our country also faces a number of ongoing threats, including physical and cyberattacks from foreign actors, violence from domestic extremists, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.[1] The independent, bipartisan 9/11 Commission cited the shortened transition timeline for then President-elect George W. Bush as a factor in delaying key national security personnel appointments, potentially hampering the new Administration.[2] A timely transition is critical to ensure coordination between the current and incoming Administrations, provide the incoming Administration with the resources they need to immediately address these challenges, and safeguard the public health and our national security.
Under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, GSA is charged with providing resources and support to the President-elect and Vice President-elect. Specifically, GSA must provide office space, communication services, funding for transition staff compensation, and other support. In response to a request from the Administration, Congress has appropriated $9.9 million to GSA for transition related activities.[3] The GSA Administrator's ascertainment of a President-elect is also critical for agencies' willingness to share information with the transition team, including classified information, as well as for the expeditious processing of security clearances for candidates for high-level national security positions. Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency.
This delay is also unprecedented. In both 2008 and 2016, President-elect Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump, respectively, were recognized by the GSA Administrator as President-elect within a day of the general election.[4] In 2000, this decision was delayed due to an ongoing court case regarding less than 1,000 votes in a single statea far closer election than this one. The results of this election are clear. Vice President Biden will be the next President of the United States, and Senator Harris will be the next Vice President. It is past time to recognize the will of the American people so that the work of government can continue.
The orderly transition of power from one President to another is a bedrock principle of our democracy and one of GSA's most important duties. We urge you to fulfill your responsibilities, ascertain Vice President Biden as President-elect and Senator Harris as Vice President-elect, and provide their transition team with the resources the law requires. We also request that, no later than November 30, 2020, GSA provide a briefing to staff of the Committees on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Appropriations, and Environment and Public Works regarding the presidential transition process and the support that GSA has provided to date.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-elected-chairman-congressional-western-caucus-117th-congress,Newhouse Elected Chairman of Congressional Western Caucus for 117th Congress,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus voted unanimously to elect Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as Chairman of the Western Caucus for the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus, currently led by Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ), is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities.
The Congressional Western Caucus is the premiere organization advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Chairman Gosar brought our Caucus to new heights, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership over these past four years. I intend to build upon this robust foundation, expand our influence, and help achieve new victories for our Members in the 117th Congress. Based on feedback and conversations with fellow Members, I have developed a strong vision for a Member-driven, solutions-oriented future of our Caucus. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and serve as your next Chairman.
I congratulate my friend, Dan Newhouse, on becoming the new Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Over my 4 years as Chairman, Dan has been a constant by my side. From the Arizona desert to the North Slope of Alaska, I could always count on Dan to be there working for rural and western constituents. I know him to be an outstanding advocate for the priorities of the Caucus and a leader for Western and Rural America. He will lead the Caucus and its membership into a bright future and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come, said Chairman Gosar.
Rep. Newhouse has been a valued leader and advocate for the West. Having truly worked the land as a farmer, he knows firsthand the detriment of federal overreach on the people who live, work, and recreate in rural America. The Foundation is excited to work closely with him as the new Chairman of the Caucus, said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation.
Background:
The Congressional Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress representing western, rural, and resource-based communities and fighting for the priorities of the American people in the process. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.
Initially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.
The Caucus focuses on hands-on Member education and experiences of rural, resource, and western life has been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-joins-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-reauthorizing-whip,Newhouse Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Bill Reauthorizing WHIP Program for 2020 Wildfires,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Authorization Act. This bipartisan bill introduced by Members from West Coast states hit hard by wildfires reactivates the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for 2020 natural disasters, including wildfires. WHIP+ offers critical assistance to agricultural producers, including winegrape growers, whose crops were impacted by smoke taint.
Wildfires and smoke taint pose a great threat to Washington state's distinguished wine industry, a community that is already facing billions of dollars in losses, said Rep. Newhouse. WHIP+ will help our winegrape growers recover from the damages of this year's catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the West, and it will ensure they can continue producing the high-quality Washington wines we are so proud of.
Our district has again been hit hard by historically damaging wildfires this fire season. As we work to recover, we must support the small family farmers who are at risk of losing everything because their crops were damaged by smoke from the fires,said Rep. Thompson. That's why I am proud to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill activates the WHIP+ program for these 2020 fires and helpsthese growers hit hard by disasters. It will be a vital support system for producers, both in our district and up and down the West Coast, including our vibrant wine community. Know that I will continue working to ensure this bill is passed as soon as possible and to bring back every Federal dollar and resource to help our community rebuild.
Reps. Newhouse and Thompson co-chair the Congressional Wine Caucus, a bipartisan organization of 117 Members from across the United States that advocate for the wine community from grape to glass. In September, wine industry officials sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives outlining the effects of wildfires on the West Coast wine community and urging Congress to reauthorize WHIP+ for 2020.
Oregon agriculture, including our world-renowned wine grape growers, produce some of best crops in the nation, said DeFazio. Tragically, many of these businesses experienced significant damage during September's wildfires, costing millions of dollars in losses. I'm proud to co-sponsor the WHIP+ bill to ensure these producers get the funding they need to rebuild and repair.
This was the worst wildfire season we have ever seen in California. Fires burned more than 4 million acres across the state, causing so much hardship on top of the COVID crisis and the economic collapse that we were already experiencing, Lee said. The damage to California farms from fire and smoke has been incalculable. We are the largest agricultural state in the nation, and the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act will help make sure that California farmers can access funds they need to stay in business and continue to feed the country.
This year, record-breaking wildfires wreaked havoc on many of our communities on the Central Coast of California. In addition to the structural damage, large swaths of our agriculture, including wine grapes, were tainted due to smoke exposure,said Congressman Panetta.WHIP+ historically has been a lifeline to producers who suffered this type of disaster. As it stands, unfortunately, the program does not cover 2020 losses. Our legislation, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, will ensure that wine grape growers, who suffered severe losses during this unprecedented wildfire year, are eligible for these crucial payments.
Click here to read the text of the bill.
Background:
The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 authorized the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to help agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. WHIP+ covers losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines that occurred as a result of hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters. Click here to learn more about WHIP+.
In Washington State, there are more than 1,000 wineries and over 300 winegrape growers. With 16 unique AVAs across the state, Washington's wine industry continues to grow and produce high-quality varieties that are enjoyed all over the world. In addition, Washington State University is one of the country's leading viticulture research institutions and one of only 14 universities in the United States to offer a Viticulture & Enology degree.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0A42CD48-5DCB-445B-ADA8-4B12297712F9,"As COVID-19 Cases Continue to Climb in Washington State and Nationwide, Senator Murray Unveils New Legislation To Increase Production Of Critical PPE And Address N-95 Mask Shortages Facing Health Care Workers",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Led by Senator Murray, a group of Senate Democrats introduced the Protect our Heroes Act of 2020
Senator Murray: It's inexcusable that across the country health professionals are still being forced to reuse PPE and states, Tribes, communities, and medical facilities are being left to fend for themselves and bid against each other for scarce supplies
New legislation authorizes $10 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile to purchase personal protective equipment, including N-95 masks
The Protect Our Heroes Act Of 2020 uses the Defense Production Act as well as FEMA And HHS authorities to spur development, investment and production of medical supplies needed to combat COVID-19
New bill provides $1 Billion in grants for small businesses that retool domestic facilities to produce critical PPE
Senator Murray: I'm pushing for this legislation to provide much needed funding to ramp up PPE production, and I hope to work with the incoming Biden Administration to provide something else that has been severely lacking as wellfederal leadership
(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), unveiled the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020, a bill that will increase the production of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) like N-95 masks and improve the transparency of the supply and distribution of medical supplies needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Managing the supply chain to ensure adequate PPE is pandemic response 101, yet months into this crisis the Trump Administration still hasn't learned its lesson, said Senator Murray. Shortages of PPE can put lives in danger, put strain on hospitals, nursing homes, other health care facilities, and testing facilities, and can even hinder vaccine administration when the time comes. It's inexcusable that across the country health professionals are still being forced to reuse PPE and states, Tribes, communities, and medical facilities are being left to fend for themselves and bid against each other for scarce supplies. I'm pushing for this legislation to provide much needed funding to ramp up PPE production, and I hope to work with the incoming Biden Administration to provide something else that has been severely lacking as wellfederal leadership.
The bill is introduced as coronavirus cases are spiking across the country and as frontline health care workers are facing shortages of critical protective equipment. The Senate Democrats' bill authorizes $10 billion for the strategic national stockpile to purchase critical PPE, including N-95 masks, nitrile gloves, gowns, face shields, surgical masks, and more. This investment will provide certainty to manufacturers that there will be a market when they scale up their production.
The bill also uses the Defense Production Act (DPA) as well as authorities in the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to spur the development, investment, and production of critical PPE, addressing requests from governors. The Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020 also authorizes $1 billion for the Small Business Administration to provide grants for small business that retool domestic facilities to produce critical protective equipment over the next two years, with preferences available for minority-owned and other underserved small businesses as well as those owned by service disabled veterans, with considerations for other veteran-owned businesses.
Finally, the bill requires the federal government to release reports regularly on the supplies needed to fight COVID-19 and provide direction for bolstering domestic manufacturing to provide those supplies. It also mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provide recommendations on how the President may use existing authorities to purchase a sufficient supply of PPE to combat this virus.
Senator Murray has previously led efforts in the Senate to bolster the federal government's pandemic response, and has introduced and championed legislation to strengthen investments in the nation's public health infrastructure, including PPE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=3323AADB-D9A1-4EBE-9CFB-55E7D152BE3A,"Senator Murray Tells Secretaries of Education, Labor and HHS to Preserve All Records",2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray sends letters to Secretaryof Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, and Secretary of HHS Alex Azar reminding them of their duty to preserve all records under the Federal Records Act
Senator Murray: In light of the upcoming transition from President Donald Trump's administration to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, I am writing to remind you of the critical importance that records are preserved and managed appropriately under the Federal Records Act (FRA)
(Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, sent letters to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar reminding them to comply with federal law and preserve all records as the end of the Trump Administration approaches. Under the Federal Records Act (FRA), agencies are required to preserve all records that document the transaction of public business or contain informational value.
In light of the upcoming transition from President Donald Trump's administration to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, I am writing to remind you of the critical importance that records are preserved and managed appropriately under the Federal Records Act (FRA). These records are important to ensure a smooth transition between presidential administrations, wrote Senator Murray.
In her letters, Senator Murray warned that, Any agency employee who willfully and unlawfully' conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, destroys, or attempts any such action against a federal record, is subject to fine and/or imprisonment for up to three years. She also stressed to the Secretaries that violating the FRA can disqualify them from future federal office and reminded them that they have an obligation to inform the Archivist of any actual, impending, or threatened unlawful action against records at your agency.
The letter to Secretary DeVos is HERE, the letter to Secretary Scalia is HERE, and the letter to Secretary Azar is HERE.
The full text of the letter is below.
November 7, 2020
The Honorable Alex M. Azar II
Secretary 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201

Dear Secretary Azar,
In light of the upcoming transition from President Donald Trump's administration to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, I am writing to remind you of the critical importance that records are preserved and managed appropriately under the Federal Records Act (FRA). These records are important to ensure a smooth transition between presidential administrations.
Pursuant to the FRA, the Department of Health and Human Services must preserve all records that document the transaction of public business or contain informational value. As Secretary, you are required to make and preserve records containing adequate and proper documentation of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, and essential transactions of the agency.[1] These protections extend to all types of information, whether stored physically, digitally, or electronically.[2]
Any agency employee who willfully and unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, destroys, or attempts any such action against a federal record, is subject to fine and/or imprisonment for up to three years.[3] Any federal office holder convicted of violating the FRA can lose his or her position and can be disqualified from holding future federal office. You have the obligation to affirmatively inform the Archivist of any actual, impending, or threatened unlawful action against records at your agency.[4]
I appreciate your timely attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
    

[1]44 U.S.C.  3301(a)(1)(A); 44 U.S.C.  3101.


[2]44 U.S.C.  3301(a)(2).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=825FFC0A-4BC7-4EA3-A38A-C97BC2C0A8DC,"Senator Murray Opposes Partisan GOP Senate Labor, Health, Education and Human Services Bill, Saying Its Written As Though the Virus Surging Through Our Communities Doesnt Exist",2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray calls for greater focus on public health infrastructure, workers, seniors, schools, child care, and racial injusticeincluding disparities in COVID-19 infections and outcomes
As House-Senate negotiations begin, Murray will continue pushing for a final bill that actually helps families and communities deal with the challenges they're facing including reversing the Trump Administration's harmful gag on funding for Planned Parenthood providers
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement rejecting a partisan Republican Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that dramatically underfunds public health infrastructure, child care, education, and more as our country faces a surging COVID-19 pandemic. Murray previously spoke out against Chairman Shelby's refusal to address COVID-19 and racial injustice in the Senate appropriations process this year.

Investments in our nation's health, schools, and workers are more needed than ever as we fight COVID-19, but this bill is written as though the virus surging through our communities simply doesn't exist.
We need to be using every resource at our disposal to help families, including steps like strengthening our public health infrastructure, ensuring more families don't lose child care, putting more resources towards schools and students, helping women get the reproductive health care they need, including through Planned Parenthood, and critically, making sure the painful disparities in COVID-19 outcomes for communities of color, and racial injustice more broadly, are addressed across our policymaking. Finally, we cannot accept dramatic cuts that will hurt seniors, workers, and refugees.
For months Republicans haven't taken the health and economic consequences of this pandemic seriously, and this one-sided, inadequate legislation is the latest example. I oppose this bill and will continue working for a final bill that actually helps families and communities deal with the deep challenges they're facing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8FABA3F8-CC17-4DF9-B051-B923BE938B55,Senator Murray: Trump Administration Ignoring the Will and the Wellbeing of Families Across the Country By Proceeding With Health Care Lawsuit,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray: Today the difference between the outgoing Trump Administration and the incoming Biden Administration on health carethe path the American people rejected and the future they choseis on full display.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on California v. Texas, the health care case being heard at the Supreme Court today. In the case, Republican Attorneys General and the Trump Administration are seeking to strike down the entire Affordable Care Acta move which would end protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, take health care away from tens of millions of people, and send health care costs skyrocketing.
Today the difference between the outgoing Trump Administration and the incoming Biden Administration on health carethe path the American people rejected and the future they choseis on full display.  Last week, the American people made clear they want to turn the page on the era of endless Republican attacks on their health care, and overwhelmingly elected a new President who believes health care should be a right, not a privilege, and who has laid out clear plans to ensure a family's income doesn't determine whether they can get the care they need. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration is ignoring the will and the wellbeing of families across the country and still urging the Supreme Court to strike down protections for people with pre-existing conditions, rip away health coverage tens of millions of families rely on, and upend care for people across the countryall in the middle of a pandemic.
I'll be watching with concern as Republicans make their partisan case to a Supreme Court they have filled with anti-health care Justices, but I want people who share those concerns to know one thing: we will never stop standing up for your health care. With the new Administration I will continue pushing for steps to not only repair the damage Republican leaders have done over the last four years, but to ensure that no matter where you live, what you make, or who you areyou can get the health care you need without worrying about the cost.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-heck-on-the-firing-of-defense-secretary-mark-esper,STATEMENT: Rep. Heck on the Firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper,2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"OLYMPIA  Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's announcement via tweet that Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was terminated from his position.
 
	President Trump should not have fired Secretary of Defense Esper. His misguided behavior threatens to destabilize America's national security during this transition period. But I have no illusions  the President is going to break a lot of dishes over the next 72 days. That's who he is. It falls to the rest of us to do whatever we can to minimize the damage.
 
Congressman Heck is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Financial Services Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-voice-west,COLUMN: A Voice for the West,2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Central Washington, we understand all-too-well the frustrations that come from feeling like rural communities are being ignored. Large cities and urban areas seem to suck all the air out of the room, leaving those of us in rural America feeling we do not have a voice.
This is especially true in our nation's capital and why I take my responsibility as the voice for Central Washington very seriously. As one of 435 Members in the House of Representatives, I work every day to educate my peers about the priorities and issues facing our district.
From water supply and public land-use to agriculture and energy development, our communities face unique challenges  but we aren't in it alone.
For the past few years, I have served as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, a bipartisan coalition that aims to advance priorities of rural America. The Western Caucus provides an opportunity for Members not just in the West, but from across the country  from Alaska and Arizona to South Carolina and Louisiana  to advocate for our constituents through a platform that unites, elevates, and strengthens our voices.
As a Caucus, we advocate for legislation and policies that empower rural communities. We have worked to encourage responsible resource development and energy independence, increase access to public lands and promote multiple-use, protect our communities from wildfires, support our nation's agriculture industry, and strengthen the water infrastructure that makes our way-of-life possible throughout the West.
Together, we have spearheaded efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act, working alongside the Trump Administration to  finally  delist the gray wolf and allow for state and local entities to manage gray wolf populations.
We have strongly advocated for reforms to our nation's regulatory processes in order to decrease burdens on rural communities, encourage critical infrastructure development, and responsibly manage, conserve, and utilize our natural resources. We saw a lot of these reforms come to fruition in President Trump's modernization of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and his repeal of the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.
We have made a lot of progress, but there is much more to accomplish.
As a Vice Chairman of the Caucus, I have had the chance to travel across the United States to learn about the issues facing different regions of our country. Whether it be discussing wildfire prevention and forestry reforms in California, locally-led conservation efforts in Montana, carbon-capture technology in Texas, the maintenance backlog at our national parks in Arizona, or energy development in Alaska, these trips are educational opportunities that I have not taken for granted.
While our Members represent diverse populations, we have a common interest in standing up for rural America. That is why I am proud to launch my bid for Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.
As a lifelong resident of Central Washington and a third-generation farmer, I have a unique understanding of the negative impacts federal decisions and one-size-fits-all regulations can have on our communities. I want to use this experience to expand the influence of the Caucus and protect the values of rural communities throughout the West and beyond.
As we look toward the 117th Congress, the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to serve as champions for those who feel they have been left behind by the federal government's overreaching laws and burdensome regulatory red tape. As Chairman, I will continue to advocate for the priorities of Central Washington and rural communities across our great country, and I look forward to serving as a Voice for the West.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8E3E0582-7114-47E2-80D9-56A8DC3BB5EA,Senator Murray Statement on Election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President-Elect and Vice President-Elect of the United States of America,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As a country, we have an incredible amount of work ahead of us. But as this victory shows, we can rise to the most difficult tests when we come together and act on our belief in creating a better, fairer future for all. I cannot wait to take up the work ahead with a Biden-Harris Administration.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following the election of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Senator Kamala D. Harris as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.
American voters spoke, and I am thrilled to congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on being elected our next President and Vice President. Joe and Kamala are true public servants who understand the immense challenges workers and families are experiencing because they've lived many of those same challengesand they have the vision and drive to bring us together around solutions.
Because of them, and because of every one of you who didn't just hope, but acted on that hopewho got involved, organized, and votedwe are further on our way to a future where justice, dignity, and opportunity are a reality for each and every one of us.

In particular, as the grandmother of two young girls who have seen Kamala Harris as a role model since she was first elected to federal office, I'm smiling today about the history Kamala has made, and about all the parents telling their children See, you can too!' as she becomes our nation's first woman, Black and Indian-American vice president.
Unfortunately, President Trump and his allies have already decided to attack the results instead of respect them. This is a disgraceful decision that every person who truly values our democracy will stand firmly against, because no matter what the President wrongly and desperately claims in the coming days, the voters spoke clearly. President Trump decisively lost a legitimate election.
As a country, we have an incredible amount of work ahead of us. But as this victory shows, we can rise to the most difficult tests when we come together and act on our belief in creating a better, fairer future for all. I cannot wait to take up the work ahead with a Biden-Harris Administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DF668AE5-D9E4-40BA-B97B-53D9ED8810F2,"Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration End Plans to Withhold Funding for Critical Transportation Projects from Seattle, Other Cities",2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter comes as administration has threatened to withhold federal funding to punish cities where residents have protested for racial justice
Senators: We are disturbed by the DOT's decision to potentially disqualify major American cities from federal funding
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in sending a letter urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that Seattle, Portland, and New York City will not be excluded from federal funding for transportation projects. The letter comes in response to moves from the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from cities based on an arbitrary designation of anarchist jurisdictions in response to racial justice protests this summer.ASeptember 2, 2020,memorandumfrom President Trumplabeled Seattle, Portland, New York City, and Washington, D.C. as anarchist jurisdictions and directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to reviewhundreds of millions of dollars infederal funding to these cities.
AnOctober 8thNotice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) fromDOT'sFederal Transit Administration (FTA) for thePublic Transportation COVID19 Research Demonstration Grant Programstated that the agencywill review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice in accordancewith the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum.
Tying federal funds for local transit agencies to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of power, particularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession,the senators wrote in their letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit transit agencies particularly hard, and many face dire financial circumstances. We are disturbed by the DOT's decision to potentially disqualify major American cities, including the home of the nation's largest transit agency, from federal funding during this unprecedented time.
To ensure that critical funding for critical transportation programs are delivered, the senators requested that DOT explain whether thepresident's September 2, 2020, memorandum will influence any DOT decisions regarding the granting or withholding of Federal Transit Administration funds, and whether the DOT plans to implement thepresident's memorandum in any form.The senators also requested any internal memoranda, e-mails, directives, or communications explaining how DOT offices should implement the President's September 2, 2020, memorandum and subsequent OMB guidance, as well as a list of all DOT funding opportunities that will be affected by this policy. This action follows Senators Murray and Cantwell's previous condemnations of the administration's dubious and potentially illegal scheme to withhold federal funding from Seattle following the summer's racial justice protests, including their recent letters to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency demanding additional details regarding how the agencies plan to implement the White House's directive to withhold federal funding from Seattle and other cities designated as anarchist jurisdictions.
The full text of the letter is available below.

November 2, 2020
Madame Secretary:
On October 8, 2020, the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) alerting local governments and transit agencies of the availability of the Public Transportation COVID19 Research Demonstration Grant Program. We write in strong opposition to the inclusion in the NOFO of language stating that the Department will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice in accordance with the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum, entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities.
President Trump announced this policy on September 2, 2020 to ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government's promise to protect life, liberty, and property. The policy further stated that it is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America's cities. In a September 21, 2020 memorandum, the White House directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the United States Department of Justice to review federal funding to state and local governments. This memorandum specifically targets Portland, OR; New York City, NY; and Seattle, WA. The October 8 NOFO notes that FTA will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to the White House memorandum.
Tying federal funds for local transit agencies to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of power, particularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit transit agencies particularly hard, and many face dire financial circumstances. We are disturbed by the DOT's decision to potentially disqualify major American cities, including the home of the nation's largest transit agency, from federal funding during this unprecedented time.
We fear that this NOFO is simply the first public announcement of DOT's implementation of President Trump's politically-motivated memorandum. As such, we respectfully request the following information from your agency:
 
Will the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum influence any DOT decisions regarding the granting or withholding of FTA funds to the above-named cities?
  
How does DOT plan to implement the President's memorandum?
 
Additionally, we respectfully request any internal memoranda, e-mails, directives, or communications explaining how DOT offices should implement the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum and subsequent OMB guidance, as well as a list of all DOT funding opportunities that will be affected by this policy.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wildfire-recovery-demonstrates-central-washington-s,COLUMN: Wildfire Recovery Demonstrates Central Washingtons Resiliency,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Over the past few months, catastrophic wildfires raged  once again  throughout Central Washington and across the West. Smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest, and whole towns were essentially wiped off the map.
Unfortunately, we are not strangers to the devastation of catastrophic wildfires. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic that already put strain on our local economy and agriculture industry, the damages seem even greater. While the fires may no longer be burning here at home, the impacts on our communities remain.
I recently visited Okanogan County, where I toured some of the damage from the Cold Springs Fire. The Cold Springs Fire claimed homes, community structures like the Omak Mill, and  most tragically  the life of a one-year-old child and his unborn sibling.
We ended the tour at T3 Ranch, where the Townsend Family and community volunteers stored fire recovery supplies that were donated from as far away as North Dakota, proving to me, once again, that in the face of catastrophe, Central Washington remains resilient.
In the aftermath of these disasters, our communities are coming together to rebuild and recover with the hope that the federal government will hear their pleas for action and  finally  reform our land management practices to protect the homes, businesses, and communities across the West that face this threat every year.
The Washington state congressional delegation has supported requests for federal disaster declarations in counties across the state, but the facts are clear: Rural communities are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing federal disaster funds.
In years past, Washington state and many counties in our district have been granted Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support emergency work and repair of public facilities. However, our small, rural communities have been denied Individual Assistance that would help families and businesses directly recover and rebuild homes and businesses they have lost.
That is why I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reform our disaster funding criteria, so that local impacts of disasters are taken into account and rural communities across the country are treated fairly.
Despite this disadvantage, people of the communities I have visited in the wake of this year's wildfires remain full of hope and are looking toward the future.
While in Okanogan County, I hosted a Wildfire Recovery Roundtable with local elected officials, tribes, and community leaders to discuss ways the federal government can work with those on the ground to both rebuild and prevent these disasters from devastating our communities.
The roundtable confirmed what I and many of my colleagues in Congress understand: Healthy, resilient forests and grasslands are the key to wildfire prevention.
Decades of mismanagement, misguided environmental policies, and lackluster forestry and grazing practices have led to forests and grasslands that act as tinder for wildfires, just waiting to be set ablaze each summer. We cannot continue to sit idly by. We have to responsibly log our forests and graze our lands, or we will watch them burn.
Since coming to Congress, I have strongly supported legislation to improve land management practices on public lands, allowing federal, state, and local managers to increase the resiliency of our forests and grasslands. The federal government has made progress, but there is much more work to do.
I have seen firsthand how citizens, volunteers, local organizations, and government entities work together to revive our communities, rebuild our fallen structures, and actively work to prevent future devastation. Just as Central Washington remains committed to wildfire recovery efforts, I remain committed to supporting them in Congress and advancing federal wildfire prevention measures.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-gray-wolf-delisting-trump-administration-follows-sound-science,"Newhouse: Gray Wolf Delisting By Trump Administration Follows Sound Science, Not Politics",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced the final rule to remove the gray wolf from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the lower 48 states:
The gray wolf is an Endangered Species Act success story, said Rep. Newhouse. By empowering states to manage gray wolf populations, the federal government is recognizing the effectiveness of locally-led conservation efforts,basing management decisions on sound science instead of politics,and providing certainty to families, farmers, and rural communities in Central Washington and throughout the country. This action is one of the many steps the Trump Administration is taking to modernize the Endangered Species Act and protect American wildlife, and I look forward to continuingto build uponthese efforts in Congress.
WCA applauds today's Department of the Interior announcement regarding the removal of all gray wolves from the list of ESA-protected species, said Ashley House, Executive Vice President of Washington Cattlemen's Association.We have tremendous confidence in the science that informed this important decision and thank Secretary Bernhardt for his leadership on this matterWe would especially like to extend sincere gratitude to Congressman Dan Newhouse for all his efforts that were undoubtedly instrumental in bringing forth the delisting and for his continued support of ESA reform.We are hopeful that this decision will guide our Washington state policy and policymakers towards a similar statewide decision towards management of the gray wolf population here locally. As ranchers, we remain optimistic that we will be able to protect our livelihoods and ability to produce a safe, affordable, domestic food supply while working in tandem with wildlife managers for balanced management and realized success.We commend the administration for this terrific work.
This is great news for Washington state where our wolf population has reached recoverable levels, said Mike LaPlant, President of the Washington Farm Bureau. We are very thankful for the work of President Trump, Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Director Aurelia Skipwith,and Congressman Newhousefor all their work to make this happen. It's time to end the federal/state split management of wolves in Washington and allow our state wildlife managers to manage wolves in conjunction with all other species.
In 2013, the Obama Administration's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that gray wolf recovery goals had been achieved, yet the effort to delist the animal from the ESA was met with politically-motivated attacks and lawsuits by radical environmental groups. Management of gray wolves was transferred from the states to the federal level following two 2014 U.S. District Court decisions that reinstated gray wolves under the protections of the ESA.
The best available scientific and commercial information continued to indicate the gray wolf does not meet the definitions of a threatened or endangered species. With a range-wide population of more than 6,000, gray wolf recovery efforts have exceeded the combined goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations. In Washington state alone, there are at least 108 known wolves in 21 known packs, including at least 10 breeding pairs, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation reported 37 wolves in five packs.
The gray wolf joins the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, American alligator, brown pelican and 33 other species of animals and plants in U.S. states, territories and waters that have been brought back from the brink with the help of the ESA.
Background:
On March 15, 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to delist the gray wolf and announced the opening of a 60-day public comment period on the proposed action, ending May 14, 2020. In response to requests, the Service extended the comment period until July 15, 2019, to allow all interested parties additional time to comment on the proposal and to allow for a public hearing. In addition, a final peer review report on the proposal was made available on June 3, 2019.
On May 28, 2019, Rep. Newhouse and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) led 34 colleagues in a bipartisan letter in support of the proposed rule, urging the Administration to use the best available science to delist the gray wolf. Click here to read the letter.
In the 115th Congress, Rep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 6784, theManage Our Wolves Act, which passed the House on November 16, 2018.
In Washington, the gray wolf is only listed as endangered in two-thirds of the state. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has publicly supported changing the federal designation in order to fully implement their local management plan. Clickhereandhereto read the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's 2015 and 2018 letters requesting the federal delisting of the gray wolf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-honors-zillah-family-2020-angels-adoption,Newhouse Honors Zillah Family as 2020 Angels in Adoption,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"ZILLAH, WA Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recognized Zillah residents Margarita (Maggie) and Eugene Dawson as Central Washington's 2020 Angels in Adoption. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)'s Angels in Adoption program honors families, individuals, and organizations making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and welfare. The Dawson's were nominated by Rep. Newhouse to receive this honor.
Maggie and Eugene knew their nieces and nephews would need a loving family after this unimaginable tragedy,said Rep. Newhouse.They stepped up, surrounded by support from their community, to provide a home and help the children heal from their trauma. Now, as a family of 12, the Dawson's serve as an inspirational example of how families can thrive, even in the darkest of times. They are angels who truly exemplify the family values we hold dear in Central Washington.
Maggie and Eugene Dawson welcomed their eight nieces and nephews to live in their home just two days after the children's mother lost her life at the hands of their father. Together with their two biological children, Maggie and Eugene have created a safe place and secure family unit, ensuring the children have a chance to grow up with their siblings and cousins. In 2017, they were granted permanent custody of the seven minor children.
Background:
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAI's Angels in Adoption initiative provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity from their district which has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.
CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8BAA2056-F05D-4CEB-AE8B-A693C8346847,"Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Put Politics Aside, End Plans to Hold Critical Public Health Resources Hostage",2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Administration plotting to withhold funding from Democratic-leaning cities for COVID-19 care, food, HIV and opioid treatment, among other programs
Senators:Tying federal funds for local public health efforts to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of powerparticularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession
Senators:This is a clear and unconscionable attempt by President Trump and his Administration to choose winners and losers for public health funds based on whether or not the politics of American cities align with the politics of the President
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, joined by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), led their colleagues U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today in pressing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that millions of dollars in federal funding for critical public health programs will not be withheld to inflict political retribution in the middle of a pandemic. President Trump and Attorney General Barr have threatened to withhold the funding as part of a politically-motivated scheme to punish Americans in Democratic-leaning cities, including Seattle, WA, where residents have been protesting for racial justice.
HHS reportedly sent a list of more than 1,500 grants awarded to Portland, Oregon, New York City and Washington, D.C., in addition to Seattlecities that President Trump and Attorney General Barr have specifically targeted due to local leaders' support of racial justice proteststo the White House budget office.
Tying federal funds for local public health efforts to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of powerparticularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession. According to a report, HHS has identified numerous public health programs and funding mechanisms for potential cuts, including those related to HIV treatment, the opioid crisis, addiction and recovery services, lung disease, hearing screenings for newborns, nutrition and mental health for the elderly, hospital preparedness, child support enforcement, care for COVID-19 patients at community and migrant health centers, and more, the lawmakers wrote in their letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar.
Any arbitrary funding cuts to these programs would have detrimental effects on the vulnerable communities they serve, as well as negatively impact the delivery of crucial health care services during a historic crisis this Administration has utterly failed to mitigate. Additionally, these cuts could further exacerbate the health inequities already made worse by this pandemic, the lawmakers continued.
To ensure that critical funding for public health essential programs are delivered, the senators requested that HHS respond to the letter within two weeks with a copy of the compiled report of federal grants, funding awards, and health programs from all agencies the Department oversees; an explanation for how the Department plans to implement President Trump's directives regarding punishing Portland, Seattle, New York, and Washington, D.C.; and an explanation to whether President Trump's directives will influence the granting or withholding of coronavirus relief funds. This action follows Senators Murray and Cantwell's previous condemnation of the Administration's dubious and potentially illegal scheme to withhold federal funding from Seattle following the summer's racial justice protests, and their recent letter pressing the Environmental Protection Agency on how the agency plans to implement the White House's directive to withhold federal funding from cities designated as anarchist jurisdictions.
Read full text of the letter HERE or below.
October 28, 2020

The Honorable Alex M. Azar
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Azar,
We write with significant concern regarding a new report[1] that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering eliminating millions of dollars in federal funding for critical public health programs, including federal coronavirus relief, amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. This is a clear and unconscionable attempt by President Trump and his Administration to choose winners and losers for public health funds based on whether or not the politics of American cities align with the politics of the President.
These potential funding cuts were reportedly compiled in response to President Trump's September 2, 2020 memorandum entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities.[2] President Trump announced this policy allegedly . . . to ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government's promise to protect life, liberty, and property.
The policy further states, it is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America's cities. In a September 21, 2020 memorandum, the White House directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the United States Department of Justice to review federal funding to state and local governments. This memorandum specifically targets Portland, Oregon; New York City, New York; and Seattle, Washington. The White House later added Washington, D.C. to the list.
Tying federal funds for local public health efforts to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of powerparticularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession. According to a report, HHS has identified numerous public health programs and funding mechanisms for potential cuts, including those related to HIV treatment, the opioid crisis, addiction and recovery services, lung disease, hearing screenings for newborns, nutrition and mental health for the elderly, hospital preparedness, child support enforcement, care for COVID-19 patients at community and migrant health centers, and more. Any arbitrary funding cuts to these programs would have detrimental effects on the vulnerable communities they serve, as well as negatively impact the delivery of crucial health care services during a historic crisis this Administration has utterly failed to mitigate. Additionally, these cuts could further exacerbate the health inequities already made worse by this pandemic.
Due to the grave implications of such decisions, we request the following information and responses to questions from your Department:
1. A copy of the reported list HHS compiled identifying the federal grants, funding awards, and health programs from all agencies the Department oversees. 
2. An explanation for how HHS plans to implement the President's memorandum in regard to funding decisions for public health programs. 
3. Will the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum influence any HHS decisions regarding the granting or withholding of coronavirus relief funds to the above-named cities?
We respectfully request this information within fourteen days of receipt of this letter.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-newhouse-brings-attention-mistreatment-dairy-industry-epa,ICYMI: Newhouse Brings Attention to Mistreatment of Dairy Industry by EPA,2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"RICHLAND, WA On October 9, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) welcomed the Western Caucus Foundation to Central Washington for its Fall Policy Roundtable: When Agencies Weaponize Fake Science. The roundtable aimed to bring attention to the negative impact of misguided federal government decisions and regulations on rural communities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s mistreatment of the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
As Vice Chairman for the Congressional Western Caucus, Rep. Newhouse moderated the roundtable, which included representatives from the Western Caucus Foundation, Washington State Dairy Federation, Idaho Dairymen's Association, Darigold, and Save Family Farming, as well as Central Washington dairy farmer Adam Dolsen and fellow Western Caucus Member, Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). Chief of Staff to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Mandy Gunasekara, joined the group virtually.
""I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with theWesternCaucusFoundation, our panelists, and Ms. Gunasekara from EPA on an issue that has been affecting certainly my constituents in Central Washington and those in rural areas across the country: weaponized 'science,' said Rep. Newhouse. It is no secret that many of the legacy regulations put in place by the Obama Administration have burdened rural America, and you don't have to look far to find an example. In our region, regional EPA employees have been unfairly punishing dairy farmers for years, forcing several dairies to permanently close their doors  all based on a flawed report. We cannot allow federal agencies' regulatory decision-making to demonize whole industries, weaponize shoddy science, or rely on data that has not even been peer-reviewed.I appreciate EPA's willingness to have these important discussions and their commitment to working with rural communities to achieve our shared goals of protecting the environment while providing for jobs and economic development.
Washington, D.C. has a long history of making decisions that pit East Coast interests against the needs of the rural West, said Rep. Fulcher (R-ID). Fortunately, the Trump Administration has a been a strong partner in pushing back on this lopsided status quo, but there is still work to be done. Unelected bureaucrats with their we know better' attitudes cannot continue to unilaterally dictate federal actions. I will continue to stand up on behalf of Idaho's dairy farmers  and all farmers  to fend off these misguided assaults on our rural way of life. With partners like the Western Caucus Foundation, we can continue to solve problems for Idahoans and Americans in rural communities across the country.
In addition to informing and educating policy makers on issues unique to the American West, a key pillar of the Western Caucus Foundation's mission is to ensure local voices have a platform in the face of federal bureaucrats' outsized influence in our nation's capital, said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation. This roundtable was a perfect opportunity to hear from local representatives of dairy farmers in the Pacific Northwest and their frustrations with the weaponization of fake science by federal agencies. We commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to righting this ship and for its many efforts to respect the rights of individuals in the West.
Region 10 remains stuck in its position in allegiance with the environmental activists that are trying to destroy agriculture, not only in Washington state but across the nation, said Dan Wood, Executive Director of the Washington Dairy Federation. Instead of dealing with transparency and science, we have these dastardly political moves by EPA in the court room. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation, for hosting this roundtable, which will hopefully serve as a catalyst for the change Washington dairy farmers deserve.
Idaho's dairy farm families have long felt that their voice goes unheard by many federal agencies, said Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen's Association. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation for providing a platform for these important conversations with EPA and thankful for Congressman Fulcher's leadership on behalf of the Idaho dairy industry.
My family and I  alongside farmers across the Pacific Northwest  work hard to produce dairy products for families across the world, said Adam Dolsen, Owner of Cow Palace Dairy. For years, our industry has been targeted by environmentalist groups and federal bureaucrats touting shoddy science. Congressman Newhouse understands that we need a positive change, or the American dairy industry will cease to exist. I was grateful for the opportunity to join the Western Caucus Foundation's policy roundtable and begin having these important discussions with EPA.
When EPA makes the decision to attack an entire industry based off of false science, it affects all of agriculture, said Gerald Baron, Executive Director of Save Family Farming. We have been working to defend Washington's dairy farmers from harmful regulations and unfair enforcement by the EPA, and this roundtable was another step toward ensuring relief for our dairy industry and for producers across the country. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for including us in the discussion and for your commitment to holding EPA accountable.
Background:
In 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report titled, Relation Between Nitrate in Water Wells and Potential Sources in the Lower Yakima Valley, Washington (EPA-910-12-003) (Yakima Valley Nitrate Report) . The Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used to place liability on current dairy farmers for high nitrates in Yakima Valley groundwater. While dairies can and sometimes do contribute to nitrates in groundwater, overwhelming evidence shows that levels above EPA limits in this area are almost certainly the result of past farming practices and naturally higher nitrate levels in this fertile farming production land.
Cursory peer reviews were performed on the report, but the complete review was missing whole sections. EPA Region 10 staff refuse to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Service complete a proper peer review, per many versions of the EPA's own peer review policies. EPA Region 10 staff also had the designation of the study changed from influential to other, giving the EPA full discretion for the peer review process.
The Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used, without adequate peer review, to force dairies in Central Washington out of business and into financial peril. The report has also been used by an environmental attorney who has sued multiple additional dairy farms and used it to impose unprecedented regulations in Washington state.
On July 1, 2019, Rep. Newhouse requested that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler perform a legitimate peer review study of the September 2012 EPA Yakima Valley Nitrate Report. In aletter, Rep. Newhouse asks Administrator Wheeler to suspend the study from enforcement action and litigation pending completion of the peer review. Click here for more details.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=CFAF6949-A364-41E4-8B85-F7BEF2029713,"Senator Murray Opposes Barrett Nomination, Highlights Washingtonians Stories: This Supreme Court Fight Isnt About PoliticsIts About The Lives Of Hundreds Of Millions Of People",2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On the Senate floor, Senator Murray highlights stories from Washingtonians about how their health care and rights would be jeopardized if Judge Barrett is confirmed
Murray: I am sharing their stories on the Senate floor so that Republicans have no choice but to hear them. And when we vote, Republicans will have no excuse to pretend they don't know exactly what is at stake.
Murray called out Republicans for downplaying the threat of their health care lawsuit while rushing to confirm another anti-health care Justice
Murray: For Republican Senators to stand here and tell families not to worry is kind of like the captain of the Titanic passing out umbrellas, and telling passengers that's all they need. With one key difference: Republicans have been clear from the start that hitting the iceberg isn't an accident, it's the plan.
Murray: Know the consequences of this vote will be felt long after this President is gone from officeregardless of the outcome of this election. People across the country will not forget. And neither will your Democratic colleagues.
***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S FLOOR SPEECH HERE***
Washington, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), spoke on the Senate floor opposing the nomination of far-right Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
In her remarks, Senator Murray highlighted the stories of Washingtonians who have shared what is at stake for them if Republicans carry out their brazenly hypocritical and rushed scheme to stack the Supreme Court with another hard-right jurist hand-picked by President Trump, who will help overturn affordable health care, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, criminalize abortions, and undermine other vital rights. 
From Senator Murray's remarks:
If you don't believe me, ask Mays, from SeaTac, Washington, who lives with sleep apnea, asthma, pre-diabetes, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and hypothyroidism. If Republicans succeed in their lawsuit, she would lose her Medicaid expansion coverage and access to care, meaning her conditions could deteriorate, increasing her risk of diabetes, of a coma, or of dying in her sleep.  If you don't believe Maysthen, ask Rhiannon, from Arlington, Washington, who has type 1 diabetes and could get kicked off her parents' insurance plan if Republicans win at the Supreme Court. As she wrote to me: Right now the ACA is the only hope I have of living past 26.'  If you don't believe Rhiannon, ask Madeline, who has a medical condition which makes pregnancy fatal. For Madeline, affordable health coveragecoverage that includes access to birth controlis absolutely essential. As is the right to an abortion...
And if Republicans don't believe my constituents, I invite them to ask their own. I encourage them to listen. Because I guarantee people across the country know what Republicans have been saying, know exactly what Republicans are voting for, and are speaking up about it.
 Senator Murray went on to warn Senate Republicans that people across the country, and Democrats in the Senate, will not forget the rushed, partisan, and callous effort to jam this nomination through just days before an election.
And to those who choose to put this President, and the profoundly lost Republican Party, above anything else, to those Republicans who are capping these brutal last four years off with such a staggering show of fealty, partisanship, and callousness: Know the consequences of this vote will be felt long after this President is gone from officeregardless of the outcome of this election. People across the country will not forget. And neither will your Democratic colleagues, said Senator Murray.
Since the passing of Justice Ginsburg, Senator Murray has been vocal that Senate Republicans should let Washingtonians and all Americans make their voices heard in the upcoming election and allow the next President to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. She has spoken out repeatedly against President Trump's far-right nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett and has launched a Share your Story campaign to gather and lift up Washingtonians' stories about living with a pre-existing condition, how the Affordable Care Act impacted them, and the importance of protecting the right to safe, legal abortion.
Full text of Senator Murray's remarks below and video of Senator Murray's remarks HERE.
Thank you M. President.
Justice Ginsburg was the first Supreme Court Justice I ever voted for, and a North Star for me and so many others whose futures were irrefutably made possible in part by her life and work.
I pledged I would do everything in my power to honor her last wishthat the next President fill her vacancynot just because Justice Ginsburg was a legal giant who can never be replaced, but because I understandlike she didthat making such a momentous decision, so close to an election, could exacerbate our republic's challenges and spin our democracy into chaos.
That's why I've been fighting so hard to push my colleagues to stop this charade, and to just wait a few weeks.
We should not be voting on this lifetime appointment while the American people themselves are in the middle of votingof telling us how they want this country's future to look.
And this is all made even worse by the fact that in the middle of a pandemic, instead of working with Democrats to pass serious relief communities are calling out for, Republicans are refusing to do anything but jam this anti-health care judge on to the Supreme Court.
Over the last three years, I have seen Republicans rubberstamp hard-right judicial nominees like it's all they came here to do. But watching them ignore the clear wishes of the American people, explicitly reject attempts to help families and communities get through this pandemic, and press on with this grotesque power grabis a new low for this body, for our country, and for the people we serve.
As I've made clear, I will be voting against Judge Barrett's confirmation. Just like I voted against her confirmation to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, against Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, and against so many other Trump-nominated judges whowhether they admit it or notare part of a Republican strategy to roll back our hard-won progress.
Judge Barrett clearly fits the same mold as the more than 200 partisan judges Senate Republicans have fast-tracked onto the federal benchwho are anti-health care and anti-abortion, but pro-big business and pro-wealthy special interests.
And this was all reinforced during the sham nomination process as Senate Republicans and Judge Barrett tried to downplay their own litmus tests.
Judge Barrett was asked to affirm the constitutionality of the law that protects health care for hundreds of millions of Americansshe refused.
She was asked to affirm the long-standing ruling of Roe w. Wade as a super-precedent.' Not surprisinglygiven her record includes a statement calling Roe barbaric'she refused.
She was asked to affirm the constitutionality of the ruling that allowed same-sex marriages, and opened up a new chapter of equality for LGBTQIA+ couplesshe refused.
She was asked to affirm that climate change is causing air and water pollutionyet even on this matter of scientific fact, Judge Barrett refused to answer.
And that was apparently exactly what Senate Republicans hoped she would do.
The lack of transparency from Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans is concerning. Not because we don't know where they standwe do. But because they are so comfortable obfuscating cold facts about Judge Barrett's record and judicial philosophyas well as their own previous statementsas if they're not real.
For example, in 2016 they were adamant that when the Supreme Court loses a justice in an election year, the people's voices should be heard before the vacancy is filled.
For eight months, they refused to hold a hearing on President Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland.
But now, even as the American people are voting, Republicans are trying to ignore their voices.  Well M. President, not on my watch.
I recently asked people in Washington state to share their personal stories about what's at stake for their families.
The response has been overwhelming, and the stories have been alarming. I've heard from people whose stories show how different life was before and after Roe v. Wade, and how much would be lost if reproductive rights are rolled back.
I've heard from people who fear their right to marry, adopt a child, and start a family could be lost.
And I've heard from people who are worried they will die if Republicans get their way at the Supreme Court, and take away the health care and protections they rely on.
Republicans may want to pretend the stakes are not this high. But they don't have to take my word for it they can listen to their own constituents, and look at their own records.
For Republican Senators to stand here and tell families not to worry is kind of like the captain of the Titanic passing out umbrellas, and telling passengers that's all they need.
With one key difference: Republicans have been clear from the start that hitting the iceberg isn't an accident, it's the plan.
Despite the fact that climate change is an existential threatsomething the vast majority of the public understandsRepublicans continue to cower to a President and special interests who insist it's a hoax.
Despite the hard-fought progress for LGBTQIA+ rights, they've stood by as this President undermines them at every turn.
Despite the fundamental importance of the right to vote, they've blocked our efforts to restore and secure these rights, and protect our democracy.
And despite what they would have you believe, Republicans have tried time and time again to end protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and upend health care in this country.
If the failed Trumpcare vote from a few years ago is too painful or too distant a memory for Republicans to revisitthey are, at this very moment, championing a lawsuit that would do all the harm of that bill and then some.
And who will hear that lawsuit?
The deciding vote could be a Justice picked by a President who vowed he would only choose nominees who will rule against protections for pre-existing conditions. Who thinks that would be a big win.' Who said just last week, he hopes that happens.
It's no mystery why President Trump nominated, and Republicans are rushing to confirm, a judge with a record of hostility to the Affordable Care Act.
And it's no secret that a victory for them would be a disaster for families across the country.
If you don't believe me, ask Mays, from SeaTac, Washington, who lives with sleep apnea, asthma, pre-diabetes, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and hypothyroidism.
If Republicans succeed in their lawsuit, she would lose her Medicaid expansion coverage and access to care, meaning her conditions could deteriorate, increasing her risk of diabetes, of a coma, or of dying in her sleep.
If you don't believe Maysthen, ask Rhiannon, from Arlington, Washington, who has type 1 diabetes and could get kicked off her parents' insurance plan if Republicans win at the Supreme Court.
As she wrote to me: Right now the ACA is the only hope I have of living past 26.'
If you don't believe Rhiannon, ask Madeline, who has a medical condition which makes pregnancy fatal. For Madeline, affordable health coveragecoverage that includes access to birth controlis absolutely essential. As is the right to an abortion.
If Republicans get their way, insurance companies would no longer have to cover birth controleven though a pregnancy for Madeline would be life-threatening
And things get even worse for her if Republicans overturn Roe v. Wade.
Last year, when Madeline learned thatdespite being diligent about her birth controlshe was pregnant, she knew what she had to do. She got an abortion. It was safe. It was legal. It was totally her decision. And it was lifesaving.
But if Judge Barrett were Justice Barrett, if the right to abortion were a thing of the past, Madeline's pregnancy could have been a death sentence.
As she puts it, This isn't a right vs. left issue for a lot of us, it's life or deathand knowing [that] is at stake is terrifying.'
Madeline isn't the only person who is terrified.
If Republicans win their lawsuit, over 130 million people with pre-existing conditions, like Madeline, could be charged more for health insurance, have benefits excluded, or be denied coverage entirely.
Over 20 million people, like Mays and Rhiannon, could lose coverage from Medicaid expansion, the exchanges, or their parents' plans.
Insurance companies could exclude essential health benefits countless other patients rely on, like prescription drugs, maternity care, therapy, wheelchairs, and more.
Half the country could be charged more for health insurance just because they are women.
Seniors could face thousands more in health care costs with the return of the age tax, and the Medicare donut hole.
People with disabilities' lives could be upended if they lose access to home and community based services that help them live independent lives, or if insurance providers can discriminate on the basis of disability by denying coverage or charging more.
And people with expensive health care needsa cancer diagnosis, a medically-complicated pregnancy, a fight with COVID-19could be left with an enormous bill, since insurance companieswon't have to cap patients' out-of-pocket costs, but will be able to place annual and lifetime limits on their benefits.
And we can't forget that communities of colorwho already face worse outcomes due to systemic racism in our health care systemwould be hit hardest by so much of the damage of Republicans' health care lawsuit.
And health care isn't all that's at stake for familiesfar from it.
Fundamental rights, protections, and opportunities for workers are on the line.
The fate of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekersfamilies and DREAMers who came to our nation in search of a better life and brighter futureare on the line.
And hard fought victories for the LGBTQIA+ community are on the line.
Matthew, in my home state of Washington, and his husband were able to marry, able to adopt, and fortunate to be able to form a loving family.
But that might not be possible for LGBTQIA+ couples like them in the future, if the highest court in the land turns back the clock, and refuses to see them as equal under the law.
M. President, the bottom line is that this Supreme Court fight isn't about politicsit's about the lives of hundreds of millions of people.
And if Republicans don't believe my constituents, I invite them to ask their own. I encourage them to listen.
 Because I guarantee people across the country know what Republicans have been saying, know exactly what Republicans are voting for, and are speaking up about it.
I am sharing their stories on the Senate floor, and Democrats brought their stories to the Committee room, so that Republicans have no choice but to hear them. And when we vote, Republicans will have no excuse to pretend they don't know exactly what is at stake.
Instead, every one of them will have a simple choice. Will you listen to the families who are speaking up? The people who are saying to you in no uncertain terms, that if you put this judge on the court, if you win this partisan lawsuit, it could kill me.
Or will you ignore them?
 If Republicans truly want to reassure their constituents, want to show they are listeningthe choice is simple: vote NO on this nomination.
And to those who choose to put this President, and the profoundly lost Republican Party, above anything else, to those Republicans who are capping these brutal last four years off with such a staggering show of fealty, partisanship, and callousness: Know the consequences of this vote will be felt long after this President is gone from officeregardless of the outcome of this election. People across the country will not forget. And neither will your Democratic colleagues.
Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-american-dream-alive-and-well-main-street,COLUMN: The American Dream is Alive and Well on Main Street,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and that could not be truer in Central Washington's rural communities. The owners and employees of Main Street businesses are integral to the well-being of our communities, and the support for small businesses I have witnessed during my travels throughout our district is inspiring.
We are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Unfortunately, our small and local businesses  from restaurants and clothing retailers to hardware stores and hair salons  have been hit hard, and many are struggling to survive.
I have participated in several Main Street Tours over the past few years in towns like Ritzville, Prosser, and Zillah. These tours are an opportunity for me to visit the smaller rural communities of Central Washington, meet with local business owners and community leaders, and hear firsthand about the challenges they face and what I can do to help.
I recently traveled to Grant and Franklin Counties, where I participated in Main Street Tours of Quincy and Connell, two communities that have demonstrated great resilience and strength throughout these difficult times.
In Quincy, we visited the site of the Woodinville Whiskey Distillery Co., which aims to open in December. This new distillery will not only add jobs to the local economy, but it will highlight the contributions of local agriculture by making bourbon with rye and corn produced by Quincy farmers. This is just one example of job creation in the face of the economic challenges of a pandemic.
Despite these challenges, Central Washington's communities are growing, and Quincy High School is working to help students meet the needs of existing and emerging job markets in our region. Quincy High, which focuses on preparing students for the workforce with strong programs from agriculture to STEM education, recently completed a $100 million expansion to accommodate for increasing populations.
In Connell, I was greeted by a variety of local business owners who opened their doors to me and shared their experiences with state regulations and lockdowns. Each and every one of them was optimistic for brighter future.
Restaurants like Pizza Station are surviving the pandemic through curbside pickup and by establishing a delivery service. Another local pizza joint, Papa Ray's, has relied on family members pitching in to keep the business afloat. Both restaurants expressed gratitude toward the community of Connell for supporting them when they needed it most.
I visited Imagination Station, Connell's only licensed childcare facility, where staff took voluntary pay cuts in order to continue providing services to children and families; Connell's Small Mall, where local vendors have gathered to sell their goods for decades; and the Old Brick Store, a collectibles store with a rich local history. It was clear to me at all of our stops on the Main Street Tour that the people of Connell truly exhibit the value of community we cherish in Central Washington.
If you ever wondered if the American Dream is alive and well, I encourage you to look toward Main Street. The small business owners, employees, educators, and families that inhabit our local cities and towns truly care about improving their communities and contributing to the greater good. I have and will continue to work to ensure that each and every Central Washingtonian can pursue the opportunities that make America great, and it is an honor to represent our Main Street small businesses in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E2C1E063-59FC-4A87-805B-35D51A9BB8FD,"Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Ask National Guard for Wildfire Readiness Assessment to Help Congress Address Gaps, Better Equip the Guard",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"More than 8.4 million acres burned by U.S. wildfires so far this year, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; 2020 wildfire season one of the worst in decades
Senators press for assessment to help ensure the National Guard has the firefighting resources it needs
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 11 of their colleagues in a letter asking the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare, fight, and recover from wildfires. The report willhelp Congress addressany current needsand utilize all available resources to respond to this year's record wildfire season. The senators also noted that such a report will help Congress better equip the Guardin the futurefor the likelihood of increasingly severe and destructive fire seasons brought on by human-driven climate change.
We commend all the heroic men and women of the National Guard who have been responding to raging wildfires as part of a federal, state, and local effort,the senators wrote in their letter to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Daniel R. Hokanson.With a more complete understanding of the Guard's ability to respond, we can ensure proper resourcing and will be better able to keep our Guard members always ready and always there.
The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades.According to the most recentIncident Management Situation Reportfrom theNational Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have alreadyburned8,427,589 acres. The fires have killed dozens of Americans,destroyed thousands of structures, anddisplaced thousands. On August 19, Governor Inslee issued an emergency proclamation authorizing the Washington National Guard to respond to wildfires statewide. The National Guard has been active since in responding to fires across the state, including assisting with the Whitney Fire in Davenport that burned more than 127,430 acres.
In their letter, the senators requested the National Guard provide the following information:
 
The availability of appropriately trained personnel and equipment for firefighting-related needs;
An accounting of the capacity available through Emergency Management Assistance Compacts and whether expanding them may provide additional opportunities or wildfire capacity; and
Any National Guard Bureau plans or constructs developed with governors for coordinated regional response.
 
In addition to Senators Murray, Cantwell, and Wyden, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tom Udall (D-NM), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
The full text of the letter is available below and HERE. 
Dear General Hokanson:
As devastating fires of historic proportion continue to ravage the United States, we ask you to provide us an assessment of the National Guard's ability to prepare for, respond to, and help state firefighting forces recover from wildfires. A frank estimation will help Congress address any gaps and use every resource available to respond to this year's fires. It will also help us better resource and equip the Guard for a future in which human-driven climate change will make fire seasons increasingly severe and destructive.
Fighting fires is a complex mission that involves state, local, and federal officials and many different agencies. National Guard members who assist may be operating under Title 10, Title 32, State Active Duty, or outside of their state pursuant to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact between governors. Guard members must have the appropriate training, personnel numbers, and equipment needed to fulfill their missions, regardless of their status, because Americans are counting on them to succeed in the moment.
To that end we ask that you provide us your assessment of the current state of the National Guard's ability to prepare for wildfires, help respond to them, and aid in the recovery. Please include the following:
 
An availability of appropriately trained personnel and equipment for firefighting-related needs.
An accounting of the capacity available through Emergency Management Assistance Compacts and whether you believe expanding them may provide additional opportunities or wildfire capacity.
Any National Guard Bureau plans or constructs developed with governors for coordinated regional response.
 
We urge you to be candid both about any current challenges and any gaps you think will emerge as increasingly destructive wildfire seasons put greater demands on the National Guard.
We commend all the heroic men and women of the National Guard who have been responding to raging wildfires as part of a federal, state, and local effort. With a more complete understanding of the Guard's ability to respond, we can ensure proper resourcing and will be better able to keep our Guard members always ready and always there.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402023,Herrera Beutler Helps Secure $3 Million Grant to Establish Industrial Workspace in Washougal,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award of $3 million to the Port of Camas-Washougal to help establish an industrial workspace for use by local manufacturing employers. 
The EDA grant, targeted to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and $1.4 million in state funds, and is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $10.6 million in private investment.
In addition to helping establish the Opportunity Zone in Washougal, Herrera Beutler also partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to successfully earn this grant. Her advocacy included this 2019 letter to EDA.
Yet another reason I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was because it established Opportunity Zones like the one that's bringing 130 new jobs and $10 million in private investment to Washougal, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. Job creation has always been my top priority, so I'm grateful to the Department of Commerce for targeting the tools Congress provided through the 2017 tax cuts bill in support of the Port of Camas-Washougal's effort to bring more manufacturing jobs here.
EDA is proud to support local efforts to improve infrastructure to spur new business growth, Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said. EDA investments in Opportunity Zones enhance the return on investment for business interests and encourage the public/private partnerships critical to driving private investment and new jobs to cities like Washougal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EC1D0CF7-8069-4AEA-A000-375DFA2AF44E,Senator Murray Responds to Ongoing Fallout of Trump Administrations Inhumane Family Separation Policy: Evil Is Too Kind A Word,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Lawyers have been unable to identify parents of 545 children separated by the Trump Administration in 2017
Senator Murray: Because of the Administration's calculated cruelty, 545 children have not seen their parents since 2017and have no idea if or when they will ever see them again.
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to reporting that lawyers have still been unable to track down the parents of 545 children who were separated by the Trump Administration in 2017 under the pilot program of its family separation policy.
Evil is too kind a word for what the Trump Administration has done here. Because of the Administration's calculated cruelty, 545 children have not seen their parents since 2017and have no idea if or when they will ever see them again. As a mother and a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through. I am outraged that our President has made this nightmare an enduring reality for so many families. The staggering inhumanity of this President's treatment of these children belongs in the darkest chapters of our nation's historythe ones we can never forget and must never repeat.
We need to do everything we can to reunify these familiesand we need to pass the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act so that no President can ever do this again.
In 2019, Senator Murray introduced the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act which would create clear, non-negotiable standards for the treatment of children in America's careputting an end to the Trump Administration's cruel and neglectful treatment of children at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reforming how children fleeing persecution are treated between the moment at which they arrive at our borders to claim asylum and the ultimate resolution of their asylum case.
Senator Murray has been pressing hard for oversight of how the Administration is addressing the fallout from its inhumane family separation policy. In 2018, she pressed for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to conduct a comprehensive review of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) program. The report, which was released earlier this year, found among other issues that a lack of preparation impeded HHS's ability to identify, care for, and reunify separated children.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0A5A9E72-5FE4-473D-86C1-E07A91B0FD68,Senator Murray Statement on Insufficient GOP Small Business Pandemic Relief Proposal,2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray released statement following failed Senate vote to consider small business relief proposal that would leave out restaurants, live music venues, and more
Senator Murray: These latest Republican proposals, just like their last, ignore the calls I've been hearing for months in Washington state
Senator Murray: We can't leave behind the people and communities most in need in this crisisbut that's what these deeply misguided, backward proposals would do
Senator Murray: There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of the serious COVID-19 relief families and communities need except Majority Leader McConnell and the members of his party who won't stand up to him and fight for their constituents like Democrats are fighting for ours
(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the statement below following a vote on the Senate floor to call up Senate Republicans' legislation regarding the Paycheck Protection Program.
These latest Republican proposals, just like their last, ignore the callsI've been hearing for months inWashington state:from families and communities struggling to feed themselves and make rent, schools straining to create a healthy learning experience, and from the many workers, restauranteurs, music venues proprietors, non-profit workers and small business owners who have been hurt by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19all while dramatically shortchanging efforts to make tests faster and easier to get, doing nothing to address glaring health disparities, and without laying out the kind of comprehensive, national vaccines plan experts say is vital.
It would be beyond shameful tobail out big businesses, but not small onesinmy state and othersthat families and communitiesdepend on so muchand we can't protect corporations from liability if their workers or customers get sick while ignoring the need for emergency standards to protect workers on the job. We can't leave behind the people and communities most in need in this crisisbut that's what thesedeeplymisguided, backward proposals would do.
Let me be clear: at this very moment, there is absolutely nothing standing in the way of the serious COVID-19 relief families and communities need except Majority Leader McConnelland the members of his party who won't stand up to him and fight for their constituents like Democrats are fighting for ours. We can get this done as soon as they get serious about the depth of this crisis and putting families, communities, and small businesses first.
Senator Murray has been working for months and pressing her Senate Republican colleagues to bring up robust legislation passed by the Houselike the HEROES Act and HEROES 2.0that more substantively addresses the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for small businesses. To that end, earlier today Senator Murray joined her colleagues in introducing the HEROES Small Business Lifeline Act a comprehensive package of measures that would provide over $370 billion of support to the hardest-hit, most vulnerable small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and very small businesses that have been left behind in this pandemic, as well as similarly-impacted industries, such as restaurants and live venues. The bill is nearly identical to the small business provisions of HEROES 2.0, which passed the House of Representatives on October 1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-bringing-bipartisanship-other-washington,COLUMN: Bringing Bipartisanship to the Other Washington,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"It is no secret that, in recent years, politics have become increasingly divisive. What Americans across the country see on television is arguing, partisan attacks, and politicized accounts of votes on specific pieces of legislation.
What they don't see is the behind-the-scenes conversations, the bipartisan collaboration, or the hundreds of bills we unanimously pass out of the House. These things are happening all the time, but one of my priorities in Congress has been to make these occurrences more frequent and to bring these collaborative efforts into the limelight.
I am proud of my long history of working across the aisle with my colleagues  from the Washington State House of Representatives and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to the halls of Congress. In my experience, working together  in a bipartisan fashion  is the best and most effective way to deliver results.
Not long ago, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and I participated in a Civility & Respect Tour throughout Washington state. We traveled across our districts to speak with small businesses, students, and federal partners about the importance of bipartisanship in Congress. These trips served as beneficial opportunities to hear different perspectives from fellow Washingtonians located just hours away from my own congressional district.
I recently joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) for a similar event in the form of an online discussion about increasing bipartisanship in Congress. As a former technology executive, Rep. DelBene has different experiences and perspectives than I do as a lifelong farmer  but there are several priorities of our districts and our state that align. We discussed our shared goals of strengthening international trade deals, working to reform our agricultural labor programs, and ensuring that our state has the tools and resources we need to combat COVID-19 and keep families safe.
Accomplishing these goals for Washington would be impossible if it weren't for the across-the-aisle collaboration and relationships we have built within our state delegation, which is something I am very proud of. Reps. Kilmer, DelBene, and I have worked to promote this collaboration through our work on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress as well.
Washington state is well-represented on the Select Committee. As Chairman, Rep. Kilmer brought together 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans, including Rep. DelBene and myself, to work together on a truly bipartisan basis to improve the People's House.
We recently released the Select Committee's final report, which includes 97 bipartisan recommendations about how to make Congress more effective and transparent for the American people, including recommendations to specifically increase bipartisanship and relationship-building in Congress.
The Select Committee made recommendations for creating venues for bipartisan partnerships in the Capitol, as well as a biennial bipartisan retreat, where elected Representatives and their families could get to know each other outside of the House floor and committee rooms.
As Rep. Kilmer once said to me: The best way to know where someone is coming from is to actually see where they come from. I have taken his words to heart, and I truly believe that a sense of understanding, respect, and  eventually  bipartisanship will result from Members actively learning more about their peers from across the country.
As we approach the election on November 3, it is important to remember that civility and respect must play an important role in our political and daily lives. I am proud of Washington state's ability to work together, across party lines, for the priorities of our great state, and I will continue to embrace the relationships I have built across the aisle. I hope others will do the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402020,"Herrera Beutler Conversation with Camas Native, Astronaut Michael Barratt, and NASA Administrator Now Available",2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler's Q&A session with Camas native, NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and Vancouver iTech Preparatory and Camas' Odyssey Middle School, is now posted and available for others to watch any time.
The virtual conversation focused on NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024. Students from both participating schools asked a range of questions, many of which focused on Dr. Barratt's personal experience in space, his career path, and how NASA is studying the effects of space on the human body.
It was an honor to talk to a Camas native, NASA astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and connect him with Southwest Washington students to share about our space program, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. I believe we sparked interest in more than a few students to consider how they too can one day explore space, and maybe walk on the moon or Mars. With the right STEM skills and hard work, they now know that the sky doesn't have to be the limit.
Inspiring the Artemis Generation to pursue STEM careers is crucial to cultivate the talent America needs to succeed in sending human explorers to deep space, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. To further NASA's mission, we want to engage students and show them they can be part of the Artemis Program to go forward to the Moon in preparation for Mars. Congresswoman Herrera Beutler has shown great leadership in the state of Washington and the nation, helping provide STEM opportunities for students at all educational levels and supporting NASA STEM Engagement overall.
Additional Information:
NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt's Biography
NASA's Artemis Program
NASA STEM Engagement",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/absolute-game-changer-newhouse-applauds-department-energy-investment,An Absolute Game-Changer: Newhouse Applauds Department of Energy Investment in Central Washington Nuclear Energy Projects,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the recipients of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). ARDP will provide initial funding to projects developing advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. The selected ARDP recipients, X-energy and TerraPower-GE Hitachi, will work in partnership with Energy Northwest in Richland, WA, as the key utility partner to continue innovating the next generation of nuclear energy technology.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the ARDP awards and Energy Northwest's role in the selected projects:
The selection of these projects is an absolute game-changer for our state and makes it official: Tri-Cities, Washington is a global leader in nuclear energy innovation, said Rep. Newhouse. The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program indicates the Department of Energy's commitment to the development of safe, reliable nuclear power, which is unquestionably necessary as our country heads toward a clean energy future. I applaud DOE's recognition of the brilliant scientific minds in Central Washington, our region's history of nuclear development and innovation, and the legacy these projects will establish for the future of nuclear power in the United States. I could not be more thrilled with this announcement and this momentous opportunity for our region.
X-energy will deliver a commercial four-unit nuclear power plant based on its Xe-100 reactor design. The Xe-100 is a high temperature gas-cooled reactor that is ideally suited to provide flexible electricity output as well as process heat for a wide range of industrial heat applications, such as desalination and hydrogen production. The project will also deliver a commercial scale TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel fabrication facility, leveraging DOE's substantial investment in development of this highly robust fuel form.
TerraPower will demonstrate the Natrium reactor, a sodiumcooled fast reactor that leverages of decades of development and design undertaken by TerraPower and its partner, GEHitachi. The high-operating temperature of the Natrium reactor, coupled with thermal energy storage, will allow the plant to provide flexible electricity output that complements variable renewable generation such as wind a solar. In addition, this project will establish a new metal fuel fabrication facility that is scaled to meet the needs of this demonstration program.
Background:
The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, is designed to help domestic private industry demonstrate advanced nuclear reactor in the United States.
Under the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, DOE received $230 million to start a new demonstration program for advanced reactors. ARDP elements include Advanced Reactor Demonstration, Risk Reduction for Future Demonstrations, Regulatory Development, and Advanced Reactor Safeguards.
Click here to learn more about ARDP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7BE5CE5E-8E5B-4B73-B6A6-45D397064581,VIDEO: Senator Murray Reacts to Supreme Court Hearings for Judge Barrett: Just because Judge Barrett refuses to answer questions doesnt mean her record isnt clear,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Live on Twitter, Senator Murray shared key takeaways from the first day of questioning of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett
Senator Murray highlighted how Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans dodged questions about Judge Barrett's extreme views on reproductive health, vital rights and protections, and more
Senator Murray: What was perhaps most striking was how Judge Barrettand Senate Republicanshave tried to distance themselves from her record, and what they know the consequences of appointing her to the Supreme Court would mean for the future of health care, safe and legal abortion, and more
Senator Murray also shared personal stories from Washingtonians concerned about Judge Barrett's extreme anti-health care, anti-reproductive health record
Senator Murray: Future of safe, legal abortion something Judge Barrett has made clear she adamantly opposes and could absolutely be overturned by a conservative majority on the Supreme Courtno matter what Judge Barrett did or didn't say during today's hearing
Senator Murray: Stopping this won't be easy, and may even sound unbelievable. But just like when we defeated Trumpcare, I know that working togetherharder than we ever have beforecan make the impossible, possible.

ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination  MORE HERE

***WATCH FULL VIDEO OF SENATOR'S MURRAY LIVESTREAM REACTION HERE***

Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, highlighted Trump Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Senate Republicans' refusal to answer for her partisan judicial record during Judge Barrett's first day of questioning by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. On Twitter, Senator Murray livestreamed her reaction to the day's events and Judge Barrett's responses. In her remarks, Senator Murray expressed her alarm at Judge Barrett's refusal to commit to uphold the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, or confirm that she would recuse herselfif confirmedfrom any cases regarding the outcome of the election. Senator Murray also shared her deep concern about Judge Barrett's remarks regarding systemic racism and sexual orientation, and the efforts throughout the hearing by Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans to obfuscate Judge Barrett's troublesome record.
But what was perhaps most striking was how Judge Barrettand Senate Republicanshave tried to distance themselves from her record, and what they know the consequences of appointing her to the Supreme Court would mean for the future of health care, safe and legal abortion, and more, Senator Murray said. Just because Judge Barrett refuses to answer questions doesn't mean her record isn't clearthat's precisely why she was nominated, and why now Senate Republicans are dancing around the litmus tests they created.
In response to Judge Barrett's persistent dodging of questions about her previous statements opposing legal rulings that uphold vital health care protectionsincluding her past remarks challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and the historic precedent in Roe v. WadeSenator Murray also lifted up stories collected from Washingtonians laying out their concerns about how Judge Barrett would undermine affordable health care, protections for pre-existing health conditions, and access to safe, legal abortion if appointed to the nation's highest court.
Judge Barrett is all but guaranteed to be the deciding vote to push the Supreme Court to a 6-3 conservative majority and overturn the Affordable Care Actwhich would eliminate pre-existing conditions protections and send health care expenses skyrocketing, Senator Murray added after sharing stories from two Washington state constituents who are frightened by the impact Judge Barrett's appointment to the Supreme Court would have on the future of affordable health care and other vital rights.
Senator Murray has been vocal in her strong opposition to Judge Barrett's nomination and Senate Republicans' rushed, brazen process to try and fill Justice Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat in the middle of an election; recently, she reiterated her call for Senate Republicans to refocus on working with Democrats to pass much-needed federal pandemic relief that will help struggling families, students, small business, Tribes, and more weather the on-going public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 virus. In addition to fighting hard against Judge Barrett's nomination, Senator Murray has continued to encourage people in Washington state and across the country to raising their voices against Judge Barrett's extreme record, in order to push Senate Republicans to honor the will of the American people and allow the next president to replace Justice Ginsburg.
Watch video of Senator Murray's full reaction HERE.
Key excerpts from Senator Murray's remarks below, as prepared for delivery:
Today's questioning unpacked a lot of Judge Barrett's most troubling and extreme views: how she refused to commit to uphold the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, or confirm that she would recuse herselfif confirmedfrom any cases regarding the outcome of the election. I was also very concerned about what her use of the term sexual preference' indicated about her personal views on the LGBTQIA+ communityand what that could mean for their hard-fought rights. And her responses to Senator Booker's important questions about how she would approach issues of systemic racism in our laws and statues only deepened my concern about how Judge Barrett's views, if confirmed to our nation's highest court, might undermine future efforts to stop racial injustice.
But what was perhaps most striking was how Judge Barrettand Senate Republicanshave tried to distance themselves from her record, and what they know the consequences of appointing her to the Supreme Court would mean for the future of health care, safe and legal abortion, and more. Just because Judge Barrett refuses to answer questions doesn't mean her record isn't clearthat's precisely why she was nominated, and why now Senate Republicans are dancing around the litmus tests they created.
Lori says Judge Barrett is against affordable health care, which allows many families like ours to have health insuranceincluding our son,' who she says suffered a head injury in an accident, and was only able to get coverage after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Thisprotections for people with pre-existing conditionsis such an important point that Lori raised, and one of the reasons I'm working so hard against Judge Barrett's nomination. President Trump and Republicans have been trying for years nowthrough legislation and in the courtsto get rid of affordable health care, including protections for pre-existing conditions. In fact, the Supreme Court will hear a case right after the election brought by President Trump and Republicans that could upend health care for families across the country, and Judge Barrett is all but guaranteed to be the deciding vote to push the Supreme Court to a 6-3 conservative majority and overturn the Affordable Care Actwhich would eliminate pre-existing conditions protections and send health care expenses skyrocketing.
Another constituentan 80-year old woman in Tacomawrote me this: I am very worried that all the progress I've seen with women's reproductive rights will be dismantled if a right wing conservative is rammed through before the inauguration.' So am I; the threat Judge Barrett poses to affordable health care is frightening, but her anti-reproductive health record is equally dangerous to the future of safe, legal abortion in the countrysomething Judge Barrett has made clear she adamantly opposes and could absolutely be overturned by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, no matter what Judge Barrett did or didn't say during today's hearing.
It's why I'm going to keep fighting tooth and nail in the Senate to stop Republicans' charade of a serious process, and why all of us must stand together and raise our voices against this until Republicans are forced to stop and listen. I'm going to keep lifting up stories like these, and encouraging everyone to make your voices heard. Stopping this won't be easy, and may even sound unbelievable. But just like when we defeated Trumpcare, I know that working togetherharder than we ever have beforecan make the impossible, possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-executive-order-support-reliable-modernized-water,"Newhouse Applauds Executive Order to Support Reliable, Modernized Water Infrastructure",2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Modernizing America's Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure. The Executive Order establishes a Water Subcabinet of senior federal agency officials to ensure federal coordination on water policy and facilitate efficient, effective management and modernization of water supplies and systems. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the action:
One of my highest priorities since coming to Congress has been strengthening and modernizing the federal water infrastructure that makes our way of life possible in Central Washington and across the West, said Rep. Newhouse. The establishment of the Water Subcabinet by President Trump is a monumental step toward meeting the water supply, storage, and infrastructure needs of rural communities across the United States. From continuing to build upon the incredibly collaborative efforts in the Yakima River Basin to fulfilling the federal government's commitment to the completion of the Columbia Basin Project, I will continue to work with federal agencies to secure this vital resource for Central Washington. President Trump's Executive Order will go a long way in successfully doing so.
Under the Executive Order, the Water Subcabinet will:
 Promote effective and efficient water resources management by reducing duplication between Federal agencies developing water policy;
 Develop a national water strategy to ensure the reliability of our water supplies, water quality, water systems, and water forecasting;
 Protect taxpayer investments and improve water infrastructure planning by promoting integrated planning and coordination for drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, water storage and delivery, and water resource management; and
 Support and enhance workforce development to recruit, train, and retain water sector professionals.
Click here to read the text of the Executive Order and click here for a fact sheet.
The Water Subcabinet will be co-chaired by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler. It will include senior officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, and the Department of the Army; and it will work in close coordination with senior officials from the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and other federal agencies as appropriate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6EBDBA28-EFD3-406F-8026-D83E5FF79357,Senator Murray Launches Interference Tracker Amid Continued Revelations of Trump Officials Meddling in COVID-19 Response,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray launched the Save Our Science Political Interference Tracker
Senator Murray has introduced the STOP Act to provide transparency and accountability to address the Trump Administration's repeated efforts to interference in the work of experts and scientists
Senator Murray: The pattern here is unmistakable and dangerousthe Trump Administration is putting politics first and putting lives in jeopardy
***See the SOS Political Interference Tracker HERE***
(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, launched the Save Our Science (SOS) Political Interference Tracker, a page that details the many reports of Trump Administration officials interfering in the work of public health experts and scientists on the frontlines of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts.
The pattern here is unmistakable and dangerousthe Trump Administration is putting politics first and putting lives in jeopardy by interfering in the work of scientists and experts who should be leading our response to this pandemic. The White House should not be trying to overrule experts at the public health agencies on the frontlines of this crisis, undermine public trust in their work, or spread false statements and wild conspiracies. Unfortunately, as this tracker shows, that's exactly what has been happening.
Keeping a record of this rampant interference is a necessary step, but I know this alone won't stop it Congress must take action. I introduced the Science and Transparency Over Politics Act to provide the accountability and transparency that has been so badly missing from this Administration's COVID-19 response, and I'm going to keep pushing Republicans to support that bill. The growing list of alarming examples in this tracker make the case for that legislation painfully clear. It's past time for every Republican who has claimed to support the science to prove it.
Last month, Senator Murray introduced the Science and Transparency Over Politics (STOP) Act, which would create a task force of the Pandemic Response and Accountability Committee charged with conducting a thorough investigation into any political interference with decisions made by scientific agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services in connection with the pandemic response. These reports would be released to committees of jurisdiction and could be made public, and the task force would have full discretion to release any information that it deems is in the public interest and may be important to public safety.
See the new SOS Political Interference Tracker HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A43B13E9-9865-4810-A0A1-0014C5ACBECA,Senator Murray Announces Major Federal Investments in Puget Sound Ports,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Port of Seattle and Port of Bellingham to each receive multi-million dollar awards for infrastructure modernization through Department of Transportation grant program
Senator Murray: Even during on-going pandemic we can't ignore the priorities that we know are critical to keeping our vital ports updated and healthy, and our state economically-competitive
Upgrades to Port of Seattle's Terminal 5 will double capacity for agricultural exports, allow shipping costs to be reduced and shorten time to market for U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers
Improvements to Port of Bellingham will renovate its shipping terminal and further expand the Port's unloading and loading capacity, creating family-wage jobs and increasing trade
Senator Murray: I'm not going to stop pushing for the federal investments in infrastructureand moreI know will be vital to our state's recovery in the weeks, months and years ahead
Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate's transportation appropriations subcommittee, directly advocated for these projects to Transportation Secretary Chao
(Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate subcommittee overseeing transportation and infrastructure appropriations, today announced two major federal awards to help rehabilitate and modernize the Port of Seattle and the Port of Bellingham. The grants were awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's competitive Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), with more than $10 million awarded to the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) for the Port of Seattle and nearly $7 million to the Port of Bellingham. The announcement follows Senator Murray's conversations with Transportation Secretary Chao and advocacy to senior Department leaders about the importance of improving the Washington state ports, which are instrumental to the region's agricultural and manufacturing sectors, global trading relations, and continued economic growth.
We're all doing the best we can to stay safe during this uncertain time, but we can't ignore the priorities that we know are critical to keeping our vital ports updated and healthy, and our state economically-competitive, Senator Murray said about the grants. These awards are good news for future job-seekers, as well as growers and manufacturers from our state and across the nation who will benefit from upgraded port facilities and increased market access.
While I'm going to keep doing everything I can get families and communities in our state the support and relief they need to make it through this pandemic, I'm not going to stop pushing for the federal investments in infrastructureand moreI know will be vital to our state's recovery in the weeks, months and years ahead, Senator Murray added.
The Port of Seattle will receive $10,687,333 to complete four major transportation infrastructure upgrades at the port's Terminal 5, located at the southern end of the Seattle Harbor, as part of a larger modernization effort. Terminal 5, one of the largest marine terminals on the West Coast, has largely laid dormant since 2014, when larger ocean carriers that the terminal cannot currently accommodate became the global shipping industry standard. Once renovated, Terminal 5 will be capable of simultaneously serving two 18,000-TEU ships, some of the world's largest container vessels. Additionally, the improvements will effectively double the terminal's capacity for refrigerated agricultural exports to over 170,000 containers per year, most of which originate from rural Americaallowing shipping costs to be reduced and shortening the time it takes for U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers to get their goods to market. The renovated terminal will offer tremendous advantages to U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers seeking access to global markets by making the movement of goods through the Pacific Northwest safer, more efficient, more reliable, more economically competitive, and more environmentally sustainable. In fact, the Puget Sound Gatewayfacilitated by the Port of Seattlehandles exports from all 50 states, and 60% of its import cargo is distributed beyond the Pacific Northwest.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance thanks Senator Murray for her work to secure funding for this project. This project will modernize Terminal 5 and ensure the NWSA the infrastructure we need to compete with ports in Canada, said Port of Seattle Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair Peter Steinbrueck. I am grateful to Senator Murray for her consistent focus on ensuring that the Northwest Seaport Alliance remains a premier gateway for Washington exports and international trade.

Added Port of Tacoma Commission President and NWSA Co-Chair John McCarthy: Senator Murray's support has been critical to the NWSA's efforts to remain a top-tier trade gateway.We are grateful for her support for the Terminal 5 project and also for leading the charge in Congress to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax.She is truly a champion of Washington state portscritical infrastructure that will be necessary to lead economic recovery during the COVID health crisis.
Additionally, another award of $6,854,770 will go to the Port of Bellingham to enhance the Port's electrical and broadband infrastructure, as well as other repairs and upgrades that would allow the Port to accommodate larger ocean vessels with a wider variety of cargo and bolster its unloading capacity on dock. When completed, the upgrades to the Port's shipping terminal are expected to help improve safety at the Port, create family-wage jobs and boost the regional economy through increased trade and commercedirectly benefitting local fabricating and logging facilities, and a number of other Port-dependent businesses. In addition to advocating for additional federal relief to support Washington state during on-going COVID-19 pandemic, including priorities critical to the state's post-pandemic recovery, Senator Murray has long championed efforts to strengthen federal funding for vital transportation and infrastructure projects in Washington stateincluding most recently her successful efforts to push the Department of Transportation to award more than $17.5 billion in federal funding to construct a new cargo terminal at the Port of Everett.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-delist-gray-wolf,COLUMN: Delist the Gray Wolf,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Endangered Species Act was signed into law to help protect and recover animals and wildlife facing critical threats or risk of extinction. As Americans, we share the common goal of protecting our environment, creating healthy ecosystems, and ensuring that our growing human populations can live in tandem with the plants and animals around us.
While the law was well-intentioned, the ESA has not seen meaningful reforms since 1978. Our country has grown and evolved immensely in the last four decades, and it only makes sense to bring this landmark species protection law into the 21st Century.
I have worked alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Western Caucus to modernize the ESA and move species recovery forward more effectively. From ensuring data from local, state, and tribal governments is utilized when making these important decisions to requiring the federal government to disclose their decision-making data to the public, we aim to make the ESA listing process more transparent and responsive to those it affects most.
Americans in rural areas across the country  and right here in Central Washington  are fed up with the federal government mandating one-size-fits-all regulations without considering the needs of local communities. We also understand the importance of locally-led conservation projects, which have effectively resulted in the protection of our land and our native species.
Earlier this Congress, I introduced the WHOLE Act to ensure that all conservation measures are considered when federal decisions impacting ESA-listed species are made. By considering the totality of conservation efforts  not just those established by the federal government  we can incentivize further investment in species recovery and promote more comprehensive efforts between the federal government and states, local communities, and tribes.
The Trump Administration has proposed updates to the ESA that will result in effective, science-based conservation. By promoting transparency and commonsense policymaking, these new regulations ensure local input is considered when making critical habitat decisions and will empower our communities to celebrate our species recovery efforts.
While the Administration has been making progress, there is still work to do.
The negative impacts of an outdated, overreaching Endangered Species Act are realized throughout our communities in Central Washington. The most glaring example: the gray wolf.
The gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in 1978. At that time, the best available science suggested the species was at risk of extinction. Now, gray wolves can be found across the United States and in nearly fifty countries around the world, and we must use the best available science to delist the gray wolf and allow our states to manage its populations.
In Washington, gray wolf management becomes even more convoluted. With patchwork protections in different areas of our state, it appears we are abandoning scientific reasoning and expecting these apex predators to abide by arbitrary, invisible boundaries.
In 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that gray wolf recovery goals had been achieved, yet the effort to delist the animal from the ESA was met with politically-motivated attacks and lawsuits by radical environmental groups. As a result, the growing gray wolf population continues to threaten agriculture and livestock, hunting and recreation, and other wildlife  as well as human lives  in communities across the United States.
The recovery of the gray wolf should be considered an ESA success story. As I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure a modernized, effective Endangered Species Act, I am calling on the Administration to use the scientific data we have available: delist the gray wolf, allow our states to manage populations, and celebrate this win for species recovery.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-newhouse-bill-address-crisis-mmiw-law,President Trump Signs Newhouse Bill to Address Crisis of MMIW Into Law,2020-10-10,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after President Trump signed Savanna's Actand theNot Invisible Actinto law:
President Trump signing these bills into law signals to Native communities across the country that this crisis will no longer go unnoticed, said Rep. Newhouse. The families and loved ones of missing and murdered indigenous women have waited far too long for justice, and it is my hope that we can begin working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. I am grateful for the tribes, advocates, and community members who have helped bring awareness to this issue and for all of my colleagues in Congress who helped us take this important step.
Rep. Newhouse introduced Savanna's Act in May 2019. The bill passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 21, 2020. Click here to learn more.
Background:
On May 14, 2019, Rep. Newhouse joined Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to introduce Savanna's Act, a bill that aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) across the country. The bill develops guidelines and best practices for law enforcement agencies across the country, improves coordination between law enforcement agencies, and enhances reporting, record keeping, and communication for law enforcement and families of victims.
Since the bill's introduction, Rep. Newhouse has continued to urge Congress to act and pass legislation to provide relief to Native communities. In October,he hosted an hour-long bipartisan call-to-actionon the House floor.Click here to watch remarks by Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues.
Later that month, Rep. Newhouse arranged meetings with House leadership for two Yakama Nation leaders, then-Chairman JoDe Goudy and Councilwoman Lottie Samm, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to express the impact the MMIW crisis was having on local communities and to discuss the importance of passing legislation like Savanna's Act.
Savanna's Act was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. While House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-CA) did not meet with the delegation, Rep. Newhouse and the Yakama Nation leaders met with Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, and Chairwoman Karen Bass (D-CA) of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Following the announcement of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, orOperation Lady Justice, Rep. Newhouse invited Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney to Central Washington to hear firsthand from tribal leaders. The group discussed how federal actions and legislation would help Native communities more effectively investigate crimes and deliver justice to the loved ones of these women.Click here to read more about the meeting in theYakima Herald-Republic.
Last month, Rep. Newhouse convened a similar meeting, inviting U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop to meet with local, state, and tribal law enforcement officers and discuss the challenges they face in curbing the disproportionately high murder and violence rates against Native American women. At this meeting, Rep. Newhouse discussed how Savanna's Act would aid law enforcement agencies to track findings and more effectively investigate cases of MMIW. The U.S. Attorney also announcedOperation White Swan, a federal effort that aims to curb violence on the Yakama Nation reservation.
On March 11, Savanna's Act passed through the House Judiciary Committee unanimously.Rep. Newhouse issued a statement of support.
On July 17, Rep. Newhouse led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Pelosi, urging congressional action onSavanna's Actand theNot Invisible Actbefore August recess. The letter has not received a response.
On September 17, Rep. Newhouse was joined by his Congressional Western Caucus colleagues, Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), todemand a House voteon Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act.
On September 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act unanimously.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402029,The Daily News: Opinion Editorial: Forest Management,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Over the past few weeks, we didn't have to turn on the TV or see photos online to understand the severity of the wildfires burning up and down the West Coast. 
Unbreathable air shut us into our homes. The dark skies gave us a gut-wrenching, hopeless feeling. Many Washington, Oregon, and California residents lost homes and businesses. Hundreds of thousands of acres of vital wildlife habitat were destroyed.
As always, our brave first responders battled the blaze in a huge effort to protect our communities. Resources for firefighting are critical, and I've worked to successfully increase funding for wildland fire preparedness from my position in Congress.
But we don't need to put first responders in harm's way, battling these largely preventable crises every year. We shouldn't resign ourselves to a new normal of annual destruction and pollution, where we're worried about our lives, homes, and loved ones with asthma or fragile health conditions. There are steps we can take immediately in our northwest forests to drastically reduce the scope and duration of these destructive, unnatural fires.
I agree with this quote from Washington's Democrat Commissioner of Public Lands, Hillary Franz: By actively managing our forests  using strategies such as prescribed burns and thinning  we can restore forests to a more natural and resilient condition. We can bring our forests back to health, boost jobs in rural Washington, and reduce the threat of wildfires.
A changing climate is also a real factor in creating some of the conditions that contribute to fire. But we are virtually fanning the flames if we only throw up our hands, ignore forest management, and wait for the entire world to agree on climate change. Reducing carbon emissions, including the carbon released by our burning forests, and taking science-based forest management action is not an either/or choice. Let's do both.
The damage done by inaction on forest management is no exaggeration. A recent news story provides a tragic example: a U.S. Forest Service thinning project near Mt. Hood was suddenly halted by a familiar foe of science-based forest management  an extremist environmental group from the city of Portland. The group and its lawyers, like many extremist groups before it, sued successfully to stop the project and supposedly save old-growth and the spotted owl.
The result? A lightning storm ignited a fire in the project area that decimated more than 17,000 acres, including significant old-growth and owl territory. 
Enough. The U.S. Forest Service needs to find a way to let science-based management practices win the day  not special interest-funded lawyers. 
Admittedly, the Forest Service has been hampered by the harmful practice of fire borrowing which meant it was robbing from forest management and other non-fire accounts to fight catastrophic wildfires. Congress finally put an end to fire borrowing in 2017. The Forest Service needs to fight extremist lawsuits in court, and then use its replenished funding to finish these important projects.
And it has to catch up from years of neglect in our federal forests. Dead branches, leaves, immature trees, and brush  known as ladder fuels  lie untouched on the forest floor. These ladder fuels allow fires to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. They need to be removed. 
There's also an overpopulation of mature and harvestable trees. U.S. Forest Service officials estimate that hundreds of millions of board feet of lumber are added each year to the forest in my backyard, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, while only about 50 million board feet are harvested. These trees grow uncontrolled, competing for sunlight and water in densely packed areas that attract pests to infect them and reduce them to overgrown kindling. 
Congress has failed to advance a solution I helped shape, Rep. Westerman's bipartisan Resilient Federal Forests Act. It should revisit this solution immediately. The bill would address our forest health by making it easier to salvage timber and reforest after fires, would manage forests to emphasize early seral habitat that's critical for the species that provide food for the Spotted Owl, and gives the U.S. Forest Service other critical tools to proactively manage forests.
Again, a lack of active management has left our forests with a diminished natural resiliency due to overgrowth which forces an unnatural competition between trees for water, leads to stress-induced bug kill and disease, and creates an explosion of ladder fuels that energizes the infernos we are experiencing.
We can fix this. We don't need to resign to a future of smoldering homes and 500-plus air quality indexes. I'm going to continue to do my part in fighting for common sense solutions that give our forests and communities a fighting chance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A589588-76B1-4828-861A-AF3F2A6CBA5B,VIDEO: Senator Murray on Republicans Rushed SCOTUS Confirmation Process: This is no time to be jamming a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country through the Senate,2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray reiterates call for Senate Republicans to wait to fill Justice Ginsburg Supreme Court seat following COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened group of Senators

More from Washington Post: Positive tests for senators raise doubts about fast-track confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court choice  LINK

***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S VIDEO STATEMENT HERE***

ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination  MORE HERE

(Washington, D.C.)Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, reiterated her strong opposition to Senate Republicans' rushed efforts to replace Justice Ginsburg with a partisan judge following Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to adjourn the Senate in recess after members of the Senate announced they had recently tested positive for the virus. On social media, Senator Murray emphasized the need for the Senate to prioritize public safety and addressing the deep needs of the COVID-19 pandemic in a video statement, and called on Washingtonians and people across the nation to keep raising their voices against Senate Republicans' brazenly hypocritical and rushed scheme to stack the Supreme Court with another hard-right jurist hand-picked by President Trump to help overturn affordable health care, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, and criminalize abortions.

The recent positive cases of COVID-19 in the Senate only further underscore that this is no time to be jamming a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country through the Senate. The Senate's focus should be on keeping communitiesand the Capitol complexsafe from this pandemic, and working urgently to pass a relief bill that will meet the deep needs of this moment, said Senator Murray in the urgent video message.

Senator Murray has been a strident opponent of Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans' aggressive efforts to push their ideological judicial agenda, and has sharply criticized their substandard and unserious efforts to respond to the health and economic effects of COVID-19. In addition to doing everything she can in the Senate to stop Judge Barrett's confirmation, Senator Murray has urged people in Washington state and across the nation to join in Democrats' fight against President Trump's far-right nominee Amy Coney Barrett, whose troubling record and past writings confirm that she is committed to gutting health care through the courts and ending the right to safe, legal abortion in the United States. To that end, earlier this week Senator Murray launched a new website to gather and lift up stories from Washingtonians about what is at stake for them if Republicans rush through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and put another anti-health care and anti-reproductive rights Justice on the Supreme Court.

Watch the video on Senator Murray's Twitter HERE.

Transcript of Senator Murray's brief remarks, below:

HiI wanted to share a quick update on the effort to fill Justice Ginsburg's seat.

Americans here in Washington state and around our country are sending a clear messagethey do not want this Supreme Court vacancy filled while voting is underway

with a nominee who would vote to take away their health care, and called the Roe v. Wade ruling barbaric.

The recent positive cases of COVID-19 in the Senate only further underscore that this is no time to be jamming a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country through the Senate.

The Senate's focus should be on keeping communitiesand the Capitol complexsafe from this pandemic, and working urgently to pass a relief bill that will meet the deep needs of this moment.

So keep speaking out and making your voices heardit's going to take all of us to push Republicans to honor Justice Ginsburg's last wish.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8888D7B4-8DF7-491E-BA96-8125C7D83D30,"AUDIO: Senator Murray, Washington Health Advocates and Patients Highlight What We Stand to Lose if Republicans Rush Through Anti-Health Care, Anti-Reproductive Health Supreme Court Nominee",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On news conference call with a local Planned Parenthood leader and patients from Washington state, Senator Murray discussed the grave threat Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination poses to the future of affordable health care and abortion rights
Senator Murray also reiterated her urgent call for Senate Republicans to listen to the American people and wait to fill Justice Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat
Senator Murray: People across the country know full well what is at stake with this court fight. They know that people's rights are on the line...their lives are on the line. That's why people are standing up, speaking out, and fighting tooth and nail to stop this nomination
***LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO OF THE CONFERENCE CALL HERE***
ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination  MORE HERE

(Washington, D.C.) On a conference call with reproductive health advocates and patients from Washington state, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, highlighted Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett's extreme opposition to health care reform and reproductive health care, and discussed the threat her nomination would pose to laws and policies enshrining affordable health care, protections for pre-existing conditions, and access to safe, legal abortion. The news conference call came after reports that Senate Republicans are planning to move forward with their plans to try and jam Judge Barrett on to the Supreme Court in a rushed process, in spite of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to adjourn the Senate following some of its membersincluding members of the Senate Judiciary Committeeannouncing they had contracted COVID-19.
This is such a critical time in our nation for so many people, on so many levels, Senator Murray said in opening remarks during the conference call. It is  important to keep raising our voices against Senate Republican's blatant hypocrisy and indifference in trying to rush and fill Justice Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court.
There is no question President Trump chose Judge Barrett because he believes she would rule to strike down health care for families across the country, end protections for pre-existing conditions and end safe, legal abortion in this countrythis has been his whole judicial agenda from the start, Senator Murray added.
During the discussion, Senator Murray heard from Jennifer Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawai'i about the offensive and dire consequences facing women and families if Judge Barrett is appointed to fill Justice Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat and votes to overturn Roe v. Wade and other vital rights, as well as two women from Washington state who shared their personal stories about the importance of having access to reproductive health care and their fears regarding how Judge Barrett and a conservative Supreme Court majority would rule on important cases impacting health care and more. Senator Murray reiterated her strong opposition to Judge Barrett and her record, as well as Senate Republicans' brazen efforts to try and rush her on to the nation's highest court, noting that Judge Barrett was hand-picked by President Trump to help overturn affordable health care, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, and criminalize abortions. Senator Murray also continued to urge Washingtonians and people across the nation to keep raising their voices to push Senate Republicans' to listen to the American people and allow the next President to fill Justice Ginsburg's seat. 

I, like so many others, remember life before Roe v Wadeand we cannot go back to those days when abortion was available only to the wealthy, was unsafe, or both, continued Senator Murray on the call. As we continue fighting against the nomination in the Senate, I'll be taking your stories with me to the other Washington to make clear what we stand to lose.

Listen to full audio of the news conference call HERE.

Excerpt of Senator Murray's opening remarks, as prepared:

This is such a critical time in our nation for so many people, on so many levelsand with the Senate on recess right now, it is even more important to keep raising our voices against Senate Republican's blatant hypocrisy and indifference in trying to rush and fill Justice Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court.
So I'm glad to join advocates and patients here in Washington state today to share their own stories, and discuss what is at stake for our country with this nominationincluding the future of affordable health care and safe, legal abortion.
To be clear, Republicans have been dragging their feet for months on much needed relief to make things betterbut now, they are rushing to confirm another anti-health care Supreme Court justice, in the middle of a pandemic, who could make things so much worse.
There is no question President Trump chose Judge Barrett because he believes she would rule to strike down health care for families across the country, end protections for pre-existing conditions and end safe, legal abortion in this countrythis has been his whole judicial agenda from the start.
Don't forget: he has said repeatedly that he would seek out judges who would rule against families' health care. And he tweeted the day after he nominated Judge Barrett, that a ruling to strike down the Affordable Care Act, and upend health care in our country in the middle of a pandemic, would be a 'big win.'
That's not all: Judge Barrett herself has been just as clear where she stands, and she has criticized past rulings in favor of families' health care.
Republicans have made clear they are dead-set on rushing Judge Barrett onto the court before this electionbefore the people have their say on the matterso she will be there in time to hear their partisan lawsuit to gut families' health care.
A Republican victory in their lawsuit would mean health care is even more expensive, as protections for pre-existing conditions and caps on patients out of pocket costs go away, limits on their annual and lifetime benefits come back, young adults lose the option of staying on their parents' plan, and seniors face higher drug costs as the Medicare donut hole that we closed is reopened.
And we can't forget another one of the biggest reasons Republicans are so determined to fill this vacancy is that they want to end safe, legal abortion in the United States, and go back to the days when women had to pay extra on top of insurance for their birth controlwhich let's be clear, is essential health care for those who need it.
Judge Barrett signed onto a letter explicitly calling to put an end to the QUOTE barbaric legacy of Roe v. Wade.
So womenand menacross the country know full well what is at stake with this court fight. They know that people's rights are on the line, their health is on the line, their economic independence is on the linetheir lives are on the line.
That's why people are standing up, speaking out, and fighting tooth and nail to stop this nomination. And why I'm fighting with them every step of the waytoday and in the days to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C6132801-C0E0-4CF7-B32A-9D3742F92D31,"Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Press EPA on Implementation of Trump Order to Withhold Federal Funding from Seattle, Portland, Major U.S. Cities",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Letter comes as EPA considers withholding funds for cleaning up contaminated land and drinking water in Seattle and Portland
Senators: Setting aside the legally questionable and abhorrent nature of the President's directive, EPA's implementation thereof could endanger human health and the environment.
WASHINGTON DC  U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Oregon Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), New York Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, in a letter this week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler requesting information about EPA's implementation of the White House memorandum ordering federal agencies to withhold federal funds from cities that President Trump falsely claims are being run by anarchists.
We have learned that EPA, in its internal meetings related to the policy, has begun to identify funding sources that could be subject to the directive, some of which are vital for the provision of safe drinking water and the remediation of contamination, the senators wrote. Setting aside the legally questionable and abhorrent nature of the President's directive, EPA's implementation thereof could endanger human health and the environment.
More than $1 billion of recent EPA funds to Seattle, Portland, New York City, and Washington, D.C. could be at risk if EPA were to implement the White House memorandum. In their letter, the senators cited multiple examples of funding the EPA may seek to halt, deny, or rescind as a result of President Trump's directive. These include a $192,200,000 Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan that the city of Seattle received to reduce combined sewer overflows, and as well as $27,914,000 awarded to the state of Washington in FY 2020 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and $24,598,000 for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
We strongly urge you not to take any action that could result in the collective loss of more than a billion dollars of funding intended to clean up contamination and drinking water in these American cities, the senators continued. To do so would be antithetical to EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.
The senators requested that EPA provide an initial response no later than October 9, 2020.
The full text of the letter is available below and HERE.
Dear Administrator Wheeler:
We write to express our grave concern and request information about EPA's plans to implement the September 21, 2020 White House memorandum that describes the first step in adopting the policy that the Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones. We have learned that EPA has begun internal meetings designed to comply with this directive, and that EPA is considering withholding funds that are intended to be used to clean up contaminated land and sources of drinking water in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; New York City, NY; and Washington, D.C. We strongly urge you not to do so.
The President first announced his legally questionable policy to deny federal funding to these cities on September 2, 2020, stating that My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones. To ensure that Federal funds are neither unduly wasted nor spent in a manner that directly violates our Government's promise to protect life, liberty, and property, it is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America's cities. The September 21 follow-up memo directs federal agencies to submit a report to the Director of OMB detailing all Federal funds provided to Seattle, Portland, New York City, Washington, D.C., or any components or instrumentalities of the foregoing jurisdictions.
We have learned that EPA, in its internal meetings related to the policy, has begun to identify funding sources that could be subject to the directive, some of which are vital for the provision of safe drinking water and the remediation of contamination. We have also learned that on September 22, the day after the follow-up memorandum from the White House, you sent a letter[3] to the Governor of New York and Mayor of New York City threatening to relocate the EPA's Region 2 headquarters out of the current location at 290 Broadway in Manhattan due to nearby demonstrations, saying that If you cannot demonstrate that EPA employees will be safe accessing our New York City offices, you would take steps to move them to a location that can competently fulfill the basic mission of a local government.
Setting aside the legally questionable and abhorrent nature of the President's directive, EPA's implementation thereof could endanger human health and the environment. The retaliatory threat to move EPA's regional headquarters out of New York City would waste taxpayer dollars and endanger the jobs of the nearly 600 people who work there. Some examples of funding that EPA may seek to halt, deny or rescind include:
 
Portland: The city was invited by EPA to apply for $554 million in Water Infrastructure and Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans to complete three projects to improve public health and water quality and increase drinking water system resiliency and reliability for nearly 1 million people. The city also received $500,000 in Brownfields grant funding to clean up a site that is contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ethylbenzene and metals and $600,000 in Brownfields funding for the assessment of additional contaminated sites. The State of Oregon was allotted $18,133,000 in FY 2020 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and $14,487,000 for the Drinking Water SRF.
Seattle: The city received a $192.2 million WIFIA loan to reduce combined sewer overflows to support public health, ecosystems and the economy in the Seattle metropolitan area. The State of Washington was awarded $27,914,000 in FY 2020 for the Clean Water SRF and $24,598,000 for the Drinking Water SRF.
New York City: The city received $300,000 in Brownfields funding to clean up sites with the intention of redeveloping vacant and abandoned properties and turning them into community assets such as housing, recreation and open space, health facilities, social services and commerce opportunities. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey also received $420,000 in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant funding. The State of New York was allotted $177,173,000 in FY 2020 for the Clean Water SRF and $44,967,000 for the Drinking Water SRF.
Washington, D.C.: The district received $158,000 in funding to test for lead in drinking water in schools. The district was allotted $7,880,000 in FY 2020 for the Clean Water SRF and $11,011,000 for the Drinking Water SRF.
 
We strongly urge you not to take any action that could result in the collective loss of more than a billion dollars of funding intended to clean up contamination and drinking water in these American cities. To do so would be antithetical to EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment. So that we can understand the process by which EPA is responding to the President's misguided September, 2020 directive, we ask that you provide copies of:
 
The report cataloguing EPA funding to these cities requested by OMB on September 21, 2020 and due to be submitted to OMB on October 5, 2020.
All documents (including but not limited to calendar items, emails, presentations, meeting minutes, and memos) obtained or created by EPA that are related to EPA's compliance with the President's September 2, 2020 directive.
Documents listing and fully describing all decisions to rescind, halt, deny or otherwise modify any type of EPA funding to any of the cities listed above.
 
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Please provide your initial response no later than Friday, October 9, with additional materials to be provided on an ongoing basis thereafter until EPA's implementation of the September directive is complete. If you have any questions or concerns, please have your staff contact Michal Freedhoff of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee staff (michal_freedhoff@epw.senate.gov).
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-delbene-underscore-role-working-across-aisle-cascadia-college,"Newhouse, DelBene Underscore Role of Working Across the Aisle at Cascadia College Forum",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"SUNNYSIDE, WA  Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) underscored the need for more bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. and greater civilized discourse in the current polarized atmosphere at a virtual forum hosted by Cascadia College on Monday evening.
Encouraging civility and increasing conversations across the aisle has been one of my priorities in Congress. It is no secret that politics have become increasingly divisive, but it is our responsibility to work together and deliver results for our constituents, said Rep. Newhouse. From our early COVID-19 response to supporting international trade, the Washington state delegation shares several bipartisan priorities that require collaboration, and I am proud of how we have been able to put our political differences aside to address the priorities of Washingtonians. Thank you, Rep. DelBene, for inviting me to join you in this important conversation to show that we can disagree without being disagreeable.
It is no surprise that politics has become more divisive in recent years but there is still more that unites us than divides us. My congressional district was described as the most evenly divided in the country when it was created and it is an honor to serve all my constituents, said Rep. DelBene. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us we can still come together in a bipartisan way. Our state was hit early by the outbreak. Our federal delegation  Democrats and Republicans  united to do all we could to get the state the resources it needed in those critical early days. I want to thank Rep. Newhouse for joining me for this important discussion at Cascadia and for the strong partnership we enjoy.
The conversation was moderated by Cascadia College President Dr. Eric Murray. The event is part of a series to highlight the importance of working together to solve tomorrow's problems. Engaging students can help prepare future leaders to replace harmful rhetoric with civil discourse and gridlock with progress.
The full video of the virtual forum can be found here.
Reps. Newhouse and DelBene both serve on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, where they work on a bipartisan basis to bring Congress into the 21st Century and ensure the People's House works efficiently for all Americans. The Select Committee recently approved the fifth package of recommendations. Click here to learn more.
In addition to the Select Committee, Reps. Newhouse and DelBene have worked on several bipartisan priorities for Washington state, including supporting state needs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening international trade agreements.
Background:
Rep. Newhouse has participated in similar events aiming to promote civility and bipartisanship.
In October 2018, Rep. Newhouse joined Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) on a bipartisan Civility & Respect Tour. The tour allowed both Members to travel to each other's districts, meet with constituents, and discuss how working across the aisle is critical for making progress in Congress and increasing respectful dialogue across the country.
In August 2019, Reps. Newhouse and Kilmer participated in a discussion on bipartisanship as part of the Association of Washington Business Federal Affairs Summit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402011,Jaime Herrera Beutler Named Friend of Farm Bureau,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today announced she has earned the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her steadfast support of Southwest Washington's farmers and ranchers in Congress.
Herrera Beutler received an official notice from the American Farm Bureau that she received this distinction. The Friend of Farm Bureau award is given to members of Congress who have supported farm-friendly legislation and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus.
It's an honor to be recognized as a Friend of Farm Bureau' for my work in Congress to support farmers and ranchers throughout Southwest Washington, Herrera Beutler said. From oyster growers and cranberry farmers in Pacific County, to the berry and tree fruit farmers throughout our region, I'm going to continue fighting for solutions that help them succeed, because when they are successful, everyone in our region reaps the rewards. I'll always be an unwavering friend to our Southwest Washington farmers and ranchers and will fight for their priorities in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=095ABCF4-EF8A-43B2-8CBA-AFFDCC602B89,"With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans Rushed SCOTUS Nomination",2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray: I'm fighting to make sure the people speaking out in Washington state have a megaphone, so President Trump and his party have no choice but to stop and listen
***WASHINGTONIANS CAN SHARE WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR THEM IN THE SCOTUS FIGHT HERE***
(Washington, D.C.)Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, launched a new website to gather and lift up stories from Washingtonians about what is at stake for them if Republicans rush through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and put another anti-health care and anti-reproductive rights Justice on the Supreme Court.
Democrats are going to do all we can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish, and make sure people are heard as they reject Republican efforts to ignore the pandemic and jam the Supreme Court with another far-right Justice who would gut health care and take away access to safe, legal abortion in our country.
Women, men, and patients across the country are standing up, and speaking out to share powerful personal stories about what is at stake for their health care and rights, their families, and their futuresand I'm fighting to make sure the people speaking out in Washington state have a megaphone, so President Trump and his party have no choice but to stop and listen, said Senator Murray.
With the launch of her new website, Senator Murray urged constituents to join in Democrats' fight against President Trump's far-right nominee Amy Coney Barrett, whose troubling record and past writings confirm that she is committed to gutting health care through the courts and ending the right to safe, legal abortion in the United States. Senator Murray's website will help gather Washingtonians' stories about living with a pre-existing condition, how the Affordable Care Act impacted them, and the importance of protecting the right to safe, legal abortion and women's reproductive rights.
Washingtonians can share what is at stake for them in the SCOTUS fight HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pattyinnews?ContentRecord_id=B773B6F2-2347-4C2D-A9AA-3CD933FA94CE,Senator Murray Wants to Hear from You,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Office Information 
			
				 Washington, D.C. Office 
				
					154 Russell Senate Office Building  
					Washington, D.C. 20510  
					Phone: (202) 224-2621  
					Fax: (202) 224-0238  
					Toll Free: (866) 481-9186
				
			
			
				 Everett Office 
				
					2930 Wetmore Avenue, Ste. 9D  
					Everett, Washington 98201  
					Phone: (425) 259-6515  
					Fax: (425) 259-7152
				
			
			
				 Vancouver Office 
				
					The Marshall House  
					1323 Officer's Row  
					Vancouver, Washington 98661  
					Phone: (360) 696-7797  
					Fax: (360) 696-7798
				
			
			
				 Yakima Office 
				
					402 E. Yakima Ave, Suite 420  
					Yakima, Washington 98901  
					Phone: (509) 453-7462  
					Fax: (509) 453-7731
				
			
			
				 Seattle Office 
				
					2988 Jackson Federal Building  
					915 2nd Avenue  
					Seattle, Washington 98174  
					Phone: (206) 553-5545  
					Toll Free: (866) 481-9186  
					Fax: (206) 553-0891 
				
			
			
				 Spokane Office 
				
					10 North Post Street, Suite 600  
					Spokane, Washington 99201  
					Phone: (509) 624-9515  
					Fax: (509) 624-9561 
				
			
			
				 Tacoma Office 
				
					950 Pacific Avenue, Ste. 650  
					Tacoma, Washington 98402  
					Phone: (253) 572-3636  
					Fax: (253) 572-9488",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-central-washington-manufacturers-create-and-innovate,COLUMN: Central Washington Manufacturers Create and Innovate,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, October 2, we celebrated National Manufacturing Day, a day to applaud the millions of American manufacturers who are working to produce the finest, high-quality products in the world.
I have had the opportunity to visit with manufacturers throughout Central Washington, and I am grateful for their contributions to not only our local economies, but to our national security and economic independence as well.
Many modern-day manufacturing careers require some type of secondary education, and our institutions have stepped up to the challenge. From universities and community colleges to technical schools and apprenticeship programs, our students are offered more opportunities to pursue manufacturing careers than ever before, and our teachers and instructors are eager to train the next generation of creators.
On the heels of National Manufacturing Day, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) celebrates our state's manufacturers throughout Manufacturing Week. Manufacturing in Washington supports more than 284,000 good-paying careers and contributes more than $60 billion in goods to our state's economy.
AWB's Manufacturing Excellence Awards recognize local businesses working to create and innovate right here in Washington. This year, several Central Washington manufacturers are being honored.
Shields, a Novolex company in Yakima, is being recognized as a finalist for the Operational Excellence Award. The workers at Shields create food packaging, bags, and more that are used in homes, retail, grocery stories, and industries around the world.
Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), a grower-owned hop supplier located in the nation's hop capital of Yakima Valley, is nominated for the Green Manufacturing Award. YCH recognizes, as all farmers do, that healthy crops rely on a healthy planet, and they are continually innovating and finding ways to make their operation more environmentally friendly.
Lastly, Humming Hemp, based in Tri-Cities, has been recognized as a finalist for the Innovation Award. Humming Hemp creates protein bars, oils, and other superfood products using healthy ingredients and sustainable farming practices. In 2019, Humming Hemp expanded distribution to Kroger stores across the United States.
These are just a few of the many examples of Central Washington's extraordinary manufacturers, but they are well-deserving of AWB's recognition. I congratulate them for working to create jobs and produce goods they are proud of, because  as the Manufacturing Excellence Awards demonstrate  manufacturers large and small play a crucial role in our local economies and global supply chains.
President Trump understands the importance of a label reading Made in the U.S.A., which is why I will continue to support this Administration's pro-growth regulations and encourage the continued negotiation of beneficial trade deals like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement that was finalized earlier this year.
Ensuring opportunities for American manufacturers is absolutely crucial to our national economy, especially as we head toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that American made goods and products are the best in the world, and we should be proud of the men and women who create, innovate, and manufacture them.
I am proud to support Central Washington's manufacturers. As our local economies continue to grow and evolve, so will our manufacturing industries. I will continue working in Congress to pass policies that spur job growth and empower our young people to pursue careers in manufacturing so our future generations can continue creating.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-sends-bipartisan-letter-to-secretary-mnuchin-urging-secretary,Rep. Heck Sends Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Mnuchin Urging Secretary Mnuchin to Protect U.S. State-Based Insurance Regulation,2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  This week, Reps. Denny Heck (WA-10), Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Bill Foster (IL-11), Madeleine Dean (PA-4) and William Timmons (SC-4) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging him to continue their efforts to protect state-based insurance regulation in their work on the international capital standard (ICS).
This letter commends the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Insurance Office for their work with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and state insurance regulators to protect state-based insurance regulation. It also raises concerns with the disruption of COVID-19 and resulting difficulties for the ICS monitoring period. Specifically, this letter urges Treasury to extend the ICS monitoring period by one year, and to prioritize recognition of the U.S. Aggregation Method (AM) as outcome-equivalent to the ICS.
We need to continue to fight for our state-based system for insurance regulation, which has protected American consumers for more than 150 years, said Rep. Heck. When international agreements cover insurance, they must involve our primary insurance regulators, and that is the states. We must work to preserve America's proven insurance model and come together to regulatory standards that could disrupt our marketplace.
The American version of state-based insurance regulation has proven to be adaptable, accessible, and effective because each state is allowed to adopt laws and regulations tailored to the unique needs of its consumers, said Rep. Budd. That's why we must continue to push back against the one-size fits all International Capital Standard. We should not let Europe regulate America's insurance industry.
In the U.S., the primary regulators of insurance companies are state insurance commissioners. Their regulation has enabled the development of a robust and innovative insurance market, and entities regulated by state insurance commissioners weathered the 2008 global financial crisis far more easily than entities with primary federal regulators. However, state-based regulation presents a challenge when it comes to international negotiations on financial regulations, where national governments typically take the lead role. This letter maintains the position that international agreements on insurance regulation must reflect and protect the existing U.S. system of state-based insurance regulation and remain consistent with U.S. federal and state insurance laws and regulations.
The letter is viewable here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402008,U.S. House Passes Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Helping MOMS Act,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Robin Kelly (D-IL), aimed at reducing and ending America's growing maternal mortality crisis.
The bill providesstates with the option to extend Medicaid coveragethroughthe entirepostpartumperiod of one year, a proven strategyforreducing maternal deaths. Currently, most statesonlyprovide Medicaid coverage for 60-daysimmediately following childbirth. In order to increase the coverage window, the state must apply andbe approved fora waiverbythe U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
I'm pleased the House approved our bipartisan Helping MOMS Act, which is going to ensure women can access care in the year following birth, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. We know that seven out of ten new moms will face a health complication during that time, so guaranteeing their ability to see a doctor and get treatment if needed is a monumental step in our fight to end this nation's maternal mortality crisis.
This is abigstep toward reducing the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths by ensuring new momscan continue to seek necessary medical care,Congresswoman Kelly said. I'm proudto havebroughtmy colleagues from both sides of the aisle together to address thisgrowingpublic healthcrisis.This is nota magic pill tosolveAmerica'smaternal mortalitycrisis,butthisbill providesasolid, bipartisan,evidence-basedapproachto saving lives.We must continue working, inside and outside of government, to ensure startingafamily doesn't cost a woman her life.
Data clearly shows that 70 percent of new moms will have at least one health complication within a year of giving birth.With more than half of new moms covered by Medicaid, theHelping MOMSActcould significantlyimprove these health outcomes.
In recent years, the U.S. has made headlines for its disturbing and growing rate of maternal mortality. It was more dangerous to have a baby in 2018 than it was in 1985. According to the CDC, 700-900 American moms lose their lives every yeardue topregnancy or birth-related complications.More than half of these tragic deaths are entirely preventableper theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Herrera Beutler'sbill,Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, was signed into in 2018  a landmark piece of legislation and the largest successful step Congress has taken to combat maternal mortality. Her bill authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toissuethe first round of grants to states to help with their efforts to combat maternal mortality. Washington state received $375,000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pnw-members-applaud-final-decision-columbia-river-system-completion,"PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum",2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Members of the Pacific Northwest's congressional delegation released the following statements after the final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations was filed, signaling the completion of President Trump's Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West:
Federal water infrastructure makes our way of life possible throughout the West. Central Washington boasts one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and our farmers and ranchers would simply not be able to provide food and fiber for the world without a reliable supply of our most precious resource: water, said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). The Presidential Memorandum, which called for the completion of the scientific environmental review for the Columbia River System Operations a year sooner than originally slated, is delivering certainty to not only our agriculture industry, but to the millions of people who rely on the clean and reliable power generated by our hydroelectric dams. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for working collaboratively to support our federal water infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply and delivery, and develop a plan for the future.
The Columbia and Snake River dams are foundational to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). They provide us clean, renewable, low-cost energy, support our farmers, provide flood control to our region, and so much more. Based on the best available science, the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Record of Decision confirms what we already knew, our dams and river system are essential to our region. Alongside this decision, the administration's announcement today regarding their actions to ensure a reliable supply of water to the Western United States is essential to meeting the needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Thank you to President Trump for prioritizing and delivering results on these important issues.
The Columbia River is vital to the way of life of Southwest Washingtonians, providing clean hydropower, productive salmon runs, safety from floods, and reliable transportation on the Columbia River, said Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA). The final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the culmination of science-based collaboration by several federal agencies, as well as regional, state, local, and tribal stakeholders. I am pleased that completion of the EIS was prioritized and that it will balance the many needs of Southwest Washingtonians for the future.
The carbon free, baseload energy that the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) provides is more important than ever, said Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). The Snake River Dams are critical to our grid's reliability. While many in California will attack our critical infrastructure, they needed the systems baseload energy this summer to prop up their flawed energy policy. With the release of the FCRPS Record of Decision, the science shows, yet again, that our hydropower system is crucial to our way of life in Idaho and the entire West.
Oregon and the Pacific Northwest are blessed with a river system that helps us transport goods and that generates 43 percent of our state's electricity. I am pleased that the Trump Administration successfully prioritized the completion of the most recent environmental review guiding operations of the Columbia River System, to protect fish and support clean, renewable energy in our region,said Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR).
On October 19, 2018, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West (Western Water PM) directing the Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Army Corps, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Energy to coordinate and complete the environmental reviews of major water infrastructure projects in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The Western Water PM specifically included the comprehensive scientific review of the Columbia River System Operations.
The final Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration as co-lead agencies on July 31. The EIS documents evaluate the impacts of the long-term, coordinated water management functions for the operation, maintenance, and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the federal Columbia River System. Reps. Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Herrera Beutler released a joint statement applauding the release.
The joint Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations EIS was signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration on September 28, 2020. The Record of Decision is the final step in the Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Background:
In addition to streamlining environmental review processes for specific projects, the Western Water PM directed the Departments of the Interior and Commerce to convene water experts and resource managers to develop an action plan to improve information and modeling capabilities related to water infrastructure projects. The Federal Action Plan for Improving Forecasts of Water Availability was released in October 2019.
The Western Water PM also called for improving use of technologies to improve the reliability and accuracy and delivery of water and power, including enabling the use of recycled water. The National Water Reuse Action Plan was issued in February 2019.
Click here to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-renewing-our-commitment-impact-aid-and-rural-students,COLUMN: Renewing Our Commitment to Impact Aid and Rural Students,2020-09-28,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Many of us are familiar with how our school districts are funded. Construction costs, maintenance updates, teacher salaries, and more are funded by local taxpayers. With local property taxes, levies, and bonds, superintendents and school district administrators work to ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Over the past several years, many of our school districts have expanded to accommodate growing numbers of students. But what happens when a school district is on or surrounded by federal land?
To fulfill our commitment to future generations of Americans, the federal government established the Impact Aid program. Impact Aid provides federal dollars to school districts who serve federally-connected children, or communities on land that is exempt from local property tax, such as U.S. military installments, tribal reservations, low-rent housing properties, and other federally-connected lands.
From tribal reservations and Bureau of Reclamation lands to the Hanford Site, the federal government has a significant footprint in Central Washington. Because of this, almost every county in the 4th Congressional District contains areas with a diminished local tax base that our school districts rely on to provide for our students.
Whether they know it or not, hundreds of families in our region have benefited from this federal program, from Mt. Adams School District in Yakima County to Nespelem School District in Okanogan. In 2018, Central Washington's school districts received more than $6 million in Impact Aid payments. These reimbursements have allowed school districts to complete construction at new schools, expand classroom sizes, and ensure safe facilities for our students and families.
Growing up near the Yakama Nation reservation, I have long understood how federally-impacted lands affect our local school districts, and since being elected to Congress, I have met with superintendents up and down Central Washington who have strongly advocated for continued Impact Aid reimbursements and shared stories of how these payments have allowed they to continue teaching our younger generations.
As Co-Chair of the House Impact Aid Caucus, I understand how important this federal program is for local students and families in Central Washington. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure adequate funding of this program so our children  and children throughout rural and federally-impacted lands across the country  are not left behind.
On September 30, the United States celebrates 70 years of the Impact Aid program providing these critical reimbursements for our local school districts. I partnered with Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) to introduce a bipartisan resolution in the House celebrating the program's anniversary and the lasting effects it has had on our rural students.
As we navigate a return to in-classroom learning for students of all ages, it is especially important that Congress renews our commitment to the Impact Aid program. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our students in all school districts receive the educational opportunities they deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-heck-on-nomination-of-judge-barrett-to-us-supreme-court,STATEMENT: Rep. Heck on Nomination of Judge Barrett to U.S. Supreme Court,2020-09-27,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"OLYMPIA  Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court:
	""Less than 40 days away from the Presidential election, President Trump and Senate Republicans are ramming through a nakedly partisan nomination to the Supreme Court. The confirmation of Judge Barrett would cement a far-right 6-3 supermajority on the Supreme Court that will reverse all that Justice Ginsburg fought for.
	""Let's remember what's at stake: a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions, LGBTQ+ Americans' right to love who they love and work free from discrimination, the right of every American regardless of race or creed to have equal access to the ballot box. And I'm most alarmed that Senate Republicans are rushing this nomination so they can dismantle the Affordable Care Act  jeopardizing millions of Americans' access to healthcare amid a global pandemic.
	""In 2016, Senator McConnell said The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice. This November, let the people decide.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F5232DDB-97C6-488B-A994-211E100F04A8,"With Affordable Health Care and More at Stake for Washington State Families and Communities, Senator Murray Announces Strong Opposition to Trump Supreme Court Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Urges American People to Speak out Against Rushed Process to Fi",2020-09-26,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray: A vote to confirm any person [President Trump] nominates to the Supreme Court is a vote to take away people's health care and deny them vital rights in the middle of a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 and counting
Alliance for Justice: Amy Coney Barrett fought to undermine health care for millions in her attack on the Affordable Care Act, and publicly criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for his decision to uphold the law  MORE HERE
Senator Murray: I oppose this nomination in the strongest terms, just like I've opposed this President's other nominees who he undoubtedly picked to push the Supreme Court to finally overturn Roe v. Wade, dismantle affordable health care and eliminate pre-existing conditions protections
Senator Murray: I'm going to do all I can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish, and I call on people in Washington state and across the country: raise your voice against this nomination so powerfully that President Trump and his party will have no choice but to listen
***DOWNLOAD AUDIO STATEMENT HERE***
ICYMIWATCH: Senator Murray on SCOTUS: Republicans Must Let Next President Fill Vacancy, Health Care and Workers' Rights Hang in the Balance  VIDEO HERE
(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Assistant Democratic Leader and top Democrat on the Senate health committee, issued the following statement upon President Trump's nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court seat recently left vacant after the death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
President Trump has told us repeatedly what he wants in a justice: a jurist who above anything else is committed to gutting health care through the courts and ending safe, legal abortion in the United States of America.
Make no mistake, a vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee who meets President Trump's tests is a vote to take away people's health care and vital rights. I oppose this nomination in the strongest terms, just like I've opposed other nominees this President has selected with the goals of pushing the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, dismantle affordable health care, and eliminate pre-existing conditions protections, and rolling back hard-fought rights that have made our country more just and equal.
It is already clear the American people see straight through President Trump and Senate Republicans' brazenly hypocritical rush to fill this seat as people are already casting their ballots in an election that is just 38 days awayeven as they refuse to work on serious relief for families and communities struggling in a pandemic that has cost more than 200,000 American lives and shuttered our economy.
I'm going to do all I can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish, and I call on people in Washington state and across the country: raise your voice against this nomination so powerfully that President Trump and his party will have no choice but to listen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402007,Jaime Herrera Beutler Files Discharge Petition in House to Revive Paycheck Protection Program,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This morning, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) filed a discharge petition in the U.S. House of Representatives to force a vote to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a lifeline for small businesses in Southwest Washington and across the country.
The discharge petition, should it garner the required 218 signatures from U.S. Representatives, will then allow the House to bring to the floor a bill, authored by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01), to distribute the remaining nearly $135 billion in current PPP funds sitting idle after the program's August 8 expiration.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to stall bringing forth legislation that would distribute the forgivable PPP loans to small businesses who are nearly on the brink of collapse.
This public health crisis has left our small businesses near permanent closure, and that will happen on a massive scale if Congress doesn't act. Yet Congress isn't acting, so I've filed the discharge petition in the House today so we can bypass the political posturing and bring relief to our nation's small businesses and their employees. Other relief remains vital, but we either save jobs and businesses now or provide triage soon for the damage caused by empty buildings, lost livelihoods and health care plans, and fewer employment opportunities overall. Reviving the PPP has to be our priority, Herrera Beutler said.  The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a critical lifeline for America's small businesses. Since its launch, the program is credited with saving 51 million jobs nationwide. But our work in helping small business owners stay open and keep employees on payroll is not done. A recent report indicates that as many as 36 percent small businesses say if no new funding comes from Congress soon, they will be forced to lay off workers or cut back hours. Democrats have consistently blocked or delayed relief, but Republicans are not giving up. That is why House Republicans, led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler have filed a discharge petition to force a vote on a stand-alone extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through the end of the year. It only needs 218 signatures to force a vote, so I hope that our Democrat colleagues will join us in delivering relief. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to act on our Commitment to America; we will be relentless in our fight to protect jobs, small businesses, and the American dream, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.
Since March, small businessescorner stores, retail shops, and family restaurantshave been struggling to survive.Congress worked in a bipartisan manner to pass the CARES Act, which delivered rapid assistance to small firms through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program.Unfortunately, in recent months, additional relief for small businesses has been caught up in the partisan logjam and the livelihoods of real people hang in the balance. Congress must work together to get help to small businesses in Washington, Ohio, and across our great nation.Rep. Herrera Beutler's discharge petition to force a vote on my legislation is the way to do just that.I thank her for her leadership on behalf of America's small businesses, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) said.
WATCH: Herrera Beutler on her way up the steps of the Capitol to file the discharge petition. Video here.
Democrats Strongly Considering Signing Discharge Petition
Multiple news outlets, including Roll Call and The Hill, are reporting that several House Democrats are strongly considering bucking their party to sign Herrera Beutler's discharge petition.
And as of yesterday, Politico is reporting that House Democrats are pressuring Democratic Leadership to work on a bipartisan COVID relief, citing Herrera Beutler's discharge petition as the motivating factor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=5FA29B59-C2C2-4198-AC70-CD8E6EEE6C67,"Senator Murray on SCOTUS: Republicans Must Let Next President Fill Vacancy, Health Care and Workers Rights Hang in the Balance",2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray urges Republicans to let Americans make their voices heard and allow the next President to fill SCOTUS vacancy, stressing that health care is at risk
In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray also condemns Republicans for their singular focus on SCOTUS while they continue to delay a much-needed, comprehensive COVID relief package
Senator Murray: The next President should choose Justice Ginsburg's replacement  to spare our democracy the painful chaos of making such a decision so close to an election. People are speaking outand the Senate must listen, as Majority Leader McConnell insisted only a few years ago
***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S FULL REMARKS HERE***
(Washington, D.C.)Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, urged her Republican colleagues to let Americans make their voices heard on Election Day and allow the next President to fill Justice Ginsburg's vacancy on the Supreme Court.
The next President should choose Justice Ginsburg's replacement, as she wishedto spare our democracy the painful chaos of making such a decision so close to an election. People are speaking outand the Senate must listen, as Majority Leader McConnell insisted only a few years ago, said Senator Murray.
In her remarks, Senator Murray stressed that if Republicans allow President Trump to install another hard-right Supreme Court nominee, millions of people's health care, protections for pre-existing condition, workers' rights, and more will be at risk. Senator Murray also condemned Senate Republican's singular focus on packing the courts with right-wing judges and urged them to finally prioritize the American people over their partisan agenda.
But unfortunately, it seems like my colleagues on the other side are content to ignore these cries, just like they've neglected the cries of our constituents for a COVID relief package that meets this moment instead of short-changing communities. Because nothingnothingis more important than pushing through their ideological agenda, continued Senator Murray.
Key excerpts from Senator Murray's remarks are below, as prepared for delivery.
Finally, M. President, right now our nation is facing truly trying times. 200,000 lives have been lost to COVID. Millions are unemployed. And we just lost a treasured American heroJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
So much hangs in the balance nowand people are already voting and organizing to make sure their health care, their rights, and their futures are protected in this election.
For those nationwide who have already cast their ballots, and who will vote in the coming weeks, for the future of our country, and to help ensure trust in our democracythe people must have a voice in this nomination.
The next President should choose Justice Ginsburg's replacement, as she wishedto spare our democracy the painful chaos of making such a decision so close to an election.
People are speaking outand the Senate must listen, as Majority Leader McConnell insisted only a few years ago.
But unfortunately, it seems like my colleagues on the other side are content to ignore these cries, just like they've neglected the cries of our constituents for a COVID relief package that meets this moment instead of short-changing communities.
Because nothingnothingis more important than pushing through their ideological agenda: to jam as many partisan judges on the bench as possibleespecially on the Supreme Courtand tip the balance of our federal judiciary even further against everyday people, packing our courts to ensure that we can't make progress to defend affordable health care and pre-existing conditions protections, address the climate crisis, strengthen protections for workers, or do anything on the critical issues people in my home state of Washington and around the nation care deeply about and that have been blocked time and again by the Republican Party.
I will be doing absolutely everything I can to make sure everyone from Washington state to Washington, D.C.and my Republican colleagues here in Congressknow just how much is risk if President Trump gets to appoint another hard-right nominee an unprecedented 41 days before a presidential election.
Look, it is truly impossible to understate the consequences for families and communities across the country, now and for generations to come.
President Trump has made it clear he wants a nominee who will gut protections for pre-existing conditions, take health care away from millions of people nationwide, and do everything they can to undermine basic rights, freedoms, and protections through the courtincluding crucial worker protections that Justice Ginsburg herself helped secure and the EEOC is tasked with enforcing.
So I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting to today to honor an important part of Justice Ginsburg's legacy.
Vote for the nomination of Jocelyn Samuels.
And then let's keep fighting for people's health care, for protections for pre-existing conditions, for workers' rights, voting rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and for the vision of a just and equal country Justice Ginsburg fought so hard to advance.
Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D1CF85EE-88C4-4D0D-94F9-FAE4DBA21AB2,"Senator Murray Calls On Republicans to Stand for Science, Support Bill to Stop Trump Administrations Political Interference in COVID-19 Response",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Led by Senator Murray, Senate Democrats introduce legislation to fight political interference in the COVID-19 response following barrage of alarming instances of Trump Administration meddling in scientific work
Senator Murray: Now is the time for every Republican who has said they trust the experts and believe we must follow the science to prove they meant it by supporting this legislation. You cannot be for science if you're silent about political interference in our pandemic response.
ICYMIfrom MyNorthwest: Washington Sen. Patty Murray: White House recklessly interfering' with COVID response  MORE HERE
(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Assistant Democratic Leader and top Democrat on the Senate health committee, led Democratic Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 32 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Science and Transparency Over Politics (STOP) Act, legislation to fight back against political interference by the Trump Administration in the work of experts and the nation's public health agencies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is painfully clear that the Trump Administration won't stop the political interference which is threatening our response to this pandemic and putting lives in jeopardy on its own, so it is up to Congress to act. We need transparency and accountability from top to bottom, and we need it nowbefore it is too late to prevent more costly mistakes. Now is the time for every Republican who has said they trust the experts and believe we must follow the science to prove they meant it by supporting this legislation. You cannot be for science if you're silent about political interference in our pandemic response, said Senator Murray.
The STOP Act would create a task force of the Pandemic Response and Accountability Committee charged with conducting a thorough investigation into any political interference with decisions made by scientific agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services in connection with the pandemic response. These reports would be released to committees of jurisdiction and could be made public so Americans and independent experts can see with full transparency whether scientists were unimpeded in their work or a product was pushed for political reasons. Additionally, the task force would have full discretion to release any information that it deems is in the public interest and may be important to public safety. The push for additional oversight of the Trump Administration comes following a barrage of alarming instances of Trump officials undermining the work of public health agencies on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
- September, 18: The New York Times reports that Secretary Azar has barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from signing any new rules without his approval.
- September, 18: The New York Times and Washington Post report further on how Trump Administration political appointees tried to silence Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) experts.
- September, 15: Politico expands on previous reporting to note that Secretary Azar overruled the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when Azar moved to loosen oversight of COVID-19 testing and allow unreliable tests to flood the market.
- September, 14: The New York Times reports that the spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services has promoted false conspiracy theories about the work of experts and scientists at the nation's public health agencies.
- September, 12: The New York Times reports that the Trump Administration pressured officials at the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to authorize convalescent plasma therapy before their review of its safety and effectiveness were complete.
- September, 11: Politico reports that politically appointed Trump Administration officials demanded oversight of reports from CDC experts, and have worked to edit and append findings from CDC experts in its flagship scientific publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
- September, 9: Politico reports that a Trump Administration appointee was attempting to dictate talking points to NIH officials.
- September 4: President Trump contradicts his own experts, and says a vaccine will be ready in October.
- August, 26: CNN reports that the CDC was pressured by the Trump Administration to alter its testing guidance to be more restrictive. (this guidance has since been reversed)
- August, 22: President Trump tweets accusing the FDA of holding back a vaccine, writing, The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives! @SteveFDA
The Administration's interference in the work of the nation's public health agencies far precedes this most recent string of alarming examples. President Trump promoted hyrdoxychloroquine as an unproven treatment for COVID-19, andreportedly removed the head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority for insisting this claim be scientifically vetted. Trump Administration officials also blocked and contradicted CDC guidance meant to help schools, workplaces, and communities reopen.
In addition to Senators Murray and Schumer, the legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jack Rosen (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
See full text of the Science and Transparency Over Politics Act HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-levin-introduce-resolution-honor-70th-anniversary-impact-aid,"Newhouse, Levin Introduce Resolution to Honor 70th Anniversary of Impact Aid",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced a resolution to recognize and celebrate the 70th anniversary of Impact Aid on September 30, 2020. As Co-Chair of the House Impact Aid Caucus, Rep. Newhouse leads 90 bipartisan members to support and advocate for the Impact Aid program, which provides critical reimbursements for school districts impacted by nontaxable federal property.
Central Washington's students and school districts greatly benefit from the Impact Aid program, and I am proud to support these critical reimbursements, said Rep. Newhouse. From tribal reservations to Bureau of Reclamation lands, the federal government has a large footprint in our district, and we have a responsibility to ensure our students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve  despite a significantly diminished local tax base. I thank Rep. Levin for partnering with me to introduce this resolution recognizing 70 years of Impact Aid.
The Impact Aid program provides critical support to over 1,200 school districts that serve some of our most vulnerable student populations. We must continue to provide these school districts with the resources they need to serve students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, said Rep. Levin. Impact Aid is also critical for the military families I serve and schools on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, including San Onofre Elementary and Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Rep. Newhouse reaffirming our commitment to supporting them.
For 70 years, Impact Aid has played a critical role in school districts' efforts to provide all students with the opportunities they need to meet their full potential, said Hilary Goldmann, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. The flexible funds provided by the program are used for instructional materials, technology, staffing, social emotional supports and other priorities identified by local officials. In the context of COVID-19, Impact Aid is keeping students, staff and communities safe and learning. We thank Congress for its continued support of the program, which recognizes the Federal government's obligation to school districts where it holds land.
Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
Nearly 880,000 children of our men and women in uniform, children residing on Indian lands, children in law-rent public housing, and children of civilians working or living on federal land are considered federally-connected children who are served by local educational agencies eligible for Impact Aid Basic Support payments.
For Fiscal Year 2019, Washington's 4th Congressional District's school district received the following Impact Aid Basic Support payments:
Columbia School District #206: $137,132.51  Grand Coulee Dam School District #301-J: $126,932.80  Granger School District #204: $42,182.10  Mt. Adams School District #209: $2,886,034.90  Nespelem School District #14: $1,538,060.55  Okanogan School District #109: $76,374.45  Omak School District #19: $96,763.25  Toppenish School District #202: $496,796.75  Wapato School District #207: 2,265,797.94
Background:
The Impact Aid Program was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1950. The program is the oldest K-12 federal education program. Nationwide, approximately 1,200 school districts enrolling more than 10 million students benefit from Impact Aid funding. Click here to learn more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-short-term-continuing-resolution,Newhouse Statement on Short-Term Continuing Resolution,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support H.R. 8319, the Continuing Appropriations Act, a spending bill that funds the government through December 11, 2020:
A short-term funding solution is never ideal, but this Continuing Resolution provides for many of Central Washington's priorities, said Rep. Newhouse. I'm glad to see Democrat leadership listened to the outcries from both sides of the aisle and included critical agriculture provisions like mandatory programs for conservation, child nutrition, risk management, and wildfire recovery to help our farmers and ranchers continue their essential work. The legislation also includes a provision I worked to include to ensure we can retain our Hanford workforce and the extension of important health programs our communities rely on, including Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Center programs. As an Appropriator, I believe Congress must do its job and pass the full appropriations bills, and as negotiations proceed, I will continue to advocate for responsible federal spending that will meet the needs of our communities and empower Central Washington to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z