url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4079,"Larsen Announces New Funding to Save Lives, Improve Local Infrastructure",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, applauded U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) announcement of nearly $1 billion in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant funding for projects aimed at improving road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Everett and Mukilteo will get the resources they need to improve the safety of streets and roads and save lives,” Larsen said. “SS4A funding stops preventable tragedies and supports efforts to keep people safe and the economy moving. I look forward to continued partnerships with local communities to improve transportation safety in Northwest Washington.”

Snohomish County Projects Awarded SS4A Grants

The SS4A program, which invests $5 billion over five years in regional, local and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries, was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Two projects in Washington’s Second Congressional District were awarded grants totaling $1.5 million in this round of grant announcements:

- $1.2 million for the City of Everett to update an Active Transportation Plan, prepare an Evergreen Way corridor safety and operations plan, and pilot Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

- $300,000 for the City of Mukilteo to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

Washington state was awarded a total of more than $9.9 million for 15 projects. In Snohomish County, in addition to the Everett and Mukilteo awards, Mill Creek was awarded $1.8 million.

What WA-02 Leaders Are Saying

“I want to thank Rep. Larsen for being a champion and tireless advocate for Everett. This funding will advance our Vision Zero Everett work - helping us take meaningful steps toward safer streets and a better connected community. Strong partnerships between local and federal leaders allow us to make lasting, meaningful improvements that make a difference: protecting lives, improving quality of life and driving economic growth,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.

“Mukilteo is committed to creating a community where residents feel safe traveling throughout the city. This funding allows us to work closely with the community to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan that reflects local needs and improves safety for all roadway users. The plan is the first step toward establishing a prioritized list of projects, which will position the City to pursue future grant funding to implement safety improvements,” said Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-administration-quietly-banning-abortion-care-for-veterans-families/,Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration Quietly Banning Abortion Care for Veterans & Families,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, 155,000 live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions

Senator Murray, longtime leader on reproductive rights and veterans issues, grilled Secretary Collins on preserving access to abortion care at VA during his nomination hearing in January

ICYMI FROM AUGUST: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ripping Away Access to Abortion Care for Women Veterans Who Were Raped or Whose Health is in Danger

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has quietly implemented a near-total abortion ban at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), banning abortion care for veterans and their dependents—even when a woman’s health is in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

A Department of Justice (DOJ) memo issued last week, which regional VA leaders were told to comply with in an internal directive Monday, (screenshots here and here) shows the Trump administration is making this shift before VA even finished finalizing a proposed rule regarding this policy change and without allowing any public comment or consultation. Senator Murray forcefully condemned the Trump administration’s initial move to ban abortion at VA facilities in August—the new DOJ memo is a workaround by the Trump administration to implement their VA abortion ban even sooner, and as of this week, the policy is now fully in effect at VA facilities across the country.

The policy is a near-total ban on abortion care at VA, with only an exception for care when “a physician certifies that the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term”—and no exceptions for the health of the veteran or for rape or incest. The policy also bans VA providers from even discussing abortion with their veteran patients—even in life-threatening situations. There are approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age who are enrolled in VA health care, and VA estimates that over 155,000 of them live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions. Senator Murray pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins at his nomination hearing in January on whether he would eliminate access to abortion care at VA for veterans who are victims of rape, and he refused to give a straight answer.

“This backdoor move by the Trump administration to impose a near-total abortion ban at VA is an outrageous assault on veterans’ health care and a profound betrayal of veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country,” Senator Murray said. “VA already prohibits abortion care except in incredibly limited circumstances—this change goes even further, blocking women veterans whose health is in danger, or who are survivors of rape or incest, from getting the basic care they need. It’s shameful and indefensible.”

“Over the past year, Trump and Republicans have shown they will do everything in their power to restrict abortion access so they can ultimately ban abortion nationwide. President Trump can pretend all he wants that he supports exceptions for rape and incest, but the reality is that his administration is right now banning abortion care in exactly those circumstances,” Murray continued.

“The Trump administration may think they can quietly rip away women veterans’ health care and avoid accountability—they are wrong. I will never stop speaking out against Republican attacks on reproductive freedom or fighting back to protect veterans’ health care.”

Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—and advocating for women veterans and their access to reproductive health care has been a longtime focus for Senator Murray. Senator Murray called on VA to provide abortion care to veterans early in the Biden administration, and she applauded the Biden administration’s announcement later in the year that would begin to provide abortion care for veterans and their eligible dependents to protect the health and life of the individual and in cases of rape or incest. Murray has helped lead the charge in calling out Republicans for their attacks on, and attempts to undo, this limited and commonsense policy. Senator Murray also leads the Veteran Families Health Services Act, comprehensive legislation that would expand fertility treatments—including IVF—and family-building services for servicemembers and veterans who are unable to conceive without assistance, and she has sought unanimous consent to pass the legislation on multiple occasions. She introduced new legislation this summer with Senator Duckworth to help cover IVF costs for servicemembers and military families—and slammed Speaker Johnson from working behind the scenes to strip an amendment mirroring that legislation from the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Senator Murray voted against the NDAA earlier this month, citing—among other things—the failure to include her provision to expand IVF care for servicemembers and veterans.

Senator Murray is also a longtime leader in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care and abortion rights, and she has led Congressional efforts to fight back after the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Murray has introduced more than a dozen pieces of legislation to protect reproductive rights from further attacks, protect providers, and help ensure women get the care they need; Murray has led efforts to push for passage of these bills on the floor multiple times. Last January, on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Murray led her colleagues in hosting a “State of Abortion Rights” briefing with women who have suffered firsthand from Republican abortion bans, and last June, she chaired a HELP Committee hearing titled “The Assault on Women’s Freedoms: How Abortion Bans Have Created a Health Care Nightmare Across America.” Murray helped lead efforts to force Republicans on the record on votes to protect access to contraception and access to IVF (twice), and she led her colleagues in raising the alarm about the threat a second Trump administration would pose to reproductive rights and abortion access in every state, as outlined in Project 2025. At a forum Senator Murray held at the beginning of this year on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Senator Murray spoke about Republicans’ plan to institute a backdoor nationwide abortion ban, including by defunding Planned Parenthood.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-adam-smith-applauds-passage-sound-insulation-repair-program-protect,Congressman Adam Smith Applauds Passage of Sound Insulation Repair Program to Protect Airport-Adjacent Communities,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash) celebrates the passage of the Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act, legislation to help families living near major airports repair or replace failing sound insulation systems.

For decades, federal sound insulation programs have reduced aircraft noise for nearby homes, but current rules generally prevent the Federal Aviation Administration from funding repairs when earlier insulation has deteriorated or failed.

This legislation creates a limited FAA pilot program allowing select large hub airports to repair or replace previously installed insulation, with strict eligibility and independent verification requirements to ensure the program remains narrowly focused.

“This legislation fixes a clear gap in federal policy that has left families dealing with failing sound insulation and no path forward,” said Representative Adam Smith. “It creates a targeted solution that helps protect public health and quality of life while supporting the continued operation of our aviation system.”

Statements of support:

“The Port wants to share our deepest gratitude to Representative Smith and Senator Murray for their multi-year leadership to get this important legislation passed into law. This provision will allow us to leverage our existing $5 million Port Levy Fund investment in our Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program to identify and fix an increased number of homes that are no longer receiving the expected noise protection. This is a win for the community, and the result of joint advocacy by the Port and the near-airport cities through the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART).” – Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa.

“SeaTac proudly connects Washington to the world, and we believe that connectivity must be paired with practical protections for nearby neighborhoods. This proposal advances a focused, homeowner-centered approach to repairing or replacing aging sound insulation where it is no longer performing as intended.” – Mayor Mohamed Egal, City of SeaTac

“Senator Murray & Representative Smith saw our community's needs and we thank them for getting this legislation passed. This will help improve the quality of life for some Des Moines residents who are most impacted by living under SeaTac's flight paths. Passing this legislation is a real step forward."" – Mayor Traci Buxton, City of Des Moines

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/22/house-and-senate-immigration-leaders-rebuke-trump-dhs-proposal-that-would-punish-immigrant-families-for-lawfully-accessing-health-care-and-food-assistance/,House and Senate Immigration Leaders Rebuke Trump DHS Proposal That Would Punish Immigrant Families for Lawfully Accessing Health Care and Food Assistance,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — House and Senate immigration leaders submitted a formal regulatory comment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing the Trump Administration’s proposed “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility” rule, warning that the proposal unlawfully rewrites longstanding immigration law and would deter immigrant families from accessing basic health, nutrition, and housing assistance they are legally entitled to receive.

The proposed rule would circumvent Congress to alter the meaning of “public charge,” a term that for more than 135 years has applied only to individuals who are primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. If an immigrant is determined likely to become a public charge, it can affect their eligibility to enter the U.S. The Trump Administration’s proposal would penalize immigrants for using supplemental benefits like health care, nutrition, or housing assistance that Congress deliberately made available to immigrant populations to support working families.

“DHS is seeking to circumvent Congress by administratively altering the 135-year-old meaning of the term ‘public charge’ in violation of congressional intent. […] Congress has deliberately rejected the very changes that DHS now seeks to implement administratively in complete defiance of our will and intent,” the Members wrote.

Congress has repeatedly revisited immigration law without ever redefining “public charge” to include the use of non-cash benefits. Federal agencies have long recognized that programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance are supplemental benefits that promote public health, food security, and housing stability to help working families remain self-sufficient.

DHS’s proposal would ignite widespread fear and confusion in immigrant communities, leading families to forgo medical care, nutrition assistance, and housing support even when they qualify under federal law. DHS itself expressly concedes in the proposed rule that the policy could lead to worse health outcomes, increased poverty, housing instability, and greater use of emergency rooms for basic care—harms that would extend well beyond immigrant households to communities nationwide.

Congress has consistently made decisions about immigrants’ access to public benefits through eligibility rules, not by barring people from adjusting their immigration status for using those benefits. Recent legislation, including the 2025 reconciliation law, deliberately preserved access to key programs for certain immigrant populations.

For these reasons, the Members urge DHS to abandon the rule and maintain the 2022 regulations that reflect congressional intent, protect public health, and ensure that families are not punished for using lawful, life-sustaining assistance.

The comment was submitted by Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement; Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; Sen. Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Sen. Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration; Sen. Bernie Sanders; and Sen. Ron Wyden.

Click here to read the comment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/,"Murray, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA’s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senators: “At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them.”

ICYMI: VIDEO FROM SENATOR MURRAY: “Exactly zero veterans think the problem with the VA health care system is that there are *too many* staff providing care. But Trump’s VA has now decided it won’t fill thousands of open positions. We need answers about what this will mean for veterans.”

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 36 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding answers about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff.

“We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.”

The senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no impact” on VA health care, pointing to data that even if cuts were focused on non-clinical and administrative vacancies, VA would still have to cut 18,000 vacancies from essential, veteran-facing positions to meet their 35,000 number. They pressed Collins to provide additional information on VA’s plans to eliminate these positions, including asking for the list of positions removed; the names and titles of staff involved in making this decision; what evidence VA used to support this removal of vacancies; and what data was used to inform individual facility staffing baselines.

The senators concluded, emphasizing the gravity of this plan amid Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda across the government: “Unfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is vacant is not a suitable data point for determining need. At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them. Veterans deserve a VA staffed according to their needs and a Secretary who works to fill needed positions, not abolish them.”

VA already lost more than 40,000 employees between January and September of this year as a result of President Trump and VA Secretary Collins’ hiring freeze, deferred resignations, early retirements, and the significant number of VA staff who have quit since the Trump administration took office due to draconian workforce policies. In addition, VA had at least 42,000 vacancies across the Department as of March 31, 2025, and that number is estimated to have grown significantly since then. The removal of these positions would put VA at pre-PACT Act staffing levels. More than one million veterans newly enrolled in VA health care as a result of expanded eligibility under the PACT Act, and millions more have increased reliance on VA because of toxic exposure-related illnesses and injuries.

These continued cuts of VA health care follow widespread health care cuts initiated by Republicans across the government. Senate Republicans have failed to join Democratic efforts to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which 267,000 veterans rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Medicare and Medicaid cuts from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that go into effect next year, Americans, including millions of veterans and veteran family members, are facing skyrocketing premiums and a looming health care crisis.

In addition to Senators Murray and Blumenthal, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elisa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has been outspoken in standing up for veterans, VA employees, and VA researchers against Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate mass layoffs that will undermine critical services our nation’s veterans rely on every day. In January, Murray called on President Trump to exempt all VA employees from the hiring freeze issued as part of his Day One Executive Orders. Senator Murray, was among the first to raise the alarm about the layoffs of VA researchers and called on President Trump to immediately reverse the firings. She pressed VA Deputy Secretary nominee Dr. Paul Lawrence on the firings of VA researchers at the hearing on his nomination, and held multiple press conferences with VA employees and veterans in Washington state who were abruptly laid off for no reason as part of the Trump administration’s mass firings at VA. Earlier this year, Senator Murray forcefully denounced the Trump administration’s initial plan to fire 80,000 employees at VA.

Last week, Senator Murray released a video slamming the Trump administration’s plan not to fill thousands of open positions at VA, and demanding answers.

The lawmakers’ full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Collins:

We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article “VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,” which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year. Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.

Based on data mandated by Section 505 of Public Law 115-182, the VA MISSION Act of 2018, as of quarter two of FY 2025, the Department had a total of 42,518 vacancies. These vacant positions included 7,560 nurses, 4,400 schedulers, 2,800 physicians, 1,900 social workers, 1,650 nursing assistants, 1,630 practical nurses, 1,230 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, 1,080 health technicians, 860 veterans claims examiners, 760 police, and 710 psychologists – totaling more than 24,500 of the 42,500 vacancies. If the Department cut every other vacancy outside of these roles – which would still include cuts to various clinical and veteran-facing roles – VA would still have to cut 18,000 vacancies from essential, veteran-facing positions in order to meet the 35,000 number. These cannot all be “COVID-era roles,” as VA has claimed, nor can these cuts be downplayed because some have been vacant for longer than one year.

We request the following information regarding VA’s elimination of these positions:

Please provide a list of vacant positions removed, disaggregated by facility and job series.

Please provide a list of positions removed, disaggregated by job series and then by length of time since they were last encumbered or the position was created based on these categories of time: less than 30 days, greater than 30 days, greater than 90 days, greater than 180 days, greater than 365 days, and greater than 730 days.

Please provide the titles of VA Central Office staff and the offices or departments involved in making this decision.

VA already regularly adds and removes positions based on need as part of its normal recruitment and budgeting processes. What evidence was there to support this significantly larger removal of vacancies?

Memos from the Department planning for this removal of vacancies reference a baseline number of positions used to inform individual facility staffing numbers. What is that baseline, and how was that number decided upon? How were individual facility baselines calculated based on that number?

Why did the Department choose to use number of positions instead of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to establish these baselines? How were positions that typically do not occupy one FTE for each individual staff member, such as researchers, accounted for in the baseline and the cuts?

Please detail the approval process for a facility or hiring manager to request new vacancies, roles, or recruitment processes beyond the new baseline.

Based on what criteria can a facility or hiring manager request a new position or vacancy above the baseline?

In VA’s FY 2026 budget request, the Department requested funding for 396,000 total FTE. As such, Congress provided $167 billion for the treatment of 7.7 million patients and 162.6 million outpatient visits to VA for FY 2026. Please provide an updated staffing and workload projection for FY 2026 that accounts for these vacancy cuts.

How did the Department account for minimum staffing ratios when making these cuts, especially those required for nursing, long-term care, spinal cord injury and disorder teams, and mental health care?

Unfilled positions are not reflective of unnecessary positions, and the length of time a position is vacant is not a suitable data point for determining need. At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them. Veterans deserve a VA staffed according to their needs and a Secretary who works to fill needed positions, not abolish them.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-legislation-expand-access-healthy-nutritious,"Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Healthy, Nutritious Food for Washington Families",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced the Expanding Access to (EAT) Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to improve Americans’ access to nutritious food by making commonsense updates to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

“As a doctor, particularly as a pediatrician, I understand the crucial role that proper nutrition plays in our development, health, and well-being, and, conversely, the relationship between poor nutrition and so many of the preventable diseases that plague us today,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “All Americans, regardless of their income, should have access to good nutrition, and my bill helps to work towards that reality by getting fresh produce from local farmers to local food banks.”

Earlier this year, funding for the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program, which allowed state and tribal governments to purchase and distribute regional foods, was cancelled. The EAT Healthy Foods Act provides a solution to the loss of this program by building a similar purchasing model into TEFAP.

TEFAP is a federal program that provides low-income Americans with nutrition assistance in emergency situations. Through TEFAP, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases food and makes it available to local agencies such as food banks, soup kitchens, and more. Unfortunately, TEFAP is currently centered on long-lasting, processed products rather than fresh, local food. These restrictions make access to more nutritious produce out of reach for many American families.

The EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act will expand and improve TEFAP by providing organizations with better access to fresh food. Specifically, the bill will:

Add a new project type under TEFAP’s Farm to Food Bank Project Grants to provide federal funding to states for the purchase of locally grown food from small/beginning/underserved agricultural producers or entities to be distributed to emergency feeding organizations.

Create a USDA working group to review and reconsider how all USDA procurement can be directed to support a wider range of farmers, ranchers, and food distributors.

""Food banks in NW Oregon and across the country have increased demand as families deal with rising prices, changes to food assistance programs, and the lingering effects of the government shutdown,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Expanding the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) will make it easier to increase the supply of healthy food to food banks and other emergency feeding organizations while benefitting small and medium sized local farms. This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help address hunger and support farmers, and I hope we can pass it soon.

“Our farmers work hard every single day, and a lot of families rely on the fresh food they grow,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This bill helps support our small and underserved farmers, and at the same time it gets healthy local food to the food banks and pantries. That is what real community looks like, and I am proud to be a co-lead on this effort.”

Congresswoman Schrier also joined Congresswoman Bonamici in introducing the Supporting Transportation Organization and Refrigeration Expansion (STORE) Act. This legislation compliments the EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act by expanding access to food storage and transportation infrastructure for emergency food organizations.

The EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act is endorsed by NW Harvest, Harvest Against Hunger, and the Making a Difference Foundation.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-markey-senate-democrats-request-answers-from-sba-on-new-draconian-citizenship-verification-requirements-for-lending-programs-hurting-small-businesses-across-the-country/,"Murray, Markey, Senate Democrats Request Answers from SBA on New Draconian Citizenship Verification Requirements for Lending Programs—Hurting Small Businesses Across the Country",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Recent Trump administration SBA policy changes have led to a 46% reduction in small business lending.

A one-pager on how the Trump administration’s SBA policies are making it harder to start and run small businesses is HERE.

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Small Business & Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and 17 Democratic colleagues, in a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to request answers about the Trump administration’s efforts to limit economic opportunity for American entrepreneurs, including immigrants, and to highlight the impact that the SBA’s draconian citizenship verification requirements are having on SBA lending programs.

These new requirements, implemented by the Trump administration in June 2025, prevent loans from going to small businesses whose owners, investors, or key employees are foreign nationals; have deferred action, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); or have certain kinds of lawful noncitizen status, including refugees, asylees, visa holders, and conditional green card holders – even if the business is majority owned by U.S. citizens. SBA’s policy changes that include the citizenship verification requirements, increased minimum credit scores, and more stringent underwriting requirements have contributed to a drastic 46% drop in small business lending from June to August 2025.

“These new requirements hurt any small business owned or operated even in small part by noncitizens, even when the business employs Americans and operates wholly in the United States. Small businesses use SBA loans to create jobs and invest in their operations. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is demonizing immigrant communities and picking winners and losers, rather than basing lending decisions on a small business’s ability to repay a loan,” the senators wrote.

The lawmakers continue, “We have heard concerns that these requirements unduly bar small businesses with certain lawfully present, noncitizen owners and employees from receiving financing. For example, entrepreneurs stand to lose eligibility for SBA loans if they accept a small amount of start-up funding from friends or family members who aren’t U.S. citizens. Despite the Trump administration’s solicitation of foreign investment in the United States, small businesses with even one percent of foreign ownership can no longer receive an SBA loan. In some instances, businesses that previously received SBA loans have lost eligibility solely based on these new requirements. Lenders have informed us that borrowers may not even bother applying due to confusion or fear around the new requirements.”

“We urge the SBA to restore its policy of allowing SBA financing for businesses that are majority-owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents…Without changes, the SBA’s draconian citizenship verification requirements will continue to hurt small businesses, local communities, and the U.S. economy,” the senators concluded

The lawmakers request responses by January 8, 2026, to questions, including:

How many small businesses applying for SBA financing have been denied a loan because of the new citizenship verification requirements?

What has SBA communicated to its lenders about complying with these requirements and when will the agency update relevant borrower forms?

Why has SBA made individuals with lawful immigration statuses, including several protected classes under the Immigration and Nationality Act, ineligible for SBA loans?

In addition to Senators Murray and Markey, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

The lawmakers’ full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Administrator Loeffler,

Restrictive citizenship requirements recently issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) are cutting off access to SBA loans for American entrepreneurs, which is hurting the U.S. economy, small businesses, and immigrants lawfully in the U.S. These changes and others made by SBA contributed to a significant 46% reduction in small business lending from June-August 2025. We write with questions about the impact of these ill-conceived requirements on SBA lending and urge the SBA to restore its previous guidance.

On June 1, 2025, the SBA implemented harmful changes to two of its main lending programs, the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. 2 These draconian changes prevent loans from going to small businesses whose owners, investors, or key employees are foreign nationals; have deferred action, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); or have certain kinds of lawful noncitizen status, including refugees, asylees, visa holders, and conditional green card holders—even if the business is majority-owned by U.S. citizens. The new requirements reverse at least a quarter century of SBA policy that allowed small businesses to receive SBA loans if they were majority-owned by U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

We have heard concerns that these requirements unduly bar small businesses with certain lawfully present, noncitizen owners and employees from receiving financing. For example, entrepreneurs stand to lose eligibility for SBA loans if they accept a small amount of start-up funding from friends or family members who aren’t U.S. citizens. Despite the Trump administration’s solicitation of foreign investment in the United States, small businesses with even one percent of foreign ownership can no longer receive an SBA loan. In some instances, businesses that previously received SBA loans have lost eligibility solely based on these new requirements. Lenders have informed us that borrowers may not even bother applying due to confusion or fear around the new requirements.

Below are examples of how these requirements are affecting small businesses:

A small manufacturer, which produces components to retrofit vans for disabled individuals, has received three SBA loans that created jobs. Two minority shareholders who are not citizens own 13% of the business, making the business ineligible for another loan.

A third-generation, family-owned manufacturing business relocated from Canada to the United States to expand its American manufacturing operations. The business was an eligible borrower when it applied for a loan but is no longer eligible under the new requirements because Canadian citizens have a minority stake in the business. As a result, the family’s plans to invest in their manufacturing operations in the United States have been halted.

A small business planned to use an SBA loan to help acquire another U.S. small business whose owner is retiring. Although two of the three owners of the acquiring business who own a majority of the business are U.S. citizens, the third is waiting to receive a green card—making the business ineligible for a loan.

A small business owner interested in an SBA loan was likely eligible as a green card holder, but their lawyer recently advised against applying out of fear that submitted paperwork “could be used against them.”

In sum, these new requirements hurt any small business owned or operated even in small part by noncitizens, even when the business employs Americans and operates wholly in the United States. Small businesses use SBA loans to create jobs and invest in their operations. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is demonizing immigrant communities and picking winners and losers, rather than basing lending decisions on a small business’s ability to repay a loan.

We urge the SBA to restore its policy of allowing SBA financing for businesses that are majority-owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents and ask for written responses to the following questions by January 8, 2026:

1. How many small businesses applying for SBA financing have been denied a loan because of the new citizenship verification requirements?

2. What has SBA communicated to its lenders about complying with these requirements and when will the agency update relevant borrower forms? Please provide any memoranda, guidance, or other documents that have been provided to SBA lenders on the citizenship verification requirements.

3. SBA’s press release states that the new requirements are to “ensure only legal, eligible applicants can access SBA program . . . [and] confirm that applicant businesses are not owned in whole or in part by an illegal alien.” However, since 1994, the SBA has already prohibited the use of SBA funds for individuals not lawfully present in the United States. Why has SBA made individuals with lawful immigration statuses, including several protected classes under the Immigration and Nationality Act, ineligible for SBA loans? Please provide any research, memoranda, or other documents detailing SBA’s rationale for the citizenship verification requirements.

Without changes, the SBA’s draconian citizenship verification requirements will continue to hurt small businesses, local communities, and the U.S. economy. We look forward to your response addressing these important concerns.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-sanders-baldwin-demand-reversal-explanation-of-trump-admins-banned-word-list-that-threatens-families-access-to-head-start-programs-nationwide/,"Murray, Sanders, Baldwin Demand Reversal, Explanation of Trump Admin’s “Banned Word” List That Threatens Families’ Access to Head Start Programs Nationwide",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling on him to immediately reverse and explain the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) guidance prohibiting the use of nearly 200 words associated with “DEI” in Head Start funding applications—including words like “women,” “disability,” “Tribal,” and “mental health.” The Department has threatened that funding could be denied for Head Start centers if these words are used—despite the fact that the bipartisan statute authorizing the Head Start program specifically requires Head Start centers to work to meet goals associated with these words.

“We write to express our outrage at recent U.S. Health and Human Services actions to prohibit Head Start grantees from providing services that are clearly permitted under the law, like training teachers on how best to care for children with disabilities or enabling Tribes to serve their own members. As part of enforcing your illegal guidance banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Office of Head Start has now prohibited nearly 200 words and phrases,” write the Senators. “Your actions directly conflict with the statutory requirements established by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the Head Start Act to provide community-driven services and supportive classrooms for children with disabilities, and they force Head Start grantees to make an impossible and unacceptable choice between complying with the law or bending to the Administration’s unlawful DEI ban to keep their funding. The chaos you are creating is already jeopardizing services for nearly 700,000 young children across this country.”

The Senators note that a Trump administration policy banning “DEI” initiatives “was accompanied by a list of nearly 200 banned words and phrases, such as ‘disability,’ ‘women,’ ‘Tribal,’ and ‘mental health’—all words that are explicitly referenced in the Head Start Act and that are integral to fulfilling the program’s statutory purpose.”

HHS has claimed in court that there is no “credible threat of enforcement” in regard to their own policy banning DEI, but the American Civil Liberties Union has found evidence that the Trump Administration has been enforcing the “banned words”—actively rejecting or modifying grant applications based on the policy. The Senators further detail: “Court filings document instances in which programs were instructed to remove trainings on supporting children with autism, and in which Tribal programs were directed to remove preferences for Tribal members from their eligibility criteria. These directives directly contradict the Head Start Act, which explicitly permits American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs to prioritize Tribal membership or other criteria selected by the Tribe. Further news reporting show that OHS has been directing Head Start programs to remove phrases that the Administration interprets as similar to DEI, creating additional, arbitrary hurdles for grant applications.”

The Senators continue, explaining how banning specific words and phrases is fundamentally at odds with the clear requirements and permissible activities outlined in the Head Start Act. The Senators detail multiple examples of how the policy threatens to impact families served by the program: “Banning the usage of the words ‘disability,’ ‘inclusive,’ and ‘accessibility’ conflicts with Head Start programs’ requirements in meeting the needs of children with disabilities and ‘providing disability-related services for children’ as required in Sections 645 and 650 of the Head Start Act.”

“This ban is the latest in a long series of attacks from this administration on Head Start and early childhood education programs, which have created chaos and uncertainty for families nationwide,” the Senators continue—noting that the Trump administration illegally impounded funding for the programs earlier this year, which cause centers to temporarily close.

“Let’s be clear: banning these words and restricting the ability of Head Start programs to provide the services and support they are obligated to by law—all in an attempt to ban ‘DEI’—doesn’t only defy federal law and mandates that Congress created and funds on a bipartisan basis, it puts the vital support that kids and families across the country count on at serious risk. This is unacceptable. For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality early education and comprehensive services to more than 40 million children and working-class families. Your actions threaten that legacy and the families who rely on these services today,” the Senators conclude.

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write to express our outrage at recent U.S. Health and Human Services (Department) actions to prohibit Head Start grantees from providing services that are clearly permitted under the law, like training teachers on how best to care for children with disabilities or enabling Tribes to serve their own members. As part of enforcing your illegal guidance banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Office of Head Start has now prohibited nearly 200 words and phrases. Your actions directly conflict with the statutory requirements established by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the Head Start Act to provide community-driven services and supportive classrooms for children with disabilities, and they force Head Start grantees to make an impossible and unacceptable choice between complying with the law or bending to the Administration’s unlawful DEI ban to keep their funding. The chaos you are creating is already jeopardizing services for nearly 700,000 young children across this country.

On March 18, 2025, the Office of Head Start (OHS) notified all Head Start programs that “the use of federal funding for any training and technical assistance or other program expenditures that promote or take part in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives” will not be approved and that any questions should be directed to regional offices. The policy was accompanied by a list of nearly 200 banned words and phrases, such as “disability,” “women,” “Tribal,” and “mental health”—all words that are explicitly referenced in the Head Start Act and that are integral to fulfilling the program’s statutory purpose. The ambiguous policy was not accompanied by clarification on what the Administration considers “DEI,” and Head Start programs were left with no meaningful guidance on compliance. Meanwhile, the Administration eliminated staff in regional offices, leaving 800 Head Start programs across 22 states without dedicated support staff to assist with grant applications and local day-to-day operations.

While the Department has claimed in court that there is no “credible threat of enforcement,” the facts demonstrate otherwise. On December 5, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union provided additional evidence that the Trump Administration has been enforcing the banned words policy and rejecting or modifying grant applications as a result. Court filings document instances in which programs were instructed to remove trainings on supporting children with autism, and in which Tribal programs were directed to remove preferences for Tribal members from their eligibility criteria. These directives directly contradict the Head Start Act, which explicitly permits American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs to prioritize Tribal membership or other criteria selected by the Tribe. Further news reporting show that OHS has been directing Head Start programs to remove phrases that the Administration interprets as similar to DEI, creating additional, arbitrary hurdles for grant applications.

The list of banned words is fundamentally at odds with the clear requirements and permissible activities outlined in the Head Start Act. For example:

Banning the usage of the word “women” from Head Start grant applications conflicts with the statutory requirement for Early Head Start programs to serve pregnant women. Head Start agencies need to submit “…a description of how the needs of pregnant women, and of infants and toddlers, will be addressed…” in their application, as outlined under section 645 of the Head Start Act.

Banning the usage of the words “disability,” “inclusive,” and “accessibility” conflicts with Head Start programs’ requirements in meeting the needs of children with disabilities and “providing disability-related services for children” as required in Sections 645 and 650 of the Head Start Act.

Banning “culturally appropriate” conflicts with the Secretary’s role in establishing Head Start program performance standards with measures that are “…developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate services for the population served…” as required under section 641A of the Head Start Act.

Banning the use of “mental health” will undermine the statutory obligations of programs to provide mental health services and promote partnerships with substance abuse and mental health treatment agencies to strengthen family and community environments under section 642B of the Head Start Act.

Banning the word “Tribal” is an egregious violation of Tribal sovereignty and contradicts many of the explicit requirements to consult Tribal governments, Indian Tribes, or Tribal organizations in administering the American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs, the Head Start Act, such as sections 641, 645, 649, 658D, and 658O.

This ban is the latest in a long series of attacks from this administration on Head Start and early childhood education programs, which have created chaos and uncertainty for families nationwide. On July 23, 2025, the Government Accountability Office found that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding over $825 million of Head Start funding between January and April. This administration’s decision to block funding for Head Start created chaos, forced programs to draw up plans to lay off staff, forced parents to stress about back up plans, and even caused some programs to temporarily close their doors. The constant chaos and uncertainty facing 1,600 Head Start grantees undermines the early education and care of tens of thousands of children and their families nationwide.

Let’s be clear: banning these words and restricting the ability of Head Start programs to provide the services and support they are obligated to by law—all in an attempt to ban “DEI”—doesn’t only defy federal law and mandates that Congress created and funds on a bipartisan basis, it puts the vital support that kids and families across the country count on at serious risk. This is unacceptable. For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality early education and comprehensive services to more than 40 million children and working-class families. Your actions threaten that legacy and the families who rely on these services today.

As Secretary, you are legally obligated to administer Head Start in accordance with the statute Congress enacted, not to condition funding on compliance with unlawful and undefined policy directives.

Head Start grantees, educators, young children, and families deserve answers. Please provide a written response to the questions no later than 10 days from receipt:

Please provide all guidance, directives and communications related to banned words and phrases and other anti-DEI policies, pursuant to the January 20 executive order “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” that have been communicated to Head Start grantees.

How did the Administration decide on the banned words list and how did it evaluate the list’s contradictions with the statutory requirements of the Head Start Act?

For each term, please provide the Administration’s analysis explaining how its inclusion does not conflict with the Head Start Act.

How many Head Start grantees have been instructed to remove words or content from their grant applications as a result of this guidance?

How many grantees have had to wait for funding beyond the first day of the annual funding cycle because of banned words?

To what extent does the Administration rely on artificial intelligence to review grant applications and identify banned words?

How many drawdown requests in the Payment Management System have required modification to comply with the banned words policy?

Have any grantees been denied funding due to the Administration’s banned DEI list? If so, how many and under what circumstances?

When did the Administration begin implementing the banned words list in its grant review process?

Does HHS apply or plan to apply the banned words policy to other HHS-administered grant programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant?

If not, please explain why Head Start has been singled out for this policy.

If so, please identify each affected program and provide the corresponding guidance.

How has HHS assessed the impact of the banned words policy on American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs administered by Tribes and Tribal organizations?

Did HHS consult with Tribes prior to implementing this policy, as required under the Head Start Act and federal Tribal consultation obligations?

If not, why not?

We expect the Department to immediately reverse course, comply with the bipartisan law Congress enacted, and ensure Head Start programs can continue providing comprehensive services to children and families without fear of arbitrary enforcement or funding retaliation.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-release-of-partisan-homeland-security-appropriations-bill/,Senator Murray Statement on Release of Partisan Homeland Security Appropriations Bill,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have chosen to release a partisan bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security instead of working with Senate Democrats to finalize a negotiated bill. We need more accountability from President Trump’s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security, and as we proceed to conference negotiations on this bill and the remainder of our bills, I am going to keep working to produce the strongest possible legislation. American families should be able to count on their own government to support them through serious natural disasters and to enforce our immigration laws humanely and in accordance with the law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/jayapal-fletcher-demand-answers-as-trump-cancels-immigration-applications-citizenship-ceremonies/,"Jayapal, Fletcher Demand Answers as Trump Cancels Immigration Applications, Citizenship Ceremonies",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) are demanding answers after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced they would indefinitely pause the immigration process for nationals from the countries listed in Trump’s travel ban.

“Without clarity on how long this broad pause will last, soon-to-be citizens will be left in limbo for perpetuity, and families will be forced to remain separated,” wrote the Members. “What is clear is that no amount of vetting, moral character, or commitment to this country and its democratic values is enough to satiate the Trump Administration.”

Based solely on immigrants’ country of origin, Trump’s USCIS is both pausing and canceling green card interviews, applications, naturalization interviews, and even oath ceremonies for immigrants who have completed rigorous vetting and have secured citizenship. These are people who have followed every process and undergone extensive and repeated vetting to secure legal status.

“These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration, as soon-to-be U.S. citizens welcome their friends and family to witness their achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen. To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance. Delaying their naturalization through no fault of their own is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens,” continued the Members. “This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles.”

The Members are demanding answers on a timeline for when the pause will be lifted, any new background and security checks that are being run in the meantime, and a full report to Congress.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

The letter was also signed by Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-27), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Herbert Conway (NJ-03), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-09), John Mannion (NY-22), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cotrez (NY14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Andrea Salinas (OR-29), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/monopoly-busters-caucus-blasts-trump-administration-for-ending-key-partnership-with-states-that-protects-competition-in-the-agriculture-industry-lowers-prices-for-consumers/,"Monopoly Busters Caucus Blasts Trump Administration for Ending Key Partnership with States that Protects Competition in the Agriculture Industry, Lowers Prices for Consumers",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -Today, The Monopoly Busters Caucus, led by Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18), blasted the Trump Administration for ending a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partnership with bipartisan state attorneys general (AGs) that bolstered competition and tackled anticompetitive market structures in food and agricultural markets that have driven up prices for working Americans.

Through the Agricultural Competition Partnership (ACP), USDA previously provided $15 million in funding, support, and expertise to under-resourced state AG offices to help facilitate partnerships between federal and state law enforcement in order to achieve fairer, more competitive markets and more resilient supply chains. This included a focus on price gouging and addressing market structure problems, barriers to competition, and conflicts of interest.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the caucus stressed the importance of the ACP in combatting market consolidation, which has decreased margins for family farmers, producers and small business owners, while increasing prices for consumers. The Members also demanded answers from Secretary Rollins about how USDA plans to promote competition in the food and agriculture industries and supply emergency price relief to American farmers, workers and consumers.

“Ending the partnership with state AGs threatens competition and is contrary to President Trump’s stated goals of lowering food prices, helping struggling independent farmers, and promoting national security,” the Members wrote.

“Consolidation in the food and agriculture markets is significant and remains a growing problem for farmers and consumers,” the Members continued. “In consolidated markets like food and agriculture, dominant firms are able to abuse their market power, cutting costs and underinvesting in workers, supply chains, and key food infrastructure; forcing consumers and small businesses to pay higher prices; and reducing choice and quality in the marketplace. As consolidation has accelerated, hundreds of thousands of independent farms have shuttered, hurting rural communities, limiting production, and hindering food accessibility.”

“Although the Trump Administration has claimed it intends to ‘deliver emergency price relief’ to defeat the ‘cost-of-living crisis’ and implement ‘America First Priorities,’ walking away from the ACP with state AGs signals you are abandoning antitrust efforts that could actually address rising food prices for consumers and rising costs for farmers,” the Members concluded.

The letter was signed by Reps. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), André Carson (IN-07), Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Greg Casar (TX-35).

You can read the full text of the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/monopoly-busters-caucus-chairs-call-for-an-investigation-into-instacarts-personalized-price-gouging/,Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs Call for an Investigation into Instacart’s Personalized Price Gouging,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), released the following statement calling for an investigation into Instacart’s reported use of AI-driven surveillance pricing to charge different customers different prices for the same items:

“We are deeply alarmed by reports that Instacart is using AI to hike prices on unsuspecting customers based on their shopping habits. People shouldn’t be charged higher prices than their neighbors for the same milk or eggs because their grocery app is profiling them. This is personalized price gouging, plain and simple.

“While hardworking Americans struggle to afford groceries, corporations like Instacart are inventing new ways to rip them off. Surveillance pricing is a blatant abuse of power by big tech — automating greed and making consumers pay the price.

“Enough is enough. With Instacart processing hundreds of millions of orders yearly, these practices warrant urgent action. The FTC and state regulators must immediately investigate Instacart and hold it accountable for ripping off its customers. And we need to ban personalized price gouging to ensure that everyone pays a fair price.”

Background

Instacart’s pricing tactics are detailed in a new report from Groundwork Collaborative and Consumer Reports, “Same Cart, Different Price.” The report describes how Instacart uses AI-driven “price experiments” to maximize margins by charging different customers different prices for identical items at the same store. According to the report, Instacart deploys software from its subsidiary Eversight to identify the highest price an individual is willing to pay. This results in observed price swings as high as 23% and a potential “Instacart Tax” of $1,200 per year for a typical family. The investigation found that 74% of items tested were subject to these secret experiments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/quigley-jayapal-mcbride-foushee-lead-legislation-to-endtrump-use-of-police-for-immigration-enforcement/,"Quigley, Jayapal, McBride, Foushee Lead Legislation to EndTrump Use of Police for Immigration Enforcement",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) re-introduced the Protecting the Rights of Towns against federal Enforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for (PROTECT) Immigration Act, legislation which would end the deputization of local and state police departments to enforce immigration law. The PROTECT Immigration Act would rescind the statutory authority for the federal government’s 287(g) Program, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law.

“The Trump administration just spent months terrorizing immigrants in the Chicagoland area. Their actions led to domestic violence victims fleeing a courthouse rather than receive restraining orders against their abusers, all out of fear that ICE or local law enforcement would detain and deport them,” said Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05). “I met with immigrants and their neighbors who are afraid to call for help or report crimes in their neighborhoods because of Trump’s deliberate erosion of trust between communities and local police. And now the Trump administration is running ads targeting local police and offering $50,000 signing bonuses to pull critical law enforcement away from day-to-day policing in order to arrest and detain hardworking immigrants with no criminal records. We must bring an end to the 287(g) program and cut off one of the avenues this administration has exploited to intimidate immigrant communities.”

“Allowing local law enforcement to be deputized to kidnap and disappear immigrants undercuts the trust that local police rely on to maintain public safety in our communities,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “Immigrants and their U.S. citizen loved ones stop reporting crimes out of fear of being kidnapped and deported. Local police are spread thin enforcing federal civil immigration law. We know that Trump is not targeting criminals, he is targeting our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and pillars of our community. This lawlessness must end immediately.”

“I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with Congressman Quigley to restore trust, safety, and integrity to our immigration system. For too long, the 287(g) program has drained local resources, fueled racial profiling, and made communities less safe — and it’s time we end it. The PROTECT Immigration Act makes clear that immigration enforcement belongs with trained federal authorities, guaranteeing that local law enforcement can focus exclusively on keeping our communities safe. This bill would take a step toward restoring trust between local communities and police departments so every family can live with dignity and without fear,” said Representative Sarah McBride (DE-At Large).

“The Trump Administration’s attempt to expand the 287(g) Program is a direct assault on civil rights and the Constitution,” said Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Having served in local law enforcement for more than 20 years, I know policing should protect and support our communities, not divide it, and deputizing local officers into immigration enforcers only erodes public trust, undermines public safety, and deepens fear. We need laws in place that restore fairness and uphold justice. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the PROTECT Immigration Act, which will reverse this harmful program and take an important step toward repairing the flaws in our broken immigration system.”

“In just one year, the Trump administration has massively expanded the 287(g) program and distorted it in ways Congress never intended, exploiting local law enforcement resources for its dystopian mass deportation agenda,” said Naureen Shah, director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU’s Equality Division. “Enlisting local law enforcement for mass deportations isn’t just a waste of taxpayer dollars – it terrorizes our communities, undermines public safety and fuels racial profiling. We thank Congressman Quigley for his leadership and urge our members of Congress to pass the PROTECT Immigration Act without delay.”

“The rapid expansion of the 287(g) program under the Trump administration represents yet another way that mass deportation undermines public safety for all Americans. When local police serve as a force multiplier for ICE, people become more afraid to report crime and less trusting of local police officers. Local law enforcement agencies should prioritize real public safety concerns in their communities rather than waste limited manpower making traffic stops that turn into detention and deportation for long-standing community members who pose no threat. The PROTECT Act takes the overdue step of repealing a program that is unnecessary for effective enforcement of immigration laws, but continues to have a harmful track record for public safety,” said Nayna Gupta, Policy Director at the American Immigration Council.

Quigley has championed the PROTECT Immigration Act since 2017.

The PROTECT Immigration Act would:

Repeal the statutory authority for the 287(g) Program; and

Clarify that state and local law enforcement lack “inherent authority” to arrest people for suspected immigration offenses.

The legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (Del.-DC), Sarah Jacobs (CA-51), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/ranking-member-jayapal-denounces-the-trump-administrations-shameful-denaturalization-quota/,Ranking Member Jayapal Denounces the Trump Administration’s Shameful Denaturalization Quota,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to new guidance that the Trump Administration will require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to “supply Office of Immigration Litigation with 100-200 denaturalization cases per month” to increase denaturalizations:

“I am absolutely outraged by the Trump Administration’s plan to denaturalize American citizens by the hundreds every single month and use the immigration system to terrorize immigrants across this country, including US citizens. According to reports, between 2017 and today, there have been just over 120 denaturalization cases filed in total. These arbitrary numerical targets Trump has put out show that he is using the immigration system to go after anyone who disagrees with him, anyone who comes from countries he doesn’t like or decides to call ‘shithole’ countries, anyone he wants to terrorize into submission. Trump’s campaign of terror has never been about going after the ‘worst of the worst,’ and this latest move makes that crystal clear.

“Every U.S. citizen should be outraged by this. If he can do this to ‘them,’ he can certainly do it to you.

“As a proud naturalized citizen myself, one of only two dozen to serve in the United States Congress and now the top Democrat on the Immigration Subcommittee, I understand the deep meaning and privilege of becoming a US citizen. I came to this country when I was 16, alone, and with nothing in my pockets, and spent 17 years on an alphabet soup of visas before becoming a U.S. citizen. I treasure that moment to this day and take seriously my oath to this country — as so many millions of naturalized citizens do. The process is lengthy and meaningful, offering the security of knowing I am at home here, never to be separated from my U.S. citizen child and spouse or from the country where I’ve built my life and career. The idea that our own government would now seek to rip away this sacred bond that binds naturalized citizens to our country will harm all Americans, and indeed, the very idea of America.

“I call on the President to remember our history. We are a country built on the idea of being a refuge for those in need, a country where anyone can work hard and get ahead. Ultimately, immigration is about more than just who comes here and who is allowed to stay. It is about who we are as a country and what we are willing to stand up for.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4077,Larsen Celebrates Wins for Washington State in Coast Guard Authorization Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act:

“The Coast Guard Authorization Act invests in Washington state’s Coasties and the communities they serve – from better equipping marine firefighters to preventing and responding to oil spills to extending the whale desk,” said Rep. Larsen. “I have proudly supported this bill to make sure the women and men who keep our seas safe have the resources they need to achieve mission success and protect Washingtonians. I am glad to see it move to the President’s desk and I urge him to sign it into law.”

The CGAA includes key provisions to support Coasties in the Pacific Northwest and keep Washingtonians safe, including:

Extension of the Cetacean Desk

The CGAA provides a two-year extension of the pilot program that established the whale desk at Coast Guard Base Seattle. This program provides real-time whale location data for mariners to prevent ship strikes and noise disturbance while also protecting whale species.

International Oil Spill Contingency Planning

In response to the increased oil tanker traffic entering Canadian waters north of Puget Sound, the CGAA requires the Coast Guard to update and modernize oil spill response plans and agreements with Canada in the event of a cross-jurisdiction spill.

Salvaging and Marine Firefighting (SMFF)

In response to the tragic passing of a community member during the 2022 sinking of the Aleutian Isle off Sunset Point in Rep. Larsen’s district, the CGAA allows for verification of SMFF capacity in vessel response plans to ensure that ships are stocked with the necessary salvage and marine firefighting equipment.

Seattle Property Negotiating

The CGAA broadens the scope of cooperative agreements into which the U.S. Coast Guard can enter, including with Tribal organizations. This will allow the Coast Guard to better negotiate with Muckleshoot and Suquamish tribes over land and water use while modernizing Base Seattle.

Tsunami Preparedness

The CGAA requires every Coast Guard base or station located in a high-tsunami-risk area to develop an evacuation plan in coordination with local governments, conduct regular drills and conduct follow-ups with servicemembers and staff.

Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard. In that role, Rep. Larsen introduced and secured passage of the CGAA through the Committee by a 60-0 vote and the House by a 399-12 vote.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4078,"Larsen and WA Democratic Members Demand Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Democratic members of Washington state’s congressional delegation sent aletter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575.

In addition to Rep. Larsen, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), as well as U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), also signed the letter.

“Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as ICE has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.”

“It is well established at this point that this Administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.”

In the letter, the Members raise concern over the lack of medical care for individuals detained at NWIPC and other ICE facilities, writing: “We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens. Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care.”

The lawmakers’ letter also draws attention to reports from advocates that at least three pregnant women detained at NWIPC over the past year have been unable to receive appropriate medical care. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

The Members continued by raising concerns over the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC and difficulty that detained individuals have in accessing legal counsel, writing: “Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients.”

The letter concludes by requesting answers to a list of questions by January 16th regarding capacity and staffing levels at NWIPC, the provision of food and medical care, access to legal counsel, treatment of pregnant women, and recent facility visits. “Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect. Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

The lawmakers’ full letter to ICE is available HERE and below:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

We are writing to share our grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and to request information about access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for detained noncitizens at the facility. Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility. In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity.

None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.

You must ensure the facility complies with the 2011 Performance-Based National Detention Standards as revised in 2016 (PBNDS 2011) to keep detained noncitizens safe and healthy while protecting the rights they are entitled to under law.

It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities. With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.

Medical Care

The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to protect the health of individuals in its custody. We have had long-standing concerns about access to medical services in ICE detention facilities. In recent years, several members of the Washington Congressional delegation requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the quality and accessibility of medical services for individuals in ICE custody. At times this year, NWIPC has exceeded 1,500 individuals in custody, nearing the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575 individuals. We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens.

Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care. During an August 2025 site visit, facility staff indicated the facility employed only four behavioral health staffers. There were reports of at least two suicide attempts at NWIPC in April. It is plainly inadequate to have four behavioral health staff serving the 1,500 detainees under the facility’s care, especially given the fact that serious behavioral health issues frequently emerge under the severe stress of detention. We are also alarmed by reports from advocates with access to the facility that at least three detained pregnant women at NWIPC have been unable to receive appropriate medical care, even after they request specialty prenatal care appointments. Regular exams such as ultrasounds are necessary to monitor development and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

Food

The Seattle Times recently reported on the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC as the detained population has increased. Advocates who speak with detainees have shared that meals are provided late and, in some cases, detainees did not receive three meals per day. Detainees have made complaints about food and sanitation for many years, and we urge the facility to be responsive to the nutritional needs of individuals in its custody. Legal service providers with access to the facility have also shared that detainees waiting for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings may miss meals. We urge the facility to ensure that all detained noncitizens, including those awaiting hearings or visits, are provided a minimum of three meals per day, as required by national detention standards (PBNDS 2011).

Access to Legal Counsel

Access to legal resources for noncitizens in immigration detention supports their ability to understand their rights and navigate immigration court, preventing backlogs in the immigration court system. Detained noncitizens at NWIPC face several concerning barriers to accessing legal counsel. Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients. This August, two of the seven attorney visitation rooms were being used as Virtual Attorney Visitation rooms (VAVs) and two were being used for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings, leaving only three rooms available for attorneys to meet with their clients in person. We have also heard from advocates with access to the facility that, at times, only one visitation room was available and interviews for facility staff were being conducted in these attorney visitation rooms.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress provided $10,000,000 for ICE to improve legal resources for noncitizen detainees, including to expand video attorney visitation. During an August 2025 site visit, NWIPC staff indicated that the facility recently implemented a new scheduling system to reserve attorney visitation rooms. We ask that the facility work with attorneys to resolve any issues that arise with the new system expeditiously so as not to delay access to legal counsel. We urge you to improve access to legal counsel by ensuring attorney visitation rooms remain available for attorneys to meet with their clients.

Given these concerns, we request answers to the following questions by January 16, 2026:

1. What is the maximum capacity of NWIPC, as determined by the fire marshal? As of November 1, 2025, how many individuals were detained at the facility?

2. How many staff were employed by NWIPC on January 20, 2025? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provided direct medical services?

3. As of November 1, 2025, how many staff were employed by NWIPC? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provide direct medical services?

4. As of November 1, 2025, how many pregnant women were detained at NWIPC? How often have these women requested, and how often have they received, prenatal care appointments with a specialist?

5. How many days in the last six months has the facility not provided three meals each day to every noncitizen in its custody?

- Why did the facility not provide three meals each day to every noncitizen?

- For each day, for how many noncitizens were three meals not provided?

6. What is the current status of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) at NWIPC? Are noncitizens able to access LOP daily? What are the hours of availability each day? Outside of hours, are there any other restrictions on daily LOP access, and if so, what are they and why are they in place?

7. How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for in-person attorney meetings? How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for virtual attorney meetings?

- In the last six months, have the attorney visitation rooms been used for a purpose other than attorney-client meetings (in-person or virtual) or video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings?

8. When were the most recent facility visits by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General, DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and ICE oversight personnel (whether the Office of Professional Responsibility or otherwise)? What, if any, recommendations were made after each visit? What progress has been made to implement such recommendations?

9. OIDO issued a report in November 2024 following an inspection of NWIPC. While 11 of the recommendations have been addressed, one remains outstanding. What progress has been made on implementing the remaining recommendation?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility.

We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect.

Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/as-open-enrollment-ends-in-idaho-and-thousands-of-idahoans-cancel-coverage-murray-decries-republican-health-care-sabotage-idaho-is-the-canary-in-the-coal-mine/,"As Open Enrollment Ends in Idaho and Thousands of Idahoans Cancel Coverage, Murray Decries Republican Health Care Sabotage: “Idaho is the Canary in the Coal Mine”",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Idaho Capital Sun: Thousands of Idahoans cancel health insurance plans on exchange ahead of subsidies ending

Idaho Statesman: Obamacare subsidies are set to expire. Dems call Idaho ‘ground zero’ for crisis

ICYMI: Days Before Open Enrollment Begins, Senator Murray Joins Idaho Leaders, Residents Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits to Call on Republicans to Come to the Table to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing

Idaho’s open enrollment data—first in the nation—shows twice as many people disenrolled from health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality plans

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on new data from Idaho’s health insurance marketplace showing the very real consequences of Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and letting health care premiums skyrocket for families across the country.

Idaho’s open enrollment period ended on Monday—the first in the nation to close, making it a key bellwether of how Republican health care sabotage is affecting families’ decisions around health care coverage for next year. Yesterday, Idaho’s exchange marketplace reported that twice as many people disenrolled in health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality insurance plans, where the cost of care is higher. The Executive Director of Idaho’s insurance marketplace, Your Health Idaho, cited affordability as a key concern for Idahoans signing up for health care this year—and said they expect an additional 20,000 people to cancel their coverage in the coming months because they won’t be able to afford their monthly premiums.

“Idaho is the canary in the coal mine on Republican health care sabotage. This week, we got our first look at the very real—and likely irreversible—damage Republicans have caused by refusing to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits all year, and sending health care costs skyrocketing.

“While Republicans have been wasting time, ignoring the problem, and voting down legislation to extend the tax credits time and time again, their constituents have been getting priced out of their health care and shouting for help. What we’re seeing now in Idaho isn’t pretty: twice as many people disenrolling from their health insurance plans, 24 percent fewer enrollments, and more people shifting to lower-quality plans where the cost of care is higher. And we haven’t even seen the full scope of the damage yet—another 20,000 Idahoans are expected to cancel coverage in the coming months because they won’t be able to keep up with the higher payments Republicans set in motion.

“The worst part is, this was completely avoidable. Republicans could have chosen to act at any point this entire year to stop their own constituents from getting priced out of their health care—instead, they shoveled new tax breaks at billionaires and declined to do a single thing to stop families’ premiums from doubling, tripling, or worse. I have never seen anything like the complete disregard Republicans are showing their own constituents on this issue—no one should forget this.

“If Republicans want to burn down the health system, Democrats are going to make sure every single person holds them accountable for that decision next fall. And we are going to turn our attention to what comes next—how we rebuild a stronger health care system for everyone.”

More than 3 in 4 people who get their health care through the ACA marketplaces live in states President Trump won in 2024, including Idaho, where over 100,000 people rely on the ACA tax credits to afford health care. In Idaho, the ACA tax credits–which 87 percent of Idahoans who get health insurance through the marketplace receive—have lowered average monthly premiums by $407. A typical 60-year-old couple making $85,000 in Idaho is facing a whopping $17,900 increase in their annual premium costs next year due to Republicans’ refusal to extend the tax credits.

Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the importance and urgency of extending the ACA tax credits and stopping health care costs from skyrocketing, and she has been calling on Republicans this entire year to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the tax credits—which they have refused to do. She has spoken on the Senate floor time and time again making the case for extending the ACA tax credits, and has held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians—as well as residents of neighboring red states Idaho and Montana, warning that Republicans’ refusal to save the tax credits will hurt people in red states the most.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis and prevented the government shutdown. Senator Murray played a critical role in passing the enhanced premium tax credits in the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, and she has been fighting for months to make sure these important health care tax credits don’t expire, including cosponsoring multiple pieces of legislation—the Health Care Affordability Act and the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act—that would make them permanent.

A timeline detailing how Senator Murray has been fighting for years to extend the ACA tax credits, and calling on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate, is HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-democrats-call-on-independent-watchdog-to-investigate-impact-of-republicans-health-care-cutting-agenda-on-veterans-their-families/,"Murray, Blumenthal, Democrats Call on Independent Watchdog to Investigate Impact of Republicans’ Health Care-Cutting Agenda on Veterans & Their Families",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senators call on Government Accountability Office to examine impact on veterans from Republican health care cuts and skyrocketing health care premiums

Letter comes after Republicans failed to join Democrat efforts to extend Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits that allow 267,000 veterans to afford health care

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and 25 of their colleagues in a letter calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda will affect veterans and their families.

This follows Senate Republicans’ failure to join Democrats in extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which 267,000 veterans rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Republicans’ Medicaid and ACA cuts in their disastrous reconciliation bill, 15 million Americans are expected to lose health coverage and millions will face higher health care costs, including veterans and their families.

“The 2025 budget reconciliation bill, Public Law 119-21, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (BBB), will reduce access to essential health care and supportive services for millions of Americans, including veterans and their families. Compounded with expiring enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, veterans are facing a life-threatening reduction in access to health care and other essential benefits. These reductions in access to private health insurance, Medicaid, and funding for community health services will result in more veterans relying more heavily on their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits,” the senators wrote.

1.6 million veterans and four million veteran family members utilize Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and are at risk of losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage because of Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill.” One in ten veterans under the age of 65 relies on Medicaid, and forty percent of these veterans rely on Medicaid as their sole coverage. In addition, recent analysis found 267,000 veterans who rely on ACA enhanced premium tax credits will no longer be able to afford ACA marketplace coverage if these credits are not extended. Generally, veterans who benefit from ACA tax credits are not eligible to get some or all of their health care through VA, nor are they eligible for Medicaid, TRICARE, or Medicare.

The Senators emphasized their concerns with these widespread health care cuts amid the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to shrink VA: “Because of the recent catastrophic, unnecessary cuts to VA’s workforce and resources since January 20, 2025, we are deeply concerned about the Department’s capability to support this potential spike in utilization. We write to request you review how these widespread cuts to health care access for all Americans will also impact veterans and their families and to what extent VA will be able to support an influx of veterans relying on the Department for health care more than ever before.”

Recent reporting exposed the Trump administration’s plan to eliminate as many as 35,000 health care jobs at VA this month, including unfilled positions for doctors, nurses, and support staff. In addition, VA already lost more than 30,000 employees between January and September of this year as a result of President Trump and VA Secretary Collins’ hiring freeze, deferred resignations, early retirements, and the significant number of VA staff who have quit due to Trump and Collins’ draconian workforce policies.

In addition to Senators Murray, Blumenthal, and Schumer, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator Murray was the first woman to join the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the first woman to chair the Committee—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, supporting veterans and their families has always been an important priority for her. Senator Murray has been outspoken in standing up for veterans, VA employees, and VA researchers against Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate mass layoffs this year—forcefully denouncing the administration’s plans, pressing administration witnesses at every opportunity, and holding multiple press conferences with VA employees and veterans in Washington state who were abruptly laid off for no reason. Earlier this year, Senator Murray forcefully denounced the Trump administration’s initial plan to fire 80,000 employees at VA. This week, Senator Murray released a video slamming the Trump administration’s new plan not to fill thousands of open positions at VA, and demanding answers.

Senator Murray, a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has also been a leading voice throughout this year fighting back against Republicans’ health care sabotage—from the passage of their partisan “Big Beautiful Bill” that made the largest cuts to Medicaid and the ACA in history, to Republicans’ ongoing refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, forcing premium costs to skyrocket for millions of families.

The lawmakers’ full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. Dodaro:

The 2025 budget reconciliation bill, Public Law 119-21, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (BBB), will reduce access to essential health care and supportive services for millions of Americans, including veterans and their families. Compounded with expiring enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, veterans are facing a life-threatening reduction in access to health care and other essential benefits. These reductions in access to private health insurance, Medicaid, and funding for community health services will result in more veterans relying more heavily on their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits. Because of the recent catastrophic, unnecessary cuts to VA’s workforce and resources since January 20, 2025, we are deeply concerned about the Department’s capability to support this potential spike in utilization. We write to request you review how these widespread cuts to health care access for all Americans will also impact veterans, and their families and to what extent VA will be able to support an influx of veterans relying on the Department for health care more than ever before.

Up to 5.6 million veterans and their family members rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and are at risk of losing coverage as a result of funding cuts and further restrictions on eligibility enacted in the BBB. Nearly one in ten veterans under 65 rely on Medicaid, with forty percent of those veterans relying on Medicaid as their sole coverage – often due to ineligibility for Medicare or VA health care. Medicaid helps ensure regular access to care for veterans and their families, especially those who have diverse heath care needs or require care with high out-of-pocket costs, both of which can pose a barrier to care. Regardless of VA’s capacity to absorb these veterans that may now need to rely on the Department for more of their care, many of them are ineligible or were using Medicaid as a supplement because the Department couldn’t provide access to the care they required.

The 140,000 women veterans currently utilizing Medicaid will be particularly impacted by the cuts to this program. This includes nearly one in nine women veterans nationwide and more than one in five women veterans with disabilities, nearly one in seven rural women veterans, and 12.4 percent (54,000) of women veterans who are mothers. Nearly four in ten women veterans rely solely on Medicaid for their health care coverage. For those who are ineligible for Medicare or VA health care, the cuts made in the BBB will likely leave them uninsured resulting in high vulnerability to medical debt or being barred from accessing care altogether.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was also severely harmed by the BBB. Currently, 1.2 million veteran households rely on SNAP benefits. The sixty-three percent of veterans on SNAP who are under 65 will be newly subject to so-called work requirements to maintain access to SNAP. Exemptions from these punishing requirements for disabling conditions are not clearly defined in the BBB, leaving uncertainty regarding whether veterans with disabilities limiting their ability to sustain regular employment will have the requirement waived. For example, a veteran with a traumatic brain injury or severe post-traumatic stress disorder – both conditions more common in veterans than non-veterans and which often require more complex accommodations – may not be exempt despite being unable to maintain the focus or manage the stressors required by many employers. Because of these changes, many veteran households will experience reduced access to SNAP and, therefore, because there is no equivalent alternative service available through VA or any other federal program, their main source of food.

Like the harmful and ineffectual work reporting requirements added to SNAP, the BBB also added these so-called work requirements for certain adults, including veterans, to access Medicaid. The BBB mandates Medicaid enrollees aged 19-64 who are covered through the ACA’s Medicaid expansion must engage in employment, education, a work program, or community service to maintain their Medicaid eligibility. This requirement cannot be waived. Though there are exemptions allowed for certain individuals, including disabled veterans – defined as veterans with a disability rated as total under section 1155 of Title 38, United States Code – and caregivers of children thirteen years of age and under or disabled individuals, the gray areas of life and disabilities often do not align with these black and white requirements. Applying for or updating veteran disability ratings or caregiver status is already a significant challenge and can take years to establish, which, under these new bureaucratic requirements, could leave veterans or their loved ones without health care.

Even veterans who will not lose their coverage due to these Medicaid cuts may no longer be able to access health care because of their reliance on ACA premium tax credits. Since the ACA coverage provisions took effect, the number of uninsured, non-elderly veterans has decreased by more than one-third, from 9.6 percent to 5.9 percent. As Congress expanded the premium tax credits starting in 2021, the ACA marketplace enrollment more than doubled by 2025. However, these enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year, and without them many veterans will be forced to withdraw from their health care coverage because they can no longer afford it. This may increase their reliance on VA for their care if they’re eligible, but many veterans who are ineligible for VA care and benefits will lose access to health care entirely. Furthermore, VA’s actuarial firm has indicated that for every one percent of increased reliance on the Department for care, VA can expect its costs to increase by $2.6 billion – a cost unaccounted for in the BBB or VA’s budget request for fiscal year 2026, when these changes will start to take effect.

It is critical for Congress, VA, and, most importantly, veteran households to understand how these recent changes will impact their access to essential health care and nutrition services. With a better understanding of these impacts, Congress and the veteran community can better advocate for swift and effective changes to mitigate the truly catastrophic future created by the BBB. To that end, we request you conduct a review of the potential and actual impacts of this bill and the expiration of the enhanced ACA tax credits on veterans and their families.

To expedite access to this data and improve Congress’ ability to act proactively, we request an initial review and estimation of potential harmful impacts based on current utilization, followed by a subsequent review of the actual impacts to veterans as they unfold from 2026-2028. To the extent practicable, please disaggregate your findings by age, gender, household size, employment status, average income, and any other categories you deem appropriate. In particular, we request you address the following questions as they pertain to veterans and their families, to the extent data are available:

How many utilize SNAP or Medicaid and are impacted by the BBB?

How many will lose access to affordable health care or health care altogether due to expiration of ACA enhanced premium tax credits?

How many are subject to work reporting requirements set for Medicaid? How many are eligible for exceptions to those requirements?

How many are subject to work reporting requirements set for SNAP? How many are eligible for exceptions to those requirements?

How many veterans impacted by changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA enhanced premium tax credits are currently, have recently, or are at risk of experiencing homelessness?

We look forward to working with you to conduct oversight on this important issue. If you have any questions about this request, please have your staff contact the office of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Minority Staff.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-harms-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands/,"Murray,  Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Harms to Ecosystems and Public Lands",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and 18 of their Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges — putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care.

In their letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country — with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions.

“Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the senators wrote.

The senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies,” the senators continued. “The consequences of slashing the FWS workforce are already being felt across the nation. The collapse of staffing capacity within the Refuge System leaves refuges open to damage, vandalism, flooding, fire, and loss of protection and conservation measures for threatened and endangered wildlife species who rely on these refuges for survival. FWS staffing losses also hurt resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.”

In addition to Senators Murray and Schiff, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Senator Murray is a leading voice pushing back against the Trump administration’s attacks on federal agencies. In February, she released a fact sheet on how staffing cuts at federal agencies under the Trump administration would jeopardize critical functions of agencies, including the 2,300 employees laid off at the Department of the Interior and FWS at the beginning of this year. She and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) led the Washington Democratic Congressional delegation in a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in August, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s disastrous decision to eliminate funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs), a blow to widely supported salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts that also impacted FWS staffing. As Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has consistently fought to secure funding for fish and wildlife conservation projects in Washington state and across the country.

The lawmakers’ full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik:

We write to sound the alarm on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) staffing crisis, which is causing particular harm to the National Wildlife Refuge System. A startling amount of staff and expertise needed to manage the Refuge System and protect America’s wildlife have been lost due to the administration’s firings, early retirement programs, and other efforts to push staff out of FWS. The agency is losing the capacity to manage America’s wildlife refuges and struggling to even keep them open. We ask that you provide Congress with your plan to address FWS’s staffing crisis and immediately act to ensure that FWS and the Refuge System have the staff and resources needed to guarantee a safe, quality experience for visitors to the Refuge System and to protect the invaluable wildlife species under the agency’s care.

Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats. There are 573 national wildlife refuges across the country, with a footprint in every state. The Refuge System also utilizes a unique conservation approach through community-based initiatives that provide recreational and sporting opportunities and other localized needs. According to FWS, wildlife refuge recreation generates $3.2 billion in local economic activity each year. Every dollar that is invested in the Refuge System generates $3.12 in U.S. economic activity, a tremendous return on investment for the American taxpayer.

However, according to recently released internal agency documents, almost 60 percent of the nation’s wildlife refuges lack the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. FWS has experienced a staggering 29 percent loss of employees who work for the Refuge System. This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the administration has indicated that it is planning more firings for public land agencies.

Staffing reductions have negatively impacted national wildlife refuges across the country, forcing multiple wildlife refuges to operate with few or no employees. FWS’s internal estimates indicate that 9 percent of wildlife refuges are now classified as “shuttered.” It appears that FWS has abandoned these refuges, as there may not be a single employee on the ground to manage the refuge.

The consequences of slashing the FWS workforce are already being felt across the nation. The collapse of staffing capacity within the Refuge System leaves refuges open to damage, vandalism, flooding, fire, and loss of protection and conservation measures for threatened and endangered wildlife species who rely on these refuges for survival. FWS staffing losses also hurt resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires.

It has also become more difficult for the agency to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, an already challenging but essential obligation. This delay in work pushes endangered species closer to extinction and prevents infrastructure projects from moving forward, as they may encounter difficulties with acquiring needed permits amid such regulatory uncertainty.

Considering the alarming scale of FWS’s staffing crisis, we request answers to the following by January 2, 2026:

1. Will you commit to reversing the staffing losses at FWS? What is your plan to address FWS’s debilitating loss in capacity?

2. Has the Administration considered the impact of decimating the FWS workforce on the economics of gateway communities?

3. Does the Administration still plan on moving forward with firing more FWS employees, even as those firings are being stopped by federal courts?

4. How is FWS planning to meet deadlines to list species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act?

Protecting natural resources for Americans has always been a bipartisan effort and it is important that FWS has the workforce required to meet its core mandates. Thank you, and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4236,"DelBene, Moore Lead Inquiry into How IRS is Using AI",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Gwen Moore (WI-04), along with Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the agency’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write code used to manage Americans’ taxpayer data.

A recent study found that AI-generated source code is frequently inaccurate. Developers often spend as much or more time checking and rewriting the code that AI systems produced than if they were to write it themselves.

The lawmakers are seeking answers about the IRS’s plan to rely on AI tools to interface with its decades-old Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL) systems, which continue to underpin the Individual Master File (IMF), the core repository for taxpayer information since the 1960s. These questions come at an especially critical time when the IRS has already lost 25% of its IT staff since early 2025, and the next tax filing season is just around the corner.

“We hope this Administration shares our goal of ensuring any use of AI by the IRS is appropriately scrutinized, especially given the importance and significance of maintaining the integrity of the IMF and protecting taxpayer data from inappropriate access or exposure,” the lawmakers wrote.

They expressed concerns about the risks of using AI, especially when dealing with systems that manage sensitive taxpayer information and which are also responsible for processing tax returns for hundreds of millions of Americans. In the letter, the lawmakers sought information on the agency’s current and future AI use with its legacy COBOL systems, efforts to address potential inaccuracies and limitations, and taxpayer data protections.

Questions raised include:

To what extent has the IRS already started deploying AI to interact with its legacy COBOL systems and what future deployments are planned?

What processes are in place to review the conversions and AI source coding before, during, and after new AI-created code implementation to ensure it is accurate, including ensuring that AI-generated code is free of hidden errors or unintended behaviors that might not appear during standard testing?

What specific protections for the taxpayer data protected by Internal Revenue Code section 6103 are in place?

The letter requested a written response from the IRS no later than January 10, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4237,"DelBene, Whitehouse Introduce Carbon Border Adjustment to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Senate Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) reintroduced the Clean Competition Act, legislation to make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and cut planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions with a carbon border adjustment.

On average, U.S. manufacturers are over 50 percent less carbon-intensive than manufacturers in the rest of the world. Chinese manufacturers are more than three times as carbon-intensive as American ones, and India’s are more than four times as carbon-intensive.

The Clean Competition Act would create a U.S. carbon border adjustment linked to a new domestic industrial performance standard. Importing foreign producers or domestic manufacturers that exceeded the standard would be required to pay a charge for any emissions over the standard. The levy would begin at $60 per ton and increase by six percent above inflation per year.

The bill would cover the imports and domestic manufacturing of energy-intensive industries, including fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen, adipic acid, cement, iron and steel, aluminum, glass, pulp and paper, and ethanol. In 2028, coverage would begin expanding to more complex downstream goods.

The president would be able to negotiate carbon clubs to drive down global greenhouse gas emissions and expand markets for low-carbon industrial goods. In exchange, countries would be able to receive a reduction in foreign carbon intensity charges and first preference for the bill’s foreign assistance funding.

“For too long, American industries producing goods in a less carbon-intensive way have been undercut by foreign competitors with dirtier production processes. Washington saw this firsthand with the closure of the Intalco aluminum smelter due to Chinese overproduction, resulting in the loss of over 700 good-paying union jobs. We can address the climate crisis while defending American industries with the Clean Competition Act,” said DelBene. “A fee on high-carbon producers would incentivize industries around the world to prioritize decarbonization and create a level playing field for American workers in these sectors.”

“American manufacturers are already among the cleanest in the world, yet they face unfair competition from countries that do nothing to curb their pollution. The free-to-pollute business model is economically disastrous and environmentally dangerous,” said Whitehouse. “The carbon border adjustment is the world’s last lifeboat to climate safety, and other nations are moving fast: the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism begins in January, and the UK and Australia look poised to join them. If we don’t act now, American manufacturers will have to pay fees abroad without any protection at home. The Clean Competition Act buys us entry into this emerging coalition of allies and ensures that foreign competitors who pollute more pay more.”

The House bill is co-led by Representatives Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), Don Beyer (VA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and co-sponsored by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Judy Chu (CA-28). The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (CT), Martin Heinrich (NM), Brian Schatz (HI), Chris Van Hollen (MD), and Peter Welch (VT). ,

It is endorsed by C2ES, Carbon180, Center for American Progress Action Fund, Ceres, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Environmental Defense Fund, Foreign Policy for America, National Wildlife Federation, and Sierra Club.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/jayapal-statement-on-newhouse-retirement/,Jayapal Statement on Newhouse Retirement,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the retirement of Dan Newhouse (WA-04):

“It has been an honor to serve in the Washington State Delegation with Representative Newhouse, and I have greatly appreciated his leadership to provide a roadmap to citizenship for farmworkers and partnership on local issues, including designating MoPOP as the National Museum of Pop Culture.

“I also thank him for the courage he exhibited as one of only ten House Republicans who stood up for our democracy and the rule of law in this country by voting to impeach Donald Trump after the January 6th attack.

“He will be missed in Congress, and I wish him and his family the best in retirement.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/subcommittee-ranking-member-jayapals-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-trumps-assault-on-legal-immigration/,Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump’s Assault on Legal Immigration,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, delivered opening remarks at a hearing on President Donald Trump’s assault on the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.

Below are Ranking Member Jayapal’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing.

WATCH Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s opening statement.

Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal

Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement

Hearing on “The Impacts of Temporary Protected Status”

December 17, 2025

Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing on an issue that goes to the core of who we are as a country: Temporary Protected Status (or TPS). This program, established by Congress in 1990, provides people who are already in the United States a safe haven when their home countries are devastated by armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS is built on the simple idea that we as a country should not force people back to deadly and life-threatening conditions. This principle has guided both Republican and Democratic administrations for decades.

But today, the Trump Administration is dismantling this long-standing commitment. They are ending TPS for countries where conditions are still extraordinarily dangerous. Countries like Haiti, Venezuela, and South Sudan, all of which the Department of State currently lists under “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisories, because of the dangerous and unstable conditions there. Let’s be honest about what this means. When TPS is terminated for these countries, we are forcing people to return to real and imminent harm. The actions by Secretary Noem will lead to people’s deaths. That goes against everything this country is supposed to stand for as well as our own laws. I’m sad to see us go down this path. But I can’t say I’m surprised.

This is all part of this administration’s mass deportation agenda, which is wreaking havoc on this country. Heavily armed, masked men are terrorizing communities all across America, under the guise of immigration enforcement. They are snatching people of all immigration statuses on the street and refusing to identify themselves.

And even U.S. citizens have not been spared. There are too many reports of U.S. citizens being wrongfully detained, and oftentimes with violent force. Just last week, a U.S. citizen in Minnesota was tackled by a masked agent running full speed. He was put in a chokehold and dragged into the agent’s vehicle. Despite repeatedly telling the agents that he was a U.S. citizen and that he had proof of citizenship on his phone, he was held for several hours and driven to a facility miles away, before finally being released and told to walk back in the snow.

This comes as Homeland Security Investigations has said in court filings that the Trump Administration does not consider REAL IDs to be reliable proof of lawful status. I’m not sure how any of us are supposed to feel safe from being kidnapped and disappeared off the streets.

And the Trump Administration’s relentless attack on TPS is only making things worse. TPS recipients aren’t outsiders in our communities. They live in our neighborhoods, raise their families here, and help keep local economies running. Nearly 600,000 U.S. citizens – including more than 260,000 U.S. citizen children – live in households with TPS recipients.

TPS has also allowed hundreds of thousands of people to work legally, often in industries that are already experiencing severe labor shortages. These are folks working in construction, hospitality, food processing, and manufacturing – the kinds of jobs that keep our economy running and that many businesses are struggling to fill. They pay taxes, support local businesses, and contribute billions of dollars to our economy every single year. In all, TPS holders contribute about $21 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and they pay $5.2 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. They also contribute about $690 million annually to Social Security.

Many TPS holders have lived in the United States for years, often decades—living in 12- to 18-month renewal increments. As such, they are among the most frequently vetted immigrants in the country. They have followed our laws, paid their taxes, and demonstrated their commitment to this country. Instead of stripping them of their legal status and sending them back to dangerous conditions, we should be providing them with a path to long-term stability.

This is why when Democrats were in the majority, we passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act on a bipartisan basis in the 116th and 117th Congresses. That legislation would have provided a path to citizenship for individuals who currently had or were eligible for TPS.

The Trump Administration loves to claim that it is only going after criminals and the “worst of the worst.” But we know that is a lie. Many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle used to say they love legal immigration, but have been silent as this administration does everything it can to end legal immigration, including decimating TPS and throwing the lawful status of over a million people into limbo.

We should be working toward an immigration system that is modernized, fair, and in line with the needs of our families and economy. Attacking legal immigration is not just morally wrong, it makes absolutely no sense.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from our witnesses. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/wa-democratic-members-demand-answers-from-ice-on-deteriorating-conditions-and-inadequate-food-medical-care-and-access-to-legal-counsel-at-nwipc/,"WA Democratic Members Demand Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575.

The letter was sent to ICE by: Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.”

“It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.”

In the letter, the Members raise concern over the lack of medical care for individuals detained at NWIPC and other ICE facilities, writing: “We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens. Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care.”

The lawmakers’ letter also draws attention to reports from advocates that at least three pregnant women detained at NWIPC over the past year have been unable to receive appropriate medical care. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

The Members continued by raising concerns over the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC and difficulty that detained individuals have in accessing legal counsel, writing: “Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients.”

The letter concludes by requesting answers to a list of questions by January 16th regarding capacity and staffing levels at NWIPC, the provision of food and medical care, access to legal counsel, treatment of pregnant women, and recent facility visits. “Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect. Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

Members of Washington state’s Congressional delegation have been conducting oversight of NWIPC throughout this year, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to block Congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities. After a protracted legal battle over Washington state’s ability to enforce health and safety standards at NWIPC, a federal appeals court ruled in August that the state should be allowed to enforce such standards at the detention center, and that failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

The lawmakers’ full letter to ICE is available HERE and below:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

We are writing to share our grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and to request information about access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for detained noncitizens at the facility. Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility. In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity.

None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.

You must ensure the facility complies with the 2011 Performance-Based National Detention Standards as revised in 2016 (PBNDS 2011) to keep detained noncitizens safe and healthy while protecting the rights they are entitled to under law.

It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities. With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.

Medical Care

The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to protect the health of individuals in its custody. We have had long-standing concerns about access to medical services in ICE detention facilities. In recent years, several members of the Washington Congressional delegation requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the quality and accessibility of medical services for individuals in ICE custody. At times this year, NWIPC has exceeded 1,500 individuals in custody, nearing the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575 individuals. We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens.

Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care. During an August 2025 site visit, facility staff indicated the facility employed only four behavioral health staffers. There were reports of at least two suicide attempts at NWIPC in April. It is plainly inadequate to have four behavioral health staff serving the 1,500 detainees under the facility’s care, especially given the fact that serious behavioral health issues frequently emerge under the severe stress of detention. We are also alarmed by reports from advocates with access to the facility that at least three detained pregnant women at NWIPC have been unable to receive appropriate medical care, even after they request specialty prenatal care appointments. Regular exams such as ultrasounds are necessary to monitor development and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

Food

The Seattle Times recently reported on the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC as the detained population has increased. Advocates who speak with detainees have shared that meals are provided late and, in some cases, detainees did not receive three meals per day. Detainees have made complaints about food and sanitation for many years, and we urge the facility to be responsive to the nutritional needs of individuals in its custody. Legal service providers with access to the facility have also shared that detainees waiting for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings may miss meals. We urge the facility to ensure that all detained noncitizens, including those awaiting hearings or visits, are provided a minimum of three meals per day, as required by national detention standards (PBNDS 2011).

Access to Legal Counsel

Access to legal resources for noncitizens in immigration detention supports their ability to understand their rights and navigate immigration court, preventing backlogs in the immigration court system. Detained noncitizens at NWIPC face several concerning barriers to accessing legal counsel. Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients. This August, two of the seven attorney visitation rooms were being used as Virtual Attorney Visitation rooms (VAVs) and two were being used for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings, leaving only three rooms available for attorneys to meet with their clients in person. We have also heard from advocates with access to the facility that, at times, only one visitation room was available and interviews for facility staff were being conducted in these attorney visitation rooms.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress provided $10,000,000 for ICE to improve legal resources for noncitizen detainees, including to expand video attorney visitation. During an August 2025 site visit, NWIPC staff indicated that the facility recently implemented a new scheduling system to reserve attorney visitation rooms. We ask that the facility work with attorneys to resolve any issues that arise with the new system expeditiously so as not to delay access to legal counsel. We urge you to improve access to legal counsel by ensuring attorney visitation rooms remain available for attorneys to meet with their clients.

Given these concerns, we request answers to the following questions by January 16, 2026:

What is the maximum capacity of NWIPC, as determined by the fire marshal? As of November 1, 2025, how many individuals were detained at the facility?

How many staff were employed by NWIPC on January 20, 2025? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provided direct medical services?

As of November 1, 2025, how many staff were employed by NWIPC? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provide direct medical services?

As of November 1, 2025, how many pregnant women were detained at NWIPC? How often have these women requested, and how often have they received, prenatal care appointments with a specialist?

How many days in the last six months has the facility not provided three meals each day to every noncitizen in its custody?

Why did the facility not provide three meals each day to every noncitizen?

For each day, for how many noncitizens were three meals not provided?

What is the current status of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) at NWIPC? Are noncitizens able to access LOP daily? What are the hours of availability each day? Outside of hours, are there any other restrictions on daily LOP access, and if so, what are they and why are they in place?

How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for in-person attorney meetings? How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for virtual attorney meetings?

In the last six months, have the attorney visitation rooms been used for a purpose other than attorney-client meetings (in-person or virtual) or video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings?

When were the most recent facility visits by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General, DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and ICE oversight personnel (whether the Office of Professional Responsibility or otherwise)? What, if any, recommendations were made after each visit? What progress has been made to implement such recommendations?

OIDO issued a report in November 2024 following an inspection of NWIPC. While 11 of the recommendations have been addressed, one remains outstanding. What progress has been made on implementing the remaining recommendation?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility.

We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect.

Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-joins-wa-democratic-members-demanding-answers-ice-deteriorating,"Randall Joins WA Democratic Members in Demanding Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Full letter available HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and members of the Washington state democratic congressional delegation in sending a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington. In the letter, the members demand answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575.

“Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.”

“It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.”

Rep. Randall joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) in sending the letter.

In the letter, the Members raise concern over the lack of medical care for individuals detained at NWIPC and other ICE facilities, writing: “We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens. Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care.”

Rep. Randall has consistently advocated for the humane treatment of detainees and has been conducting oversight of NWIPC throughout this year. In August, Rep. Randall attempted to visit the NW Tacoma Detention Center, when ICE officials illegally denied her entry.

Recently, Rep. Randall called attention to the violent assault of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, condemning the officers who sicced an attack dog on Wilmer and called for his immediate release from ICE custody.

The lawmakers’ letter also draws attention to reports from advocates that at least three pregnant women detained at NWIPC over the past year have been unable to receive appropriate medical care. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

The Members continued by raising concerns over the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC and difficulty that detained individuals have in accessing legal counsel, writing: “Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients.”

The letter concludes by requesting answers to a list of questions by January 16th regarding capacity and staffing levels at NWIPC, the provision of food and medical care, access to legal counsel, treatment of pregnant women, and recent facility visits. “Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect. Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

After a protracted legal battle over Washington state’s ability to enforce health and safety standards at NWIPC, a federal appeals court ruled in August that the state should be allowed to enforce such standards at the detention center, and that failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-democratic-members-in-demanding-answers-from-ice-on-deteriorating-conditions-and-inadequate-food-medical-care-and-access-to-legal-counsel-at-nwipc/,"Murray Leads WA Democratic Members in Demanding Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Murray, lawmakers: “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC… Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

ICYMI: Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care

KUOW: Inside the black box of ICE detention in Tacoma, she watched her wedding day come and go

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575.

Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter to ICE were: Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.”

“It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.”

In the letter, the Members raise concern over the lack of medical care for individuals detained at NWIPC and other ICE facilities, writing: “We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens. Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care.”

Recently, Senator Murray called attention to the violent assault of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez in Vancouver, Washington—condemning the officers who sicced an attack dog on Wilmer, despite him not resisting arrest, and calling for Wilmer to be immediately released from ICE custody. Wilmer is currently being held at NWIPC, where he has been unable to obtain adequate medical care. In a visit to NWIPC by Senator Murray’s staff in August, facility staff indicated that NWIPC only employed four behavioral health staffers for a population of approximately 1,500 detainees. There were reports of at least two suicide attempts at NWIPC in April. In July 2024, after the death of a man detained at NWIPC, Senator Murray requested a comprehensive review of the quality and accessibility of medical services for individuals in ICE custody from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—that review is currently underway.

The lawmakers’ letter also draws attention to reports from advocates that at least three pregnant women detained at NWIPC over the past year have been unable to receive appropriate medical care. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility. Senator Murray has long fought against the mistreatment of pregnant women in detention, including by pushing for her legislation—the Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act—to end the practice of shackling pregnant women in ICE detention. Murray also led an oversight letter to ICE in September demanding answers and accountability about the mistreatment of pregnant women in detention facilities under the Trump administration.

The Members continued by raising concerns over the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC and difficulty that detained individuals have in accessing legal counsel, writing: “Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients.”

The letter concludes by requesting answers to a list of questions by January 16th regarding capacity and staffing levels at NWIPC, the provision of food and medical care, access to legal counsel, treatment of pregnant women, and recent facility visits. “Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility,” the Members wrote. “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect. Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.”

Senator Murray and other members of Washington state’s Congressional delegation have been conducting oversight of NWIPC throughout this year, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to block Congressional oversight of federal immigration detention facilities. After a protracted legal battle over Washington state’s ability to enforce health and safety standards at NWIPC, a federal appeals court ruled in August that the state should be allowed to enforce such standards at the detention center, and that failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

Senator Murray has championed comprehensive and humane immigration reform throughout her time in Congress, and has consistently pushed for greater oversight of conditions at NWIPC. In 2024 at a Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing, Murray asked then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to commit to an independent investigation of conditions at NWIPC and pressed him on the overuse of solitary confinement at ICE detention facilities—which Senator Murray has consistently spoken out against. While Chair of Appropriations, Senator Murray secured language in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024—which was signed into law in March 2024—to ensure stronger oversight of federal detention facilities and provisions to increase transparency. Senator Murray is also an original cosponsor of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which would set humane standards for detention facilities and increase oversight. Murray was outspoken in her opposition to the Laken Riley Act earlier this year, arguing it threatened civil liberties and would divert resources away from detaining true threats to public safety.

The lawmakers’ full letter to ICE is available HERE and below:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

We are writing to share our grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and to request information about access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for detained noncitizens at the facility. Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility. In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity.

None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.

You must ensure the facility complies with the 2011 Performance-Based National Detention Standards as revised in 2016 (PBNDS 2011) to keep detained noncitizens safe and healthy while protecting the rights they are entitled to under law.

It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities. With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.

Medical Care

The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to protect the health of individuals in its custody. We have had long-standing concerns about access to medical services in ICE detention facilities. In recent years, several members of the Washington Congressional delegation requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the quality and accessibility of medical services for individuals in ICE custody. At times this year, NWIPC has exceeded 1,500 individuals in custody, nearing the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575 individuals. We are deeply concerned that the facility does not have sufficient medical staff and dedicated space to adequately provide medical care to the increased number of detained noncitizens.

Additionally, we are incredibly concerned about challenges detainees face in accessing behavioral health care and other specialty care. During an August 2025 site visit, facility staff indicated the facility employed only four behavioral health staffers. There were reports of at least two suicide attempts at NWIPC in April. It is plainly inadequate to have four behavioral health staff serving the 1,500 detainees under the facility’s care, especially given the fact that serious behavioral health issues frequently emerge under the severe stress of detention. We are also alarmed by reports from advocates with access to the facility that at least three detained pregnant women at NWIPC have been unable to receive appropriate medical care, even after they request specialty prenatal care appointments. Regular exams such as ultrasounds are necessary to monitor development and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Advocates also shared that at least one pregnant woman was shackled during transportation, which violates agency policy and raises concerns that medical information, such as whether a woman is pregnant, is not being properly documented by the facility.

Food

The Seattle Times recently reported on the inadequate provision of meals at NWIPC as the detained population has increased. Advocates who speak with detainees have shared that meals are provided late and, in some cases, detainees did not receive three meals per day. Detainees have made complaints about food and sanitation for many years, and we urge the facility to be responsive to the nutritional needs of individuals in its custody. Legal service providers with access to the facility have also shared that detainees waiting for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings may miss meals. We urge the facility to ensure that all detained noncitizens, including those awaiting hearings or visits, are provided a minimum of three meals per day, as required by national detention standards (PBNDS 2011).

Access to Legal Counsel

Access to legal resources for noncitizens in immigration detention supports their ability to understand their rights and navigate immigration court, preventing backlogs in the immigration court system. Detained noncitizens at NWIPC face several concerning barriers to accessing legal counsel. Attorneys have faced significant delays to meet with their clients, making adequate legal counsel more difficult. This has become especially challenging when immigration courts advance noncitizens’ hearings by months without sufficient warning. At times, attorneys have had to wait at the facility for up to 6 hours to see their clients. This August, two of the seven attorney visitation rooms were being used as Virtual Attorney Visitation rooms (VAVs) and two were being used for video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings, leaving only three rooms available for attorneys to meet with their clients in person. We have also heard from advocates with access to the facility that, at times, only one visitation room was available and interviews for facility staff were being conducted in these attorney visitation rooms.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress provided $10,000,000 for ICE to improve legal resources for noncitizen detainees, including to expand video attorney visitation. During an August 2025 site visit, NWIPC staff indicated that the facility recently implemented a new scheduling system to reserve attorney visitation rooms. We ask that the facility work with attorneys to resolve any issues that arise with the new system expeditiously so as not to delay access to legal counsel. We urge you to improve access to legal counsel by ensuring attorney visitation rooms remain available for attorneys to meet with their clients.

Given these concerns, we request answers to the following questions by January 16, 2026:

What is the maximum capacity of NWIPC, as determined by the fire marshal? As of November 1, 2025, how many individuals were detained at the facility?

How many staff were employed by NWIPC on January 20, 2025? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provided direct medical services?

As of November 1, 2025, how many staff were employed by NWIPC? Of this cohort, how many were trained and certified medical services providers who routinely provide direct medical services?

As of November 1, 2025, how many pregnant women were detained at NWIPC? How often have these women requested, and how often have they received, prenatal care appointments with a specialist?

How many days in the last six months has the facility not provided three meals each day to every noncitizen in its custody?

Why did the facility not provide three meals each day to every noncitizen?

For each day, for how many noncitizens were three meals not provided?

What is the current status of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) at NWIPC? Are noncitizens able to access LOP daily? What are the hours of availability each day? Outside of hours, are there any other restrictions on daily LOP access, and if so, what are they and why are they in place?

How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for in-person attorney meetings? How many attorney visitation rooms are currently available for virtual attorney meetings?

In the last six months, have the attorney visitation rooms been used for a purpose other than attorney-client meetings (in-person or virtual) or video teleconferencing (VTC) hearings?

When were the most recent facility visits by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General, DHS Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and ICE oversight personnel (whether the Office of Professional Responsibility or otherwise)? What, if any, recommendations were made after each visit? What progress has been made to implement such recommendations?

OIDO issued a report in November 2024 following an inspection of NWIPC. While 11 of the recommendations have been addressed, one remains outstanding. What progress has been made on implementing the remaining recommendation?

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please understand that we are paying close attention to the conditions at NWIPC—and your management of this facility.

We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC to comply with existing standards and laws and ensure that people in immigration detention are being treated with basic dignity and respect.

Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-opposing-final-fiscal-year-2026-ndaa/,Senator Murray Statement on Opposing Final Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"ICYMI: Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), and issued the following statement:

“I will always fight to support our troops and make sure our country has their back—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, that is a responsibility I have always taken seriously and always will.

“However, this bill does not do enough to curb a lawless administration at a moment when President Trump is threatening to turn the military on American citizens, and drag us into a war with Venezuela. While the NDAA takes some steps toward oversight into this administration’s actions in the Caribbean, full video of the lethal second strike that is currently being withheld needs to be made available to all senators—and this is just one in a very long list of things this administration needs to answer for. The politicization and weaponization of our military under this administration should alarm and frighten us all. Our Secretary of Defense is a national embarrassment who denigrates women in the military and put servicemembers’ lives in jeopardy by sharing sensitive war plans in a group chat—Secretary Hegseth is dangerously incompetent and must be fired.

“Furthermore, it is shameful that Speaker Johnson stripped the provision I worked on with Senator Duckworth to help our servicemembers access IVF. Servicemembers face higher rates of infertility and we should be doing everything we can to help them build their families—it’s outrageous that Republicans are denying servicemembers that opportunity. Republicans also cut a very straightforward provision I worked on—that was included in the Senate bill—to expand menopause research at VA and DOD. Menopause is one of the most important yet under-researched areas of women’s health, and I cannot fathom why this bipartisan, commonsense provision did not get included.

“It is also outrageous that Republicans, at the behest of this White House, stripped out a bipartisan agreement to reverse Trump’s disgraceful renaming of Army bases after Confederate traitors who went to war against this country to fight for slavery. The final legislation also rips away important protections against discrimination in the military and sets a dangerous precedent in acquiescing to Trump’s hateful pro-discrimination agenda. This is an affront to all of us.

“Finally, while I cannot support this legislation, I am glad it includes several important measures for Washington state. The final NDAA includes my legislation with Congressman Smith to bring relief to homeowners living near the Sea-Tac Airport whose properties were soundproofed with faulty equipment decades ago and are in urgent need of repairs.

“The bill also includes my language to prevent the Trump administration from cutting out Washington state and violating the recently finalized holistic agreement made it into the final bill. This heads off a major threat to the Hanford cleanup mission that was proposed in Project 2025, and that it became clear the Trump administration was quietly working toward. The Trump administration has proven it cannot be trusted when it comes to the Hanford cleanup. This language is an important check after DOE’s 11th hour attempt to stall progress on the Waste Treatment Plant earlier this year, and I want to thank Congressman Smith for partnering with me to advance this important work.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/jayapal-massie-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-repeal-2001-aumf-end-forever-wars/,"Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). Notably, the 2001 AUMF is the only AUMF in American history that does not have a named enemy, geographic scope, a duration for which the authorization is active, or a list of specifically authorized operations.

“The United States has used the nebulous term ‘War on Terror’ to conduct military operations around the world for more than two decades. It is long overdue that we overhaul these broad authorities that enable the Executive Branch to conduct these operations with little to no oversight,” said Jayapal. “The American people do not want these forever wars. As the Trump Administration threatens military force in Nigeria and as they conduct strikes against alleged narcoterrorists, Congress must reassert our constitutional power to declare war to protect our servicemembers and our national security.”

“For almost a quarter of a century, this AUMF has been used to justify open-ended military operations across multiple countries, against groups and individuals that did not even exist in 2001 and were not connected to 9/11, without congressional authorization or oversight,” said Rep. Massie, “Too many American lives and too much American treasure has been expended on these endless foreign conflicts.”

In the decades since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, the original action authorized by this AUMF, numerous presidential administrations have used it as justification for actions against more than half a dozen groups around the world, including “associated forces” and “successor entities” of al-Qaeda, even in instances where there are negligible or no ties to the actors that carried out the September 11th attacks.

While the ability to engage in counterterror operations is vital to U.S. national security interests, this AUMF is overly broad and abdicates Congress’ constitutional role to authorize hostilities. This authority must be updated to meet the current terror landscape and give clear guidance to the Administration on where hostilities can occur. With the House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress is on track to repeal a 1991 AUMF that authorized the Gulf War and a 2002 AUMF that authorized the Iraq War. However, the legislation failed to address the larger 2001 AUMF.

The legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives James P. McGovern (MA-02), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Greg Casar (TX-35), Eli Crane (AZ-02).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4076,Larsen Announces Commitment from USPS to Keep Glacier Post Office Open,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) assured his office that it would work to secure a new contract for local postal services and keep the Glacier Post Office open:

“After Glacier residents raised concerns that their post office could close and disrupt mail services, I pressed USPS for assurances to keep this critical post office open. I am glad that the Postal Service committed to keeping the Glacier Post Office open and working to finalize a new contract to continue local postal services.

“I will continue to work with local leaders to ensure that USPS follows through on this commitment so the approximately 300 people who call Glacier home can receive their medications, ballots, paychecks, bills and other necessities.”

On November 18, 2025, Rep. Larsen wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner on behalf of Glacier residents, requesting clarity about Glacier Post Office operations and assurances the Post Office would remain open. The full text of Rep. Larsen's November letter available here.

On December 5, 2025, USPS responded to Rep. Larsen and committed to working to keep the Glacier Post Office open. The full text of that response is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-senate-floor-speech-senator-murray-commends-rescue-efforts-and-response-to-devastating-flooding-across-wa-vows-to-continue-fighting-for-support-needed-to-rebuild-recover/,"In Senate Floor Speech, Senator Murray Commends Rescue Efforts and Response to Devastating Flooding Across WA, Vows to Continue Fighting for Support Needed to Rebuild & Recover",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Murray: “Here’s my message to everyone back in Washington state who is dealing with the aftermath of these devastating floods: I know you have a long road ahead. But I promise you will not walk that road alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your voice here in Washington D.C. And I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get the support you need to build and to recover.”

TRI-CITY HERALD: ‘Just what we do.’ Tri-Cities neighbors come together in Yakima River flood

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks on the historic flooding and extreme weather that has wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state over the past week, and to praise the heroic efforts of first responders, members of the Coast Guard and National Guard, local officials, meteorologists, and everyday citizens who have stepped up to respond to the flooding and help people on the frontlines.

“Earlier this morning, we saw the first reported death connected to the flooding—a tragic and sobering reminder of what is at stake,” Senator Murray said on the Senate floor today. “And as response and recovery efforts continue across my state, I want to take a moment to recognize the valiant effort of first responders, and teams at all levels coming together to get lifesaving information out to our communities so people can prepare and evacuate, and to go in and rescue people whenever and wherever needed.”

“This flooding showed, plain as day, how the decisions we make here in D.C. really matter for families back home,” Murray continued. “Twenty years ago, I fought for funding so the City of Mount Vernon could secure a flood wall. This week, that wall paid off big time—preventing major flooding from devastating downtown Mount Vernon. We also saw how other flood prevention infrastructure made a huge difference protecting communities all around my state. That’s an important reminder I want all of my colleagues to remember as we work on these funding bills. Prevention matters. Preparedness matters. Having strong infrastructure and a quick response saves lives… Because the only thing we ever know about the next crisis is that we need to be ready before it strikes.”

Murray concluded by saying, “Here’s my message to everyone back in Washington state who is dealing with the aftermath of these devastating floods: I know you have a long road ahead. But I promise you will not walk that road alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your voice here in Washington, D.C. And I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get the support you need to build and recover.”

Last weekend, Senator Murray visited Snohomish and Skagit Counties to hear about ongoing response efforts and speak with local communities that have been hit hard by major flooding and extreme weather. In Snohomish County, Senator Murray heard from local first responders and emergency management officials and also toured affected areas around the city of Monroe including Tualco Valley and Ben Howard Road. In Skagit County, Senator Murray met with Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan to discuss the ongoing response efforts in the region and to see firsthand how the Skagit County Flood Wall protected downtown Mount Vernon during the historic flooding—Murray secured the federal funds to help build the flood wall back in 2006. Senator Murray also visited the FEMA response center in Bothell to thank the staff for working around the clock to help coordinate local response efforts.

Last Thursday, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved last Friday. Back in May, Senator Murray led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with over 80 of her colleagues urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disaster. Just recently, Washington and a multistate coalition won their lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) BRIC program. As a longtime senior appropriator, Senator Murray has always fought to secure the federal resources Washington state needs to recover and rebuild from natural disasters—Senator Murray has worked hard to impress upon her colleagues that disaster relief should never be impeded by politics.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor today, are below:

“Thank you, M. President.

“You know, over the past week, my home state of Washington has experienced catastrophic and record-breaking flooding due to an ongoing atmospheric and winter weather event. It has been devastating, and with more rain coming, and further evacuations underway today, it remains dangerous.

“Earlier this morning, we saw the first reported death connected to the flooding—a tragic and sobering reminder of what is at stake.

“And as response and recovery efforts continue across my state, I want to take a moment to recognize the valiant effort of first responders, and teams at all levels coming together to get lifesaving information out to our communities so people can prepare and evacuate, and to go in and rescue people whenever and wherever needed.

“Last week, I led the Washington state delegation in requesting an expedited Emergency Declaration to get federal disaster response resources out to our state.

“I was glad to see that request quickly approved by FEMA. That’s how it should always work. We should always come together in times of tragedy and focus on helping people.

“And that’s exactly what I saw happening this past weekend, when I was on the ground in Washington state.

“I met with local officials, businessowners, and families. I saw, up close and personal, what our communities are facing and how they are responding.

“And I want to share a few things that were very clear to me this weekend. This flooding showed—plain as day—how the decisions we make here in D.C. really matter for families back home.

“Twenty years ago, I fought for funding so the City of Mount Vernon could secure a flood wall.

“This week, that wall paid off, big time—preventing major flooding from devastating downtown Mount Vernon.

“We also saw how flood prevention infrastructure made a huge difference protecting communities all around my state.

“That’s an important reminder I want all of my colleagues to remember as we work on these funding bills. Prevention matters. Preparedness matters. Having strong infrastructure and a quick response saves lives.

“That’s why I champion these kinds of investments every year: top notch weather forecasting, resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness and response, and more.

“Because the only thing we ever know about the next crisis is that we need to be ready before it strikes.

“Another thing I saw when I was visiting the frontlines of the flooding this past weekend is how our local, state, tribal, and federal officials are all coming together to do incredible work.

“I really can’t say enough how grateful I am to all the experts and heroes who have been putting in very long hours, solving hard problems, and even putting themselves at risk to save lives and protect our communities during these floods.

“From the meteorologists and experts—monitoring and updating all of us on constantly changing conditions.

“Local officials, firefighters, and police departments—getting out important warnings, and getting people out of harm’s way.

“To the Coast Guard—doing search operations and flyovers to help evacuate people in danger.

“To the National Guard—supporting rescue and response missions, staffing traffic control points, and filling sandbags to divert floodwater.

“And of course, neighbors—everyday people—stepping up and lending a hand wherever they can help.

“It truly is inspiring to see.

“Now, one of the most important things I saw this weekend, when I’m hearing from folks about the flood damage, is that we are not out of the woods yet in Washington state, not even close.

“Not when it comes to the immediate threat of these floods, since the rain is continuing this week. Just this morning we saw a levee breach on the White River, and ‘GO NOW’ evacuations were issued for the City of Pacific in South King County.

“Not when it comes to landslides—which remain a huge risk at the moment.

“And certainly not when it comes to recovery. Mitigating disaster, responding to disaster—that is crucial, and we have done a good job so far.

“But our work is not done until we have tackled recovery.

“And while we still don’t know the full scope of this destruction, what we do know is the damage that has already been done is massive.

“Entire neighborhoods and huge swaths of farmland have been flooded. Some roads have buckled, some are covered in debris, some were just simply swept away. Businesses owners are returning to flooded shops and ruined inventory.

“There are families coming home only to find their house is gone. We have downed trees, we have downed powerlines, damaged wastewater facilities, and breached levees, and again, there will be more destructive flooding to come.

“The painful truth is: we have a lot of broken pieces floating across Washington state right now.

“It will be a slow, hard process to put this all back together again and help people get their lives back on track.

“So, here’s my message to everyone back in Washington state who’s dealing with the tremendous aftermath of these devastating floods: I know you have a long road ahead. But I promise you will not walk that road alone.

“I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your voice here in Washington, D.C. And I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get the support you need to build and to recover.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids-2/,"Murray, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SEATTLE TIMES: Indigenous actor Elaine Miles says ICE called her tribal ID ‘fake’

Senators: “The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.”

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 11 of her Senate colleagues in a new letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem demanding answers regarding the outrageous mistreatment of Tribal citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a number of recent incidents, including in Washington state. In their letter, the lawmakers called out reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance, and urged Secretary Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands.

Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,” the senators wrote. “In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.”

In November, Elaine Miles, an Indigenous actor, was approached by four men who identified themselves as ICE agents while waiting for a bus in Redmond, Washington. When she handed them her Tribal ID issued by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, the immigration agents reportedly claimed that her ID was “fake” and that “anyone can make that.” When she attempted to call the Umatilla Tribal enrollment office phone number to verify her ID to the officers, an officer tried unsuccessfully to pry her phone out of her hands, then departed with his counterparts in unmarked vehicles. Miles alleges that her son and uncle were also both detained by ICE agents who initially did not accept their Tribal IDs before eventually releasing them. In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin—a frequent liar—said in an emailed statement that allegations that DHS law enforcement officers engage in racial profiling “categorically FALSE.”

The senators referenced this incident in their letter, noting that ICE had previously told Members of Congress that “The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy does not train ERO officers to require any specific document to prove U.S. citizenship.” “The experience of these Tribal citizens in Washington suggests that this is false: ICE agents are demanding certain documents to prove citizenship and are unaware of different forms of Tribal ID,” the Members wrote.

In another recent incident, a member of Arizona’s Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Leticia Jacobo, was nearly deported after an Iowa jail mistakenly issued an ICE detainer for another inmate. Despite the fact that Jacobo was in possession of her Tribal ID and had her Social Security number on file with the jail, her family had to scramble to prove her identity and Tribal citizenship to the jail staff, who released her just hours before she would have been transferred into federal custody. At least 15 Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico reported being questioned or detained by ICE agents in January of 2025. Harassment of Navajo Nation citizens by ICE has been so widespread that Navajo President Buu Nygren took to the airwaves to advise his members to carry identification, driver’s licenses and their Certificate of Indian Blood on their person at all times.

“You have an obligation to uphold the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribes and to treat Tribal citizens with respect—this is not optional. In light of recent incidents, we urge you to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands,” the senators concluded. The Members also demanded answers by January 11th to a number of questions about DHS policies regarding interactions with Tribal citizens and Tribal ID, and how the Department is working with its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to review and investigate allegations of civil rights violations.

Senator Murray has spoken out forcefully and constantly throughout this year against the Trump administration’s cruel and counterproductive mass deportation campaign and the egregious treatment by ICE and DHS of American citizens, legal immigrants, and undocumented immigrants. Recently, Murray called attention to the violent assault of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez in Vancouver, Washington and she has called for his immediate release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC). Wilmer was lured out of his home under false pretenses, violently detained by federal agents, and mauled by an attack dog despite not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. Murray also recently called attention to the case of Jose Paniagua Calderón, whose foot was run over by agents in Vancouver.

Last month, Senator Murray joined 48 of her colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, which would mandate that DHS allow people who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. In February, Senator Murray signed onto a letter led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) demanding that DHS end wrongful searches and interrogations of Tribal members. She and Senator Richard Blumenthal led 27 of their Senate colleagues earlier this year in a letter expressing concern with prevalence and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in ICE detention, and she also joined recent a letter led by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) calling for ICE to end the misuse of solitary confinement in immigration detention.

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Noem:

We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented. In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.

In one recent incident, several Tribal citizens were stopped by ICE agents at a bus stop in Redmond, Washington. These agents reportedly questioned the validity of their Tribal ID, with agents allegedly telling one Tribal citizen that her Tribal ID was “fake” and that “anyone can make that.” ICE agents also reportedly refused an offer to contact her Tribal government to verify these individuals’ enrollment and identification documents.

In our February letter, you were asked to supply information about the training offered to ICE agents about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes. In response, you wrote, “The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Academy does not train ERO officers to require any specific document to prove U.S. citizenship.” The experience of these Tribal citizens in Washington suggests that this is false: ICE agents are demanding certain documents to prove citizenship and are unaware of different forms of Tribal ID.

You have an obligation to uphold the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribes and to treat Tribal citizens with respect—this is not optional. In light of recent incidents, we urge you to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. Additionally, we request that you answer the following questions:

What steps, if any, has your Department taken to develop new or change existing policies regarding its interactions with Tribal citizens and governments this year?

Please provide a detailed description of how agents are trained to respond when presented with a Tribally-issued identification card or document.

Does the Department require additional resources to develop training and policies for ICE agents to recognize identification documents issued by Tribal governments?

Please provide a detailed description of how the Department is working with its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to review and investigate any allegations of civil rights and civil liberties violations as it pertains to ICE’s treatment of United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes.

In both your June letter and in the Department’s public response to the Redmond incident, your Department has denied that it racially profiles Tribal members. How do explain the pattern of ICE agents stopping and detaining Tribal citizens under the current Administration?

We appreciate your attention to this request and ask that you respond to these questions no later than January 11, 2026.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-adam-smith-condemns-bondi-beach-antisemitic-attack-and-brown,Congressman Adam Smith Condemns Bondi Beach Antisemitic Attack and Brown University Shooting,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today condemned two deadly shootings that occurred over the weekend, including the antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the tragic deadly shootings over the weekend. The antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach was a deliberate act of hatred against Jewish families celebrating their faith, and it is a painful reminder that antisemitism remains a real and dangerous threat around the world. At the same time, the shooting at Brown University once again underscores the devastating toll of gun violence on our communities. No one should fear for their safety while celebrating a holiday or attending school. We must stand united against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred, and continue working with urgency to protect our communities and prevent this kind of violence from happening again.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bipartisan-bill-improve-quality-and-nutrition-school,Congresswoman Schrier’s Bipartisan Bill To Improve the Quality and Nutrition of School Lunches Heads To the President’s Desk To Be Signed Into Law,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Kim Schrier’s, M.D. (WA-08), bipartisan legislation to improve the quality and nutrition of school lunches by allowing public schools to serve reduced-fat and whole milk. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was unanimously passed by the Senate last month and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health and development, and I’m thrilled that my bipartisan bill has passed the House and is heading to the president's desk,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Ensuring that our children have access to a healthy diet is fundamental to their physical growth, academic performance, and overall well-being, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients that keep them full and healthy. This bill will improve children's nutrition by allowing schools to provide the types of milk most kids prefer to drink, and I’m eager to see this legislation signed into law.”

“I have worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love. I am proud that my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House today and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

Whole milk has been prohibited in school lunches for over a decade due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That bill changed nutrition standards and mandated that flavored milk be fat-free and traditional milk be, at most, 1% fat. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill would amend the nutrition standards and allow schools to serve flavored and unflavored reduced-fat (2%) and whole milk.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is supported by Darigold, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the International Dairy Foods Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/15/strickland-military-life-insurance-bill-becomes-law/,Strickland Military Life Insurance Bill Becomes Law,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10), Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act of 2025, became law. The legislation ensures life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans will account for changes in the economy. The Senate version of the bill was led by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).

“Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country and we must protect the well-being of their families in the event of a tragedy,” said Strickland. “This new law makes it clear that our nation will always stand by our military families.”

“We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which will help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

The bill improves the financial safety net for veterans, servicemembers, and their families by helping to ensure coverage amounts for the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and the Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) account for changes in economic trends.

Originally introduced in 2023 by Strickland, Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families passed the House in the 118th Congress. Strickland reintroduced the legislation during the 119th Congress with Keith Self (TX-03) and U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME). The bill then passed the Senate, before being signed into law by the President on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-wyden-gillibrand-lead-democrats-in-new-bill-to-halt-trump-administrations-looming-medicare-ai-prior-authorization-takeover-democrats-fight-to-save-medicare/,"Murray, Wyden, Gillibrand Lead Democrats in New Bill to Halt Trump Administration’s Looming Medicare AI Prior Authorization Takeover—Democrats Fight to Save Medicare",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington state is one of six states selected by the Trump administration to take part in untested new program adding new red tape to Traditional Medicare by allowing AI to approve or deny medical procedures for seniors

As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, Senators lead effort to protect Medicare benefits from an AI experiment

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, led their colleagues in introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that is set to begin January 1, 2026 and last for six years.

The Trump administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever—allowing private companies to use artificial intelligence (AI) to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients—meaning that AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. Most concerningly, the third-party AI companies involved in the program will be compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures”—rewarding companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. According to CMS, human clinicians will review any denials made by AI—but the Trump administration has failed to provide clear guidance to providers and the public about what this will look like, despite implementation being mere weeks away. The Trump administration has provided little detail on how patients will be notified, supported, or protected if prior authorization requests are denied.

The Trump administration plans for the WISeR model to run as a pilot program for six years beginning January 1, 2026 in six selected states—including Washington state. About 1.6 million are enrolled in Medicare in Washington state, just over half are enrolled in Traditional Medicare, with the remainder enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The model is described as voluntary, but it is effectively mandatory for health care providers and their patients with Traditional Medicare in the six selected states: Washington, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona.

In November, U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) introduced companion legislation alongside Reps. Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Greg Landsman (D, OH-01), Ami Bera (D, CA-06), and Mark Pocan (D, WI-02) in the House of Representatives.

“The Trump administration is gearing up to use AI to delay and deny Medicare benefits for seniors—this is outrageous and should be a national scandal,” said Senator Murray. “Seniors already face painful delays when it comes to getting health care, and Republicans have plunged our nation’s health care system further into crisis by passing the largest-ever cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act—leaving many hospitals hanging on by a thread. The very last thing this administration should be doing is strangling already overworked providers in new red tape and letting AI decide who gets health care and who doesn’t.”

“We already know that prior authorization creates major burdens and delays for patients and providers, and expanding it to Traditional Medicare will just force seniors to wait longer and navigate mountains of paperwork to get the care their doctor says they need,” Senator Murray continued. “Make no mistake: this is a backdoor effort to privatize Medicare and cut benefits. My message to seniors in Washington state: I will fight with everything I’ve got to stop this morally bankrupt AI takeover of Medicare and make sure you can get the health care you need.”

“The Trump Administration is pushing automated care denials on seniors in Traditional Medicare, which is the last thing Americans want for their health care,” Senator Wyden said. “Instead of improving Traditional Medicare to give seniors the health care they’ve earned, Donald Trump and his cronies are empowering insurance companies and AI special interests. It’s time to stop this experiment on seniors.”

“Artificial intelligence should not delay or deny seniors’ health care. The Trump administration’s new program would force seniors to jump through unnecessary hoops just to get the care they need and impose new, unnecessary burdens on health care providers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, protecting and expanding access to Medicare is one of my top priorities, and I will keep fighting to ensure that health care decisions are made by patients and their doctors, not untested, profit-driven AI programs.”

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act would prohibit CMS from implementing the WISeR model. Specifically, the bill reads: “The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not implement the innovative payment and service delivery model described in the notice titled “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model” (90 Fed. Reg. 28749 (July 1, 2025)), or any substantially similar model.”

In September, Senator Murray and other Senate Democrats sent a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and CMMI Director Abe Sutton, urging CMS to halt implementation of the model until a full analysis is conducted of the program’s impact on patient access—which, they argued, should include input from beneficiaries and their families, consumer and patient advocates, health care providers and suppliers. The senators’ letter asks CMS for more information on the rationale for the selected six states, the plan for collaborating with the third-party vendors on AI, the reason for a lack of notice-and-comment rulemaking, and more. There have been very few details even to this day about the WISeR model rollout. Senator Murray is also an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 to streamline and crack down on prior authorization practices in Medicare Advantage plans.

Senator Murray has championed Medicare and fought to protect the program throughout her entire career—including as the top Democrat on the Senate Health Committee from 2017-2022—alongside other efforts to bring down the cost of health care and make care more accessible to families. She championed efforts to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors for years, and worked hard with her Democratic colleagues to make lower drug costs for seniors a reality as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which every Republican voted against. Senator Murray is committed to getting answers about the WISeR model, holding the Trump administration accountable through any implementation, and protecting Americans’ Medicare benefits from Trump’s AI experiment.

In addition to Senators Murray, Wyden, and Gillibrand, the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is cosponsored bySenators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is endorsed by: Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA), Physicians for a National Health Program, the Center for Health and Democracy, Social Security Works, Just Care USA, Washington Community Action Network, Healthcare is a Human Right Coalition, Health Care for All – Washington, Social Security Works Washington, National Nurses United, Public Citizen, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, American Osteopathic Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Mental Health Liaison Group, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

“Medicare was built on a promise that seniors can access timely, quality care guided by their doctors, not profit-driven algorithms. The WISeR model introduces AI-powered prior authorization and outsources critical decisions to private contractors, creating barriers that undermine trust and delay treatment. The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is essential to preserve the integrity of Traditional Medicare, protect patients from harmful delays and keep clinical decisions where they belong: in the hands of providers. Washington’s seniors deserve care that prioritizes health outcomes, not cost-cutting,” said Cassie Sauer, CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association.

“The Washington State Medical Association applauds Senator Murray for introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act — a necessary step toward protecting patients from burdensome prior authorization policies. The proposed legislation recognizes what physicians and patients have long warned about: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ WISeR pilot would impose unnecessary delays, expand administrative waste, and ultimately jeopardize patient access to care. We stand firmly with Senator Murray in calling for a complete prohibition on implementation of the WISeR Model and urge lawmakers to enact the SMARTER Care Act swiftly to ensure timely, patient-centered care remains the priority,” said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, President, Washington State Medical Association (WSMA).

“PSARA and all Medicare beneficiaries in Washington State appreciate Senator Murray for stepping up to defend Original Medicare from attacks like the WISeR program, that will incentivize delays and denials of needed medical care,” said Mike Andrew, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA).

Text of the legislation is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4074,Larsen Releases Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia targeting a Hanukkah celebration:

""I am devastated for the people killed and injured in Bondi Beach and their loved ones. I stand with the Jewish community in Australia, the U.S. and around the world. Anti-semitism is a scourge that must end.""

###

Larsen Calls on Trump to Prioritize Opening Japanese Market Access to U.S. Potato Industry

March 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Rejects Trump’s Reckless War; Supports U.S. Military

March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Reintroduces Bill to End Dark Money in Elections

March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Joins Leader Jeffries in Statement on Iran Strikes

February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Releases Statement on Tumbler Ridge Shooting

February 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/13/jayapal-joins-peoples-town-hall-in-republican-pa-district/,Jayapal Joins People’s Town Hall in Republican PA District,2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SCRANTON, P.A. – Community members from across Northeastern Pennsylvania gathered in downtown Scranton on Saturday for the third stop of the Progress for the People town hall tour. The town hall featured Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02),, who joined local leaders, union members, and residents to expose how the Republican budget law is impacting Pennsylvania families, respond directly to constituents’ questions, and outline a people-centered vision for change. The event was organized by the Progressive Caucus Action Fund, Action Together NEPA, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, Pennsylvanians Together in Action, Pennsylvania Policy Center, Make the Road Action PA, Rural Organizing, Main Street Action, Affordable Pennsylvania, United Steelworkers, For Our Future PA Action Fund, and Working Families Power.

Highlighting the importance of showing up – especially when Republicans refuse to do so, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) said, “I was so proud to join my colleagues today in Scranton, PA to talk to people about the issues that they are dealing with every single day. The American people are hurting under Trump and Republicans – from rising costs on everything from health care to electric bills, to immigration attacks on our neighbors and loved ones. Democrats are showing up in every corner of this country and if Republicans refuse to come out and hear from their constituents, we will.”

Reflecting on what he heard directly from Scranton residents, Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02) said, “Today was proof positive that families in Scranton, throughout Pennsylvania, and across the country, are sick and tired of being told their struggles are not real and that the cost of living crisis is somehow a con. The real con was Donald Trump promising to lower prices on day one. Trump’s tax bill gave big tax breaks to billionaires and was paid for by the largest cuts to health care in American history. It’s a disgrace and the hardworking people of Pennsylvania will suffer as a result. It was a privilege to hear directly from the people of Scranton about the challenges they face due to Trump and his policies.” Building on those concerns, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) said, “I was glad to join my Progressive Caucus colleagues in Scranton to discuss the devastating impacts of the Big ‘Beautiful’ Bill on hardworking Pennsylvania families. Americans deserve to hear directly from their elected officials – and they deserve to hear the truth. Because of the President’s disastrous tariff policies, prices for household essentials like meat and bananas are rising. Electricity costs across the Commonwealth are up by 15%, and more than 150,000 Pennsylvanians stand to lose their healthcare because they can no longer afford their monthly premiums. While Republicans like Rep. Bresnahan continue to hide from their constituents, Democrats will continue fighting for every family – in every community – across our country.”

Placing the local fallout in a broader national context, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) said, “What I heard today in Scranton is what people all across the country are saying: those at the very top are doing better than ever, while everyone else is falling further behind. Trump and his Republican lapdogs like Representative Rob Bresnahan—who flies to work in a private helicopter—are building an A+ economy for greedy corporations and billionaires while the rest of America works more and more for less and less. Their tariffs—and their cruel cuts to programs that people rely on—are ruining people’s lives and livelihoods. While Republicans run and hide from their record, Democrats will keep showing up, fighting back, and demanding an economic system that works for everyone.”

The event was moderated by Anthony Gratter, Regional Organizer with Affordable Pennsylvania, and also featured remarks from Krysten Xanthis, a Pennsylvania home health care aide and member of SEIU Healthcare PA, who shared how federal policy decisions are affecting workers on the front lines of care. Audience questions focused on rising health care costs, empowering workers, the student loan debt crisis, corporate corruption, the future of AI, and the corrosive influence of money in politics.

Representatives Jayapal, McGovern, Dean, and Boyle hear from local resident about issues affecting Scranton. (Photo credit: Matt Stanley)

Local organizers stressed what is at stake for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania – particularly in districts where Republican representatives have avoided accountability.

“Representative Rob Bresnahan keeps voting for policies that kick his constituents off their healthcare and make it harder to afford their groceries — but those constituents are starting to see through his “good guy” act. He promised not to vote to cut Medicaid, then voted to do just that multiple times. He claims he won’t do anything to make it harder for his constituents to feed their families, then he voted to slash SNAP payments,” said Alisha Hoffman-Mirilovich, Executive Director of Action Together NEPA. “He wants residents of the district to think he’s just like them, yet he’s out trading millions in stocks and buying undisclosed helicopters while his working folks are struggling to get by. The 8th district deserves better, and Action Together NEPA will keep holding him accountable and fighting for working families across our region.”

Echoing that message, Dwayne Heisler, Campaign Director for Pennsylvanians Together in Action said, “Pennsylvania families are being squeezed while Republicans hand out tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Their budget law makes life more expensive—but communities across this state are pushing back. We’re fighting for a government that lowers costs, protects care, and finally puts people before corporations.”

Emphasizing that communities outside major cities will also bear the brunt of the damage Megan Kocher, Field Manager at RuralOrganizing.org said, “Trump and Congressional Republicans like Rob Bresnahan who voted for the big ugly bill are waging a war against rural Pennsylvanians. Trump sold out his base and Bresnahan sold out his constituents, stealing a trillion dollars in food and medicine from families to hand out a trillion dollars in tax cuts to billionaires. Rural Pennsylvanians disproportionately rely on SNAP and Medicaid and we are disproportionately the ones who will go hungry and get sick, all for the benefit of billionaires who do not live in Scranton or NEPA. The Big Ugly Bill is the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich, but it’s also the largest transfer of wealth from rural to urban, yet Congressman Rob Bresnahan is nowhere to be found.”

Calling for concrete action Rachele Fortier, Executive Director of Affordable Pennsylvania added, “Across Pennsylvania, families are struggling to keep up with rising costs. We deserve representatives in Congress who will fight to make life more affordable for us. But instead, Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan and Scott Perry have prioritized bigger tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of their constituents. It’s time for these members to step up and take meaningful action to lower costs for Pennsylvania families by signing the three year discharge petition to extend health care tax credits, standing up to tariffs, and restoring funding for SNAP and Medicare which they voted to gut this summer.”

“Working class families across Pennsylvania are struggling to pay their monthly bills, afford healthcare, and support their families. Meanwhile, Rob Bresnahan continues to hand out further tax breaks to billionaires, ignoring and deepening the affordability crisis his constituents are facing. Workers have a right to the wealth they create for our commonwealth – it’s far past time that our elected officials start making legislative decisions that reflect this truth,” said Aya Mohamed, Political Director, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania. PJ Jahn, a For Our Future volunteer who attended the event said, “It is a real shame that Congressman Bresnahan was not able to come here to share his thoughts on the affordability crisis. The affordability crisis impacts not only large counties but small as well where we are seeing double digit increases in grocery, rent and utilities. I wanted to thank the congressmembers that did show up and provide solutions for how we can move forward as a country.”

“There is so much fear about where our country is going, but today was a great reminder that there’s hope to be found in one another,” said Catherine Rowland, PCAF’s Director of Government Affairs & Access. The Scranton town hall follows two previous stops with hundreds of community members in both Warren, Michigan and Glens Falls, New York who gathered with local and national leaders. Additional town halls are being planned across the country as communities demand answers from elected officials and fight for policies that put people first.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-leads-entire-wa-delegation-in-requesting-expedited-emergency-declaration-for-devastating-storms-atmospheric-rivers-hitting-washington-state-2/,"Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State",2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SEATTLE TIMES LIVE UPDATES: Skagit County officials ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for entire Skagit River valley 100-year floodplain; 100,000 people expected to be evacuated statewide

SEATTLE TIMES: 4 WA rivers might break major flooding records from atmospheric river

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.

The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Murray and the other members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

Joining Senator Murray in the letter to President Trump were Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” Murray and the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.

On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.

We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.

An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-meets-with-snohomish-county-first-responders-tours-recent-flooding-visits-skagit-county-flood-wall-affirms-she-will-fight-to-deliver-federal-resources-to-support-recovery/,"Senator Murray Meets with Snohomish County First Responders, Tours Recent Flooding; Visits Skagit County Flood Wall, Affirms She Will Fight to Deliver Federal Resources to Support Recovery",2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Murray: “We have a long road ahead to ensure our communities can recover and rebuild—rest assured I will fight tooth and nail to make certain that Washington state gets the federal resources it needs.”

***VIDEO OF THE MEDIA AVAILABILITY IN MOUNT VERNON AVAILABLE HERE***

Mount Vernon, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Snohomish and Skagit Counties to hear about ongoing response efforts and witness firsthand the current state of local communities that have been hit hard by major flooding and extreme weather.

In Snohomish County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and other local elected officials. At this stop, the Senator heard from local first responders and emergency management officials and also toured affected areas around the city of Monroe including Tualco Valley and Ben Howard Road.

In Skagit County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Ferguson and Senator Cantwell. She met with Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan to discuss the ongoing response efforts in the region and to see firsthand how the Skagit County Flood Wall protected downtown Mount Vernon during the historic flooding—Murray secured the federal funds to help build the flood wall back in 2006. Senator Murray also heard from National Weather Service (NWS) staff about the forecast for next week where they underscored that further precipitation is expected and that flood waters could continue to rise in certain areas even as they recede in others.

“Communities across our state have been hit hard by this flooding and we aren’t out of the woods yet—I continue to urge everyone to stay alert and listen closely to local officials for urgent updates to keep themselves and first responders safe,” said Senator Murray. “These past few days have been difficult, and there are a lot more tough days ahead—but I am really heartened by how our state has come together, with so many incredible stories of ordinary people stepping up to help their neighbors. In particular, I am so grateful to our local first responders, our Coast Guard, our National Guard, and absolutely everyone working around the clock to keep folks safe and save lives—the video of rescue missions happening across Washington state have been nothing short of inspiring. As we continue to respond to ongoing flooding and other extreme weather, we have a long road ahead to ensure our communities can recover and rebuild—rest assured I will fight tooth and nail to make certain that Washington state gets the federal resources it needs.”

Yesterday, Senator Murray visited the FEMA response center in Bothell to thank the staff for working around the clock to help coordinate local response efforts. On Thursday, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state—that request was approved yesterday.

In visiting the Skagit County Flood Wall, Murray—who secured the federal funding for the project in 2006—reiterated that Congress should support more, not less, investments in climate resilience. Back in May, Senator Murray led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with over 80 of her colleagues urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to reinstate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports local efforts to protect and harden our communities from natural disaster. Just recently, Washington and a multistate coalition won their lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) BRIC program. As a longtime senior appropriator, Murray has always fought to secure the federal resources Washington state needs to recover and rebuild from natural disasters—in Congress, Murray has worked hard to impress upon her colleagues that disaster relief should never be impeded by politics.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/12/jayapal-statement-on-release-of-kilmar-abrego-garcia/,Jayapal Statement on Release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, released a statement following the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody:

“This is a huge step towards justice in the case of Mr. Abrego Garcia, someone who should have never been detained in the first place. He has endured a months-long smear campaign against him by this administration after being kidnapped in front of his young child in March and wrongfully deported. He deserves to be home with his family, not in an ICE facility.

“Between being unlawfully sent to one of the world’s most notorious gulags in El Salvador, where he was tortured, to returning home, just to face threats of being shipped to another country, and eventually ending up in ICE custody, our government has failed Mr. Abrego Garcia and his family. We are grateful to the federal judges who have refused to give up on due process, and the constitutional protections Mr. Abrego Garcia deserves.

“It should never have come to this, but I am so thrilled that he will finally be able to return home and be with his loved ones. And we will continue to fight for justice for him and for the thousands of immigrants detained in this country.”

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was kidnapped on March 15, 2025, and was deported through an “administrative error,” as admitted originally by the Trump administration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-joins-wa-delegation-letter-requesting-expedited-emergency-declaration,"Randall Joins WA Delegation in Letter Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. House Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) , joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and the entire Washington state Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.

The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

Rep. Randall (D, WA-06) joined Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), in addition to Reps. Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) in sending the letter.

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” Murray and the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.

On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.

We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.

An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-wittman-pass-bipartisan-anchor-military-families-act-house-ndaa,"Randall, Wittman Pass Bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act in House NDAA",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 by a vote of 312-112. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and Rob Wittman (R, VA-01) was included in the final NDAA package.

“We have a responsibility to support our military families through every phase of their service, including relocation. In the Washington State Senate, I championed policies that helped servicemembers connect with essential resources. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act builds on that model, offering vital relocation support to states across the country to ensure military families have timely access to the tools they need for a smooth transition. I am grateful to Rep. Wittman for being a partner in this effort.”

“Our military families deserve the best, and the ANCHOR Act will help ease many of the burdens that come with frequent relocation,” said Rep. Wittman. “The ANCHOR Act ensures that military families have access to key information regarding relocation resources, educational rights, school enrollment support, housing assistance, and more — making those transitions easier. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support our nation’s military families.”

The Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act will ensure military families are informed of their educational rights, school enrollment support, and other key relocation resources—such as housing assistance, spouse employment support, and services through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)—under the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act would:

Require DoD to provide timely and accessible relocation information to service members and their families at least 45 days prior to a PCS move;

Add MIC3-related education support to statutorily required relocation services;

Provide legal and financial counseling;

Ensure the provision of mental health and well-being services; and

Require DoD to provide annual briefings to Congress for three years to track implementation and satisfaction.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act has been endorsed by Blue Star Families, Partners in PROMISE, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Secure Families Initiatives, and the Association of Washington School Principals.

“The ANCHOR for Military Families Act is a critical step forward. School transitions can be one of the most challenging aspects of military life, and this provision empowers families with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children’s education,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Blue Star Families applauds Congresswoman Emily Randall for this effort to bring greater clarity and support to those who serve.”

""PCS transitions often interrupt critical special education services for military children,” said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE. “We are grateful to Representative Randall, Representative Wittman, and the Senate sponsors for championing the ANCHOR Act, which will help address these gaps by requiring that military families receive key PCS and special education information before a move begins. Because the statute is broad, implementation must meaningfully include military families with lived experience, data-driven partners, and targeted, measurable outcomes. We look forward to working alongside the Department to ensure the final process delivers what Congress intended.”

""Secure Families Initiative is proud to support the ANCHOR Act,"" said Brandi Jones M.Ed., Organizing Director and Founder of the PCS Safety Campaign at Secure Families Initiative. ""Military service members and their families are our nation’s most valued resource, bravely embracing a transient lifestyle in service to our country. This legislation ensures they receive clear, timely information during PCS briefings and through the Relocation Assistance Program, helping families navigate school transitions with confidence. We believe military families deserve a plain-language briefing before reporting — keeping children safe and families informed.""

“The Association of Washington School Principals supports the ANCHOR for Military Families Act. This bill would ensure that members of the armed forces and their families would be provided more detailed information related to education, including school transition assistance and special education services. As a state with one of the largest active-duty populations, many of our schools are accustomed to supporting military families and their children and we support a more coordinated process across our country. By prioritizing school transitions alongside housing and healthcare, the ANCHOR for Military Families Act empowers families and schools to work together more effectively, minimizing disruptions and promoting student success,” said the Association of Washington School Principals.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4234,"WA Delegation Urges Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Flooding Hitting State",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), along with Senators Patty Murray (WA), Maria Cantwell (WA), and Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) urged President Donald Trump to approve an expedited Emergency Declaration request for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington this week.

The latest National Weather Service outlook forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025, request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote in a letter. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” they continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” the letter says. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/jayapal-helps-secure-4-4-million-for-recycling-program-for-the-city-of-shoreline/,Jayapal Helps Secure $4.4 Million for Recycling Program for the City of Shoreline,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is announcing $4,448,848 in grant funding for the City of Shoreline’s establishment of the Shoreline Reuse Center, through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIR) program.

“This funding will help the City of Shoreline to move towards zero waste, while creating a space for community programming and sustainability education. It is not only a space to ensure greater recycling in our community, but also to promote a culture of reuse and less waste,” said Jayapal. “I am proud to have supported this project, which is another step toward strengthening our region’s climate resilience for years to come.”

“We are honored that Shoreline’s proposal was selected in such a competitive national grant process. The Shoreline Reuse Center will empower our community to reduce waste, extend the life of everyday goods, and build on our culture of reuse and repair,” said Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts. “We’re proud to be leading the way in creating innovative solutions that benefit both our environment and our residents. We are grateful for Representative Jayapal’s help in making this grant a reality for Shoreline.”

The Shoreline Reuse Center will serve as a central hub for collecting, repurposing, and recycling waste from local businesses and residents. The project will also include building facilities for storing and selling salvaged materials, expanding the existing community tool library and bike shop, and providing space for local reuse and repair organizations. These organizations will also be able to offer additional services and educational programs aimed at promoting waste reduction and sustainability. The location will also feature a community bike and repair shop.

Shoreline’s Reuse Center is a significant investment that will enhance the region’s climate resilience. The Reuse Center will divert over 700 tons of municipal waste and construction materials. It will also advance Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent. The Center will support regional efforts to achieve zero waste of economically valuable resources by 2030.

The EPA selected 17 local governments for grants totaling $58 million for SWIR funding, including the Shoreline Reuse Center.

Jayapal’s letter of support can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/jayapal-norcross-omar-introduce-legislation-to-protect-app-based-workers/,"Jayapal, Norcross, Omar Introduce Legislation to Protect App-Based Workers",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) are introducing legislation to promote transparency and accountability for app-based workers. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would put guardrails on digital labor platforms, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon, to ensure that automated decisions do not lead to discrimination and price-gouging, and provide transparency to workers on how their data is used.

“App-based workers work long hours, often with no consistency or predictability of how much they will make,” said Jayapal. “They are at the whim of algorithms that make automated decisions about who gets to work, and where, and when. Workers and consumers deserve a better system, where workers are protected, employment laws are followed, and where consumers have a transparent price.”

“The Empowering App-Based Workers Act is a long-overdue step toward fairness and transparency for the millions of rideshare drivers and delivery app workers who keep our economy running,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “By guaranteeing transparent payment information and higher wages, these workers will finally receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. App-based workers deserve a good-paying job where they are treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and protected from exploitation.”

“Gig workers like Uber and Lyft drivers in my home state of Minnesota deserve a fair share of the wealth they create. App-based corporations have hidden behind AI algorithms and predatory take rates while drivers’ pay shrinks and executive profits soar,” said Rep. Omar. “The Empowering App-Based Workers Act will pull back the curtain on how these companies use data, set wages, and make decisions that shape people’s livelihoods. Gig workers should be part of a transparent system that values their labor.”

In 2024, Uber and Lyft both regularly paid drivers wages less than minimum wage, while at the same time increasing costs paid by consumers. These corporations’ ‘take rates’, or the percentage of a ride-fare that they keep, is often around 40 percent, but can be as high as 70 percent on individual rides.

The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would:

Require detailed weekly pay statements and itemized receipts for workers;

Require disclosure of electronic monitoring systems and how those are used to make automated decisions regarding work assignments;

Ensure that ride-hail drivers receive at least 75 percent of the total amount paid by a consumer for each transaction; and

Prohibit app-based platforms from violating equal pay for equal work by offering or paying different amounts to workers performing substantially similar or comparable work.

“We’re excited to see Representatives Jayapal, Norcross, and Omar listening to app-based workers and introducing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of the National Employment Law Project (NELP). “Corporations that use hidden algorithms to determine app-based workers’ pay, job assignments, and discipline must be held accountable. This bill will give workers the transparency they have been demanding for years and will help move us toward a good-jobs economy where all workers are treated fairly.”

The legislation is also sponsored by Dan Goldman (NY-10), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/wa-delegation-requests-expedited-emergency-declaration-for-devastating-storms-atmospheric-rivers-hitting-washington-state/,"WA Delegation Requests Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the entire Washington state Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.

The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

The letter to President Trump was joined by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.

On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.

We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.

An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4072,Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Emily Randall (WA-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) called on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County.

The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions.

“While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss. BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026:

1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release?

2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil?

3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted.

4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure?

5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State.

6. What corrective measures will BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline take to reduce future spill risk?

7. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to determine the cause of the leak and make any necessary corrective actions?

8. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Department of Ecology for assessment of the extent of the spill as well as all clean-up operations?

9. The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $3.8 million fine for the 2023 Olympic Pipeline leak in Conway, WA. Following that leak, how did BP update its monitoring and maintenance practices?

10. Since the 2023 leak in Conway, has BP found any other leaks along the Olympic pipeline? Is there a connection between the 2023 leak in Conway, or any subsequent leaks, and this one?

11. Governor Ferguson’s emergency declaration following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline highlights the need to develop further emergency plans to service airline operation needs in the event of future fuel incidents. Do you commit to working with the state and relevant transit authorities to address emergency planning needs?

“Given the history of the Olympic Pipeline, Washington residents must have confidence that BP is treating this most recent leak with all due seriousness. The Olympic Pipeline is an essential piece of infrastructure to our region. We hope you share our goal of ensuring that it is also reliable and secure for the sake of the Pacific Northwest’s residents and environment,” the lawmakers continued.

There have already been three significant incidents with the pipeline since 2023, and this leak could be the fourth if it meets federal criteria. This includes the December 2023 leak near Conway for which BP was recently fined $3.8 million by Washington state.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4073,"WA Delegation Requests Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting WA",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week.

The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.”

The letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

“On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record,” the Members continued.

“We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible,” the delegation concluded. “An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures.”

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.

On the Cowlitz River, water has overtopped Highway 12, isolating the communities of Randle and Packwood. Most major routes through the Cascade Mountains connecting western Washington to the rest of the state have been closed or seen landslides and other severe impacts. In Skagit County alone, local government officials expect to issue evacuation orders for over 75,000 residents, over half of the county’s total population. The county is bracing for significant loss of life, infrastructure, and property, with a full recovery expected to take years or even decades. Some areas on the Skagit River may see floodwaters rise five feet higher than the existing record.

We are grateful to the local, state, Tribal, and federal officials who have quickly mobilized to respond to this storm. Our first responders and emergency personnel are working around the clock and in dangerous conditions to protect lives, provide essential services, and keep our communities safe. It is essential that the federal government steps in to provide the resources necessary to allow our state to respond to this disaster and begin the road to recovery as soon as possible.

An expedited Emergency Declaration is critical to help with debris removal and emergency protection measures. We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4231,Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Emily Randall (WA-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) called on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County.

The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions.

“While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss.

BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026:

1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release?

2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil?

3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted.

4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure?

5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State.

6. What corrective measures will BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline take to reduce future spill risk?

7. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to determine the cause of the leak and make any necessary corrective actions?

8. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Department of Ecology for assessment of the extent of the spill as well as all clean-up operations?

9. The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $3.8 million fine for the 2023 Olympic Pipeline leak in Conway, WA. Following that leak, how did BP update its monitoring and maintenance practices?

10. Since the 2023 leak in Conway, has BP found any other leaks along the Olympic pipeline? Is there a connection between the 2023 leak in Conway, or any subsequent leaks, and this one?

11. Governor Ferguson’s emergency declaration following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline highlights the need to develop further emergency plans to service airline operation needs in the event of future fuel incidents. Do you commit to working with the state and relevant transit authorities to address emergency planning needs?

“Given the history of the Olympic Pipeline, Washington residents must have confidence that BP is treating this most recent leak with all due seriousness. The Olympic Pipeline is an essential piece of infrastructure to our region. We hope you share our goal of ensuring that it is also reliable and secure for the sake of the Pacific Northwest’s residents and environment,” the lawmakers continued.

There have already been three significant incidents with the pipeline since 2023, and this leak could be the fourth if it meets federal criteria. This includes the December 2023 leak near Conway for which BP was recently fined $3.8 million by Washington state.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4232,"Trump’s Tariffs Cause Decline in Canadian Tourism and Commerce, Hurting WA Businesses",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a new report showing how declining Canadian tourism is harming American businesses in Washington. The decline in tourism comes as President Trump has proposed annexing Canada, imposed several rounds of tariffs on Canadian goods paid for by Americans, and repeatedly broken off trade talks. The report combines new data on tourism declines with new testimonials from businesses in Washington.

“Washington’s economy is particularly vulnerable to Trump’s trade war. 4-in-10 of our jobs are tied to trade, and our supply chains are deeply linked with Canada,” said DelBene. “This economic uncertainty, along with demeaning comments made about one of our closest trading partners, has led to a drastic reduction in the number of Canadian tourists visiting Washington, and businesses across our state are feeling the downturn.”

From January to October 2025, the report found that the number of passenger vehicles crossing the Washington-Canada border declined by more than 24 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Washingtonian businesses are also reporting fewer tourists, more hotel vacancies, and lower sales.

“Since March of this year, we have not only seen Canadian traffic drop drastically, but we have also seen a drop in our number of attendees at our festival this year in late September,” said Kevin Coleman, Executive Director of SeaFeast in Bellingham. “We knew that after March, we could not rely on our Canadian business because of fear at the border and lack of understanding of what is happening with tariffs and Canada drawing a strong line of promoting Canada first.”

“I didn’t want to just suddenly close on our customers without giving them a heads-up … We are really reliant on the Canadian traffic to come down here,” said Sasha Lysikov, owner of Minted Method in Bellingham.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/10/jayapal-statement-on-vote-against-massive-pentagon-budget/,Jayapal Statement on Vote Against Massive Pentagon Budget,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“As families across this country struggle to keep food on the table and are facing health care premiums that will be doubling or even tripling in the coming days, Republicans are showing clearly where their priorities lie. Today, the Republican NDAA handed more than $890 billion to the Pentagon, more than $8 billion over Trump’s original exorbitant funding request.

“A fraction of this money would be enough to extend health care subsidies for a decade, restore Medicaid funding for 17 million Americans, end homelessness, pay for universal pre-k, or fund anti-poverty programs like the enhanced Child Tax Credit — things that would actually ease the cost-of-living crisis that Americans are facing.

“The Pentagon has never successfully passed an audit, yet we continue to pump more into this unaccountable agency. This is as Trump has deployed National Guard members to our cities, wasting millions of dollars, politicizing our servicemembers, and militarizing our communities.

“I do support the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorized Uses of Military Force (AUMF) legislation in this bill that will help put an end to forever wars. However, I cannot support legislation that pumps $890 billion into the Pentagon while leaving the American people behind on health care, education, and infrastructure. I voted no.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4070,"Larsen, Elfreth Secure AI Provisions in Defense Policy Bill",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) announced legislation they co-led, the AI Training for National Security Act, has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA).

The AI Training for National Security Act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to include information on the unique cybersecurity challenges created by artificial intelligence in its annual cybersecurity training for servicemembers and civilian employees.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the national security threat landscape,” said Larsen, who previously served on the Armed Services Committee for 22 years. “This legislation ensures that DoD meets this moment and prepares our armed forces for today’s challenges and opportunities.”

“The rapid development of AI threatens to outpace our ability to counter cyber threats to our nation’s security,” said Rep. Elfreth. “Our national security leaders – many of whom fight these global threats from CYBERCOMM headquarters at Fort Meade here in Maryland – must maintain the education and expertise to utilize rapidly developing technologies. I’m grateful to work with Representative Larsen to develop an AI strategy for our servicemembers.”

The House of Representatives will vote on the FY26 NDAA later today.

The full text of the AI Training for National Security Act is available HERE.

Larsen Champions AI Education for Servicemembers

The AI Training for National Security Act builds on Larsen's work to develop an AI education strategy for servicemembers.

In 2024, three provisions from Larsen’s Next Generation Military Education Act were included in the FY25 NDAA and became law. These provisions require:

- The DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer to provide an online AI education course;

- All military branches to participate in “Digital On-Demand,” the DoD’s initiative to accelerate AI knowledge; and

- The DoD to add an AI risks and threats section to its annual mandatory cybersecurity training.

The AI Training for National Security Act is the final remaining provision from the Next Generation Military Education Act that has yet to become law.

In 2019, Larsen successfully included a provision in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act that required DoD to develop an AI education strategy. Larsen’s provision also required the underlying curriculum to include ethical issues, bias, and potential strengths and weaknesses of AI.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4071,Larsen Releases Statement on Defense Policy Bill Vote,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bipartisan NDAA passed the House by a final vote of 312 to 112 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“I supported this year’s NDAA because it includes provisions to improve servicemembers’ quality of life, strengthen military communities, keep commitments to NATO allies and provide necessary oversight of the Trump administration,” said Rep. Larsen, who served for 22 years on the House Armed Services Committee.

Larsen Priorities for AI, Education, Ukraine Included

Several of Rep. Larsen’s priorities were included in the final NDAA:

A Raise for Servicemembers – The NDAA includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers.

AI Literacy for Members of the Military – Rep. Larsen’s AI Training for National Security Act to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to incorporate AI training into its annual cybersecurity training is included in the NDAA. More information about the legislation is available HERE.

Impact Aid for Northwest Washington Schools – The bill authorizes $70 million for DoD Supplemental Impact Aid to support local school districts with large populations of military-connected students.

Funding to Support Ukraine’s Self-Defense – The NDAA includes $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which builds Ukraine's capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports institutional transformation initiatives and advances U.S. political and military objectives.

Supports Our NATO Allies – The NDAA supports our transatlantic partnerships by permanently authorizing the Baltic Security initiative and stopping Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from reducing the number of troops in Europe below 76,000.

Oversight of Trump Administration – The NDAA also includes provisions strengthening congressional oversight of President Trump’s immigration agenda, including by requiring military personnel to display their service branch name when supporting civilian law enforcement in U.S. cities and requiring DoD to report to Congress when military assets are used in immigration enforcement.

Repeals Authorizations of Use of Military Force (AUMFs) – The NDAA repeals the 1991 and 2002 AUMFS, which authorized the use of military force in Iraq. This is an important step to unwinding the blanket authority presidents have to conduct war without appropriate congressional oversight.

Larsen to Keep Fighting for Reproductive Health; Opposes Anti-Labor, Anti-LGBTQ+ Provisions

“Unfortunately, at the last minute, Republican leadership stripped out a bipartisan provision that was in both the House and Senate NDAAs to provide servicemembers with access to IVF. No one should have to choose between serving their country and starting their family, and I will keep working to ensure military families can access IVF,” Larsen said.

“This is not a perfect bill, and I will also keep fighting to restore collective bargaining rights for civilian DoD employees and oppose cruel, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks on servicemembers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/washington-delegation-demands-answers-bp-pipeline-leak-0,Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. House Representative Emily Randall (WA-06), joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) in a letter calling on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County.

The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions.

“While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss.

BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026:

1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release?

2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil?

3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted.

4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure?

5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State.

6. What corrective measures will BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline take to reduce future spill risk?

7. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to determine the cause of the leak and make any necessary corrective actions?

8. Do you commit to fully cooperating with the Washington Department of Ecology for assessment of the extent of the spill as well as all clean-up operations?

9. The Washington Department of Ecology issued a $3.8 million fine for the 2023 Olympic Pipeline leak in Conway, WA. Following that leak, how did BP update its monitoring and maintenance practices?

10. Since the 2023 leak in Conway, has BP found any other leaks along the Olympic pipeline? Is there a connection between the 2023 leak in Conway, or any subsequent leaks, and this one?

11. Governor Ferguson’s emergency declaration following the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline highlights the need to develop further emergency plans to service airline operation needs in the event of future fuel incidents. Do you commit to working with the state and relevant transit authorities to address emergency planning needs?

“Given the history of the Olympic Pipeline, Washington residents must have confidence that BP is treating this most recent leak with all due seriousness. The Olympic Pipeline is an essential piece of infrastructure to our region. We hope you share our goal of ensuring that it is also reliable and secure for the sake of the Pacific Northwest’s residents and environment,” the lawmakers continued.

There have already been three significant incidents with the pipeline since 2023, and this leak could be the fourth if it meets federal criteria. This includes the December 2023 leak near Conway for which BP was recently fined $3.8 million by Washington state.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-votes-pass-ndaa,Congresswoman Schrier Votes to Pass NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual piece of legislation that authorizes defense programs to maintain military readiness and increase national security. The package includes provisions that will raise pay for service members, bolster access to quality healthcare and child care, and authorize millions to build new schools. This year’s legislation finally reclaims Congress’ war power authority, after delegating that responsibility to the president for decades.

“This bipartisan bill makes vital investments to bolster our national security at home and abroad, and support those brave service members who protect our country,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I’m proud to cast my vote to give our service members a much-deserved pay raise, provide proper oversight of the Trump Administration, and strengthen healthcare and child care access for our military personnel.”

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes these key provisions:

Provides a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and increases the Family Separation Allowance for deployed service members.

Makes the most substantive reforms to the defense acquisition process and system in decades.

Repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, preventing further involvement in the Middle East without appropriate congressional oversight.

Fences funding until the Secretary of Defense provides unedited videos of strikes that have occurred in the Caribbean, as well as copies of related classified Executive Orders.

Makes necessary investments to maintain our standing across the globe by strengthening nuclear deterrence, expanding missile defense, and providing critical resources and authorities to counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Authorizes $491 million to build new child care centers, extends the Child Care in Your Home pilot program, and improves the fee assistance program rate cap for eligible community-based child care providers.

Prevents the Department from reducing healthcare staff and expands travel reimbursement for specialty care.

Requires an assessment of mental health staffing levels, wait times, and the availability of telehealth services.

Authorizes over $206 million to build new Department of Defense Education Activity schools, authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid assistance, and allows Department schools to limit or ban student cell phone use.

Allows retiring service members to move into civilian defense positions and establishes a transition assistance pilot program for military spouses.

Authorizes $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative over two years and additional funding for the Baltic Security Initiative and Taiwan Security Initiative.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/10/strickland-statement-on-passage-of-national-defense-bill/,Strickland Statement on Passage of National Defense Bill,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on her vote for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA):

“While the President and Speaker Johnson continue to disregard the historically bipartisan defense bill process, there are solid wins in the bill that support servicemembers and their families. They will receive a 3.8% pay raise, and the Basic Allowance for Housing calculation will be modernized.

In addition, I secured $80 million for a new fire station that is desperately needed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and $55 million for a Command and Control Center at the base.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-final-opportunity-to-save-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-urges-republicans-to-stop-maga-health-care-hike-slams-unserious-and-harmful-republican-proposals-that-would-do-nothing-to-stop-premi/,"Ahead of Final Opportunity to Save ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Urges Republicans to Stop MAGA Health Care Hike, Slams Unserious and Harmful Republican Proposals That Would Do Nothing to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Murray: “The Republican plan is like Squid Games for health care. You can’t afford quality health coverage? Here’s a coupon—spin the wheel and see if you make it through the year. If you lose—if you get cancer, if you get pregnant, or if you have any sort of medical emergency more expensive than a thousand bucks, you get buried in debt.”

Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke forcefully on the Senate floor, calling on Republicans to support legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and prevent the massive premium hikes families are facing beginning January 1st because of Republicans’ refusal to act all year.

Murray laid out how, at this point—well over a month into Open Enrollment—it is simply too late to pass anything more complicated than a clean extension of the tax credits, which is what Democrats’ bill does. Republicans had all year to propose and pass reforms to the tax credits—they chose not to—and proposals requiring the implementation of major reforms to the tax credits less than three weeks before coverage begins January 1st are not serious and would not stop health care premiums from skyrocketing. The latest polling from KFF found one in four ACA marketplace enrollees said they are very likely to go uninsured if the ACA tax credits aren’t extended, and one in three enrollees said they are very likely to shop for a plan with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.

Tomorrow, alongside a vote on Democrats’ legislation that would provide a clean, three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, the Senate will also vote on a Crapo-Cassidy proposal that would kill the ACA enhanced premium tax credits—doing nothing to stop premiums from spiking. The Crapo-Cassidy bill also includes extreme new anti-abortion restrictions, including blocking ACA Marketplace plans that provide abortion coverage from receiving cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments—which would effectively force them out of the marketplace and make it even more difficult for people to get this essential care when they need it.

Open enrollment began on November 1st—and ends on Monday, December 15 for coverage effective January 1 (for coverage effective February 1, open enrollment ends on January 15). Nationwide, 22 million Americans are seeing their health care costs skyrocket because of Republican inaction—premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA tax credits is HERE.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor today, are below:

“Thank you, M. President. Right now, right now, families are trying to get health coverage for next year, a few weeks away. And they are coming face-to-face with the MAGA health care hike.

“That’s not some theory, or talking point. That is the stone-cold reality.

“Just talk to folks back home and they will tell you. Premiums are doubling, on average, for people losing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. In some cases, they are tripling, or quadrupling—or even worse.

“I’ve heard from seniors who will see their premium jump more than a thousand dollars a month. I’ve heard from a family in Washington state whose premium will jump two thousand dollars a month.

“A new KFF poll found one in four people will just go without health coverage if their premium doubles—again, that’s the average increase families are facing because of Republican inaction. That’s the reality that we are staring down this very moment.

“This is hitting seniors, who are too young for Medicare but can’t afford to roll the dice on their health. This is hitting small businesses, who rely on the exchanges and tax credits to get coverage for themselves and their employees. It’s hitting farmers, many of whom are covered on the exchanges.

“And I have to say, the reason I call this the MAGA health care hike? Is because it is going to hit MAGA states the hardest. Even as Trump calls affordability a ‘scam!’

“The ten states where premiums are jumping by the highest percentage? All Republican states. Every single one.

“The vast majority of these dollars go to Republican states. And yet, the vast majority of my Republican colleagues couldn’t be bothered when it came to saving the health tax credits, and stopping folks back home from losing coverage.

“Not only are most Republicans not serious about stopping the MAGA health care hike—many of them are cheering it on!

“You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at what Republican leaders said about saving the health care tax credits earlier this year.

“Republican leaders said, and I quote: nothing. Nothing! Or just look at the only health care plan Republicans ever rallied around: cutting a trillion dollars from health care. Or just listen to Speaker Johnson argue Republicans ‘strengthened’ health care—by making the biggest cut in Medicaid in history!

“That’s like saying you strengthened a ship by throwing the passengers overboard! That is the one thing they all agree on. That is the one health policy they are all proud of.

“Do Republicans want an award for all the hospitals that are now going to shutter? Do they want a thank you card from all the families that get priced out of their health coverage?

“And another clear sign Republicans are not serious about health care: their message has been all over the place. Everywhere from hypocritical, to nonsensical, to straight-up lies.

“One of the first Republican talking points we saw was the outright lie that all this money is for illegal immigrants. Their latest spin is just as ridiculous.

“Because now Republicans, the same party that proudly brought you the biggest billionaire tax giveaway in the history of our country, the same Republicans who have never met a corporate CEO they didn’t want to shower with tax cuts, are scandalized to learn health insurance is provided by health insurance companies. That’s pretty darn rich.

“When Republicans were just giving money away this summer—literally a billionaire free-for-all—it was so important that they cut health care. But when Democrats want to help families buy health coverage—that is a bridge too far!

“If Republicans, the party of Trump and Elon, want to play ‘who is buddies with billionaires,’ go ahead. Make my day.

“Remember, Republicans made tax breaks for billionaires permanent. Permanent! They exploded the national debt by trillions to do it. They cut health care to do that! And they pretended it cost zero dollars by using ridiculous, make-believe budget gimmicks.

“But saving health care for a few years is too expensive?

“Republicans don’t see anything outrageous about Trump shoveling billions of dollars at Argentina. They have no objection with a new private jet for Secretary Noem, or bulldozing the White House for Trump’s latest gold-plated vanity project.

“But they can’t imagine making sure their own constituents have health care?

“And please, when Republicans try and pretend it’s unthinkable we want to do this for three years, don’t forget they already voted down doing it for one year.

“In fact, one Republican actually called it, ‘political terrorism.’ Give me a break.

“Trump can post a video where he bombs protesters with feces. He can repost someone calling to hang Democrats. But when Democrats want to save health care for working families, that is ‘political terrorism.’ M. President.

“And let’s not forget one of the most incredible Republican excuses for letting premiums double—they never wanted to lower health care costs with these tax credits in the first place!

“They say, ‘Look, Democrats passed these tax credits without a single Republican vote.’ Well, you bet we did! And that really does show the difference in priorities, doesn’t it?

“When Democrats were in power, we passed the strongest, longest tax credit we had the votes for to help working families get health care. Because Democrats actually think it’s a problem that millions of people are going to lose coverage.

“But Republicans think the real problem is too many people were able to get coverage in the first place. They are even doubling down on that in their new, half-baked proposal to pretend they have some kind of health care agenda.

“Just look at the ideas that Republicans are putting forward.

“The Republican health care plan is to bring back—back—the bad old days of ‘high risk pools’—when pre-existing conditions weren’t protected, and a cancer diagnosis meant you couldn’t get health coverage.

“The Republicans health care plan is more junk health plans that bury patients in debt when they have an accident, or they get sick.

“The Republican plan is finding new ways to attack access to abortion and block women from getting the care they need.

“The Republican health care plan is ‘just let mom shop around for health care’—as if moms didn’t have enough to worry about. And as if shopping is even an option when you need urgent care, or specialty care that’s hard to find, or you only have one hospital for miles.

“And—here’s a doozy—the health care plan Republicans put forward this week does not even bring down premiums—not a single cent!

“That’s right—their plan does nothing about skyrocketing premiums. So if your premium is too high for you to afford coverage in the first place, the Republican plan for you is ‘tough luck.’

“They want to replace tax credits that actually make sure people can enroll in a quality health plan, with a mere pittance that you can only get if you’re poor enough to qualify, but still make enough to afford health coverage in the first place. And only if you buy the lowest quality plan, even if that’s not what you want.

“Only then are Republicans offering you a meager $83 or $125 dollars a month which comes, by the way, nowhere close to covering your deductible, and does nothing to keep families out-of-pocket health care costs from going through the roof.

“Instead of reducing the uninsured rate or getting people quality coverage, Republicans are saying to you, ‘what if we only gave money to people who can afford health coverage, instead of supporting those who cannot, and what if we spent that money pushing people toward the worst coverage that leaves them on the hook for huge deductibles?’

“Instead of bringing premiums down, Republicans are saying, ‘What if we spend this same funding in a way that doesn’t lower premiums at all—but just leaves them sky high?’ And even ends up with them soaring for patients with pre-existing conditions by driving younger, healthier people into lower quality plans or out of the market entirely.

“The Republican plan is like Squid Games for health care.

“You can’t afford quality health coverage? Here’s a coupon—spin the wheel and see if you make it through the year. If you lose—if you get cancer, if you get pregnant, or if you have any sort of medical emergency more expensive than a thousand bucks, you get buried in debt.

“And win or lose, you are going to have to play the same, twisted game again, year after year, for the rest of your life. And one year, you are going to lose. Because we all get sick eventually. We all get older eventually.

“What Republicans have put forward is not a health care plan—it’s a sick joke. I can hardly believe they can say it with a straight face.

“And speaking of jokes, are Republicans going to stand up this newfangled disaster before Open Enrollment begins? Well, wait, guess what—it’s too late for that. This is not just out of touch with families, it is out of touch with reality.

“And even if these plans were not a joke, there’s scarcely time left to do something half as complicated.

“That’s the kicker, M. President. If Republicans were serious about reforming the tax credits, the time to do that was before we were a month into Open Enrollment.

“Democrats were at the table all year. Republicans were nowhere to be found.

“The truth is, if Republicans actually wanted to reform the tax credits, they could have done that without Democrats! They could have done that, actually, in their Big Ugly Bill! They could have extended those ACA tax credits completely on their own terms if that was important to them.

“But they did not. Because they did not care. And when Democrats insisted, and insisted, and insisted, ‘Republicans, just come to the table,’ they chose to shut down the government rather than talk about health care.

“But now, when rates have already been set, and families have days to get coverage for January, a few weeks away, Republicans are not just trying to pretend they care about stopping the MAGA health care hike. They are now trying to pretend it is realistic to negotiate major changes and new programs in time for January 1st.

“What are they talking about?

“Forget how long negotiations take, even if we passed that bill today, there is not time to implement anything more complicated than a clean extension.

“Now, I am always at the table to talk about how we can save health care. I am happy to sit down next year and negotiate serious bipartisan reforms for the 2027 season.

“But the key word here is serious. It is not serious for Republicans to act like they care about health care now, when they were silent on this during their tax-cutting bonanza.

“It is not serious for Republicans to act like there is time for major negotiations and reforms now—when we are over halfway through open enrollment.

“And it is not serious for Republicans to act like they just want simple tweaks—when they are actually demanding new abortion coverage bans they know are a nonstarter.

“M. President, let me close with this. If Republicans truly want to have a serious, bipartisan conversation about health care, we can do that. Democrats are happy to do that. But there is a fire burning right now, and a lot of people are about to get burned if we don’t put it out.

“So the first step has to be: passing the bill Democrats have put forward, extending the tax credits, and saving health care for millions of families in the country.

“We could have talked about reforms earlier. And once we do this, we can still talk about reforms later. But right now, we have to put this fire out. And we have a bill that does that.

“Now, I am hoping, against hope and against history, that reason wins out and Republicans join us to pass this bill.

“But I will say, if Republicans refuse to do the right thing, the thing their own constituents are begging all of us to do, they should know: Democrats are not going to walk away from this fight.

“I am going to continue holding Republicans accountable. And more importantly, the American people are going to hold Republicans accountable too, with their voices and their votes.

“Democrats will also keep sharing a vision for how we do rebuild a stronger health care system after this Republican wreckage.

“Because as much as we want to save these health tax credits, I think everyone knows, that is a starting point. It is a bare minimum.

“We still need universal health care in America. We have needed it for a very long time. It is what I have always been fighting for.

“And, whatever happens in the next few days, I am going to keep pushing for reforms that make high-quality health care that’s actually affordable a reality for every American.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-calls-out-republicans-for-blocking-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-applauds-consideration-of-two-commonsense-veterans-bills-to-help-constituents-in-wa-state/,"At Hearing, Senator Murray Calls Out Republicans for Blocking IVF Coverage for Servicemembers, Applauds Consideration of Two Commonsense Veterans Bills to Help Constituents in WA State",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Murray: “Not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA.”

Senator Murray’s Purple Heart Veterans Education Act and Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act among legislation considered at today’s hearing

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange at the hearing***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a former chair and senior member of the committee, spoke about how two of her bills on the hearing agenda would close critical gaps in current law to better serve veterans and their families. She also pressed witnesses on President Trump and Republicans’ deliberate efforts to deny servicemembers and veterans access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), after House Speaker Mike Johnson worked behind the scenes to strip a provision, based on Senator Murray’s legislation, that would ensure health care coverage for fertility services, including IVF, for all active-duty servicemembers.

[IVF FOR SERVICEMEMBERS]

In opening comments, Senator Murray said:

“President Trump came into office saying that he would make IVF free.

“Instead, not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by now as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA.

“And on that note, I am really disappointed to see that my Veteran Families Health Services Act was left off of the agenda today. That bill would give more servicemembers and veterans the opportunity to grow their families—including through IVF—by expanding the fertility services that are covered under VA and DOD health care.

“It just seems like Republicans and this administration really talk a big game about IVF. But when it comes to actual policy, it’s pretty clear who is in the driver’s seat: anti-abortion extremists like Speaker Johnson.

“So I just want to make it clear, I think it’s pretty outrageous that Republicans won’t lift a finger to help our servicemembers—or anyone for that matter—access IVF. And I think it is really important everyone here understands that.”

Senator Murray continued by asking Dr. Thomas O’Toole, Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services at the Veterans Health Administration, about the higher rates of infertility servicemembers face, in large part because of their time serving our country in uniform: “Dr. O’Toole, are you aware that servicemembers face a higher rate of infertility compared to the rest of the population?”

“I’m not directly familiar with it, ma’am, but I take your word on it,” answered Dr. O’Toole.

“Well it is true, and our servicemembers, as we all know, lay their life on the line for our country. And I really believe—and I think many people do—that the least we can do is help them start their families when they come home. So again, I’m registering my deep disappointment and hope that that can change,” said Senator Murray.

[PURPLE HEART EDUCATION BENEFITS]

Senator Murray continued by discussing her bipartisan Purple Heart Veterans Education Act, one of the bills under consideration at the hearing today. Murray’s legislation would close a gap in current law that has denied Purple Heart recipients who received their award after they were discharged the ability to transfer their GI bill benefits to their dependents. Murray first introduced the legislation last Congress after a constituent and Purple Heart veteran from Washington state reached out to share how he had been unable to transfer his GI benefits to his daughter when she going to college.

“As the daughter of a Purple Heart veteran, I know how much they sacrifice for our country. I take seriously our responsibility to be there for them when they need it the most,” Senator Murray said. “Unfortunately, right now, not all Purple Heart veterans are treated equally when it comes to their benefits. For example, post-9/11 veterans can transfer their GI benefits to their descendants while they’re still in service. However, one of my constituents reached out to tell me about problem he was facing: because he received his Purple Heart after his service and was unable to transfer his GI bill benefits to his daughter when she was looking to go to college. So the bill that I’m offering, which I’m glad to see on the agenda today, would fix that loophole.”

“Ms. Devlin, you mentioned you wanted to see some changes, but let me just ask you: are you supportive of this legislation?” Senator Murray asked Margarita Devlin, Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Benefits at VA.

“We do support the intent of this, and it’s really technical amendments to ensure Department of War is involved in the process, as… they’re responsible for the process of transferring eligibility,” Ms. Devlin replied.

“Well I’m happy to talk with you about what your recommendations are, but I think this is a really important piece of legislation; I hope we can move on it,” Senator Murray said.

[RESEARCH FOR DESCENDANTS OF TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS]

Murray continued by asking Ms. Devlin about her Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act—also under consideration at today’s hearing. This legislation, led by Senator Murray and Veterans’ Committee Chair Blumenthal (D-CT), would commission first-of-its-kind, landmark research on birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans. While there has been some research on the link between birth defects and generational exposure to toxins and chemicals, there has yet to be comprehensive, government-led studies into the effects of toxic exposure on descendants of toxic-exposed veterans.

“This is a bill that’s really near and dear to me,” Senator Murray said. “Molly is a Washington state resident. She was born with spina bifida, it’s believed to be caused by her father’s exposure to Agent Orange when he served in Vietnam. And despite research showing descendants of toxic-exposed veterans experience lifelong medical issues, there has yet to be a comprehensive government-led study of this issue. So my bill simply takes a very critical step forward by requiring research on health conditions that are prevalent in the descendants of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service.”

“Ms. Devlin, talk a little bit first about how this research would prepare VA to help future generations of veterans who have been affected by toxic exposure?” asked Senator Murray.

“There has been no significant association that we’ve seen through the National Academy of Science research to indicate… that are generational impacts based on toxic exposures, but we do have the infrastructure in place. And in fact, with the PACT Act, we have the infrastructure in place to determine which research objectives to take on with the working groups that exist already.

“It’s my understanding that there is research showing that descendants of toxic-exposed veterans do experience lifelong medical issues. I think it is really important for us to look at this to make sure they are getting the support they need,” Senator Murray replied.

As the daughter of a disabled World War II veteran, Senator Murray knows firsthand the sacrifice that military service demands. She has been fighting for over a decade to expand access to IVF care and other fertility services for veterans and servicemembers, and to protect servicemembers’ and veterans’ access to the reproductive care they deserve. She has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address the challenges veterans face when starting a family after their service, and in 2012, Senator Murray secured Senate passage of a provision to end the ban on IVF services at VA. Recently, Senator Murray has helped lead the charge in the Senate to protect IVF from Republican attacks for the millions of Americans—including servicemembers and veterans—who rely on it to grow their families. Last Congress, Murray introduced the Right to IVF Actin the Senate—which would establish a nationwide right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) and lower the costs of IVF treatment for middle-class families, and includes the Veteran Families Health Services Act. Despite many Republicans publicly claiming to support IVF, nearly every Senate Republican voted against the Right to IVF Act on two separate occasions last year. Overall, Republicans blocked legislation that would protect IVF nationwide three separate times in 2024.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-senator-murray-lays-out-how-trump-is-driving-up-costs-for-seniors-attacking-the-social-security-administration/,"At HELP Hearing, Senator Murray Lays Out How Trump is Driving Up Costs for Seniors, Attacking the Social Security Administration",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Murray: “So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how President Trump is driving up those costs and the uncertainty so many seniors are seeing across the board. I don’t think we can talk about retirement without talking about the health care crisis that is now causing premiums to skyrocket for families who rely on the ACA premium tax credits.”

Los Angeles Times: ‘It’s a shambles’: DOGE cuts bring chaos, long waits at Social Security for seniors

***WATCH: Senator Murray Q&A with witnesses***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled “The Future of Retirement,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how Trump administration policies and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act have undermined seniors’ ability to afford health care and other basics, and receive the Social Security benefits that they earned. Senator Murray also asked witnesses about how rising prices across the board have made it harder for working Americans to save for retirement, and how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) workforce is making it harder for seniors to get the help they need to access their Social Security benefits.

Witnesses at the hearing included: Chad Williams, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones; Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans; and James R. Copland, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute.

In opening comments, Senator Muray said:

“The future of retirement is really an important topic—but I do think we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

“Because if Trump keeps driving up prices, and sabotaging health care, Social Security, and much more, then the future of retirement won’t even exist for many Americans. I mean, how many Americans will actually get to retire when everything in their lives is more expensive?

“So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how President Trump is driving up those costs and the uncertainty so many seniors are seeing across the board.

“I don’t think we can talk about retirement without talking about the health care crisis that is now causing premiums to skyrocket for families who rely on the ACA premium tax credits.

“I have spoken to seniors in my state who are not yet old enough for Medicare and they are seeing their premiums jump by over a thousand dollars a month, right now, starting in a few weeks.

“And that is just really unaffordable for so many families—let alone seniors on a fixed income.

“I talked to a woman a few days ago who had just retired. She planned all her life to make sure she had the right thing. She’s on the ACA, she’s expecting the tax credits, they’re gone now. Now she’s talking about going back to work. So much for retirement.

“And I think we also need to talk about the other elephant, is that Trump took an axe to the Social Security Administration this year. He cut 7,000 staffers, which makes it really hard for seniors who need help accessing the Social Security they earned.

“Instead of focusing on pushing legislation that will help seniors afford those basic necessities—food, electricity—instead of fixing the mess he caused with those SSA cuts, or the chaos that is now being caused by the tariffs, Trump’s top priority was to cut taxes for billionaires, not for seniors.

“So, what I think we all have to recognize, that’s the picture that many seniors are looking at today.”

[AFFORDABILITY AND RETIREMENT]

Senator Murray began by asking Mr. Williams, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, about how rising prices under President Trump are affecting his clients’ ability to save for retirement. “Mr. Williams, let me start with you. More than 55 million Americans don’t have an easy way to save for retirement at work. It just doesn’t exist for them. Instead of having a portion of each paycheck automatically saved, tens of millions of Americans receive their paycheck, pay their bills, and then they figure out how much they can save for retirement.”

“When prices are spiking across the board for everything from health care to electricity, how does that impact your clients’ ability to save for retirement?” asked Senator Murray.

“It’s an important question Senator Murray. Healthcare specifically, we, you know, in every financial plan that comes out of my office, we dedicate a significant amount of time and attention to that and include it in financial plans. And we empathize with, you know, families that are experiencing changes in the healthcare system, but as a financial planning practitioner, I will stay in my lane and avoid public policy and say that I welcome additional tools as a financial planning practitioner that helps us address this important issue,” answered Mr. Williams.

[SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WAIT TIMES]

Senator Murray continued her questioning by asking Mr. Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, about the difficulties that his members have experienced in receiving assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA) over the last year. “Well, Mr. Fiesta, seniors spend their working lives paying into Social Security. And nearly 40 percent of seniors rely on Social Security for a majority of their income. Yet, the Trump administration is really intent on making it harder for seniors to access their hard-earned benefits. My constituents in Washington state are waiting on the phone with the Social Security Administration for hours, getting dumped off, having to call back in, still not talking, just unable to reach an actual person that can hear them and help them through this.”

“What have you heard from your members about their experiences with the Social Security Administration over the last year?” asked Senator Murray.

Mr. Fiesta answered, “Sadly, the same, Senator. We’ve heard similar stories on waiting. It used to be a year or so ago, you could go into a Social Security office if you needed a new card, prove who you were, the new card appeared in the mail within 10 days or so. Now, if you can even get to an office, you can’t do that, and they’ll give you an appointment in two, three months for something so simple as that. The number of offices that have lost staff, these local offices, which were designed to help local people, have seen some, 100% of their people leave, take an early buyout, or were fired. We’re also very worried about who is guarding the technology and the security systems at the Social Security Administration too, given potential breaches and the like there.

“So, we’re hearing it every day, just on the retail of trying to get simple service again. We’re at a point in our history where 11,400 people are turning 65 every day, and have the lowest number of staff at Social Security in 50 years. So, we’re in the demographic crisis, but for individuals who need those services, which we paid for, because all those workers are paid out of the Social Security Trust Fund, aren’t getting it.”

“Well, that is what I am hearing from a lot of people in my state as well. This needs to be fixed. They need, SSA needs more support, not less,” Senator Murray concluded.

Senator Murray has fought throughout her career—including as top Democrat on the HELP Committee from 2017-2022—to ensure a secure retirement for all Americans for decades. She was instrumental in establishing a special financial assistance program to the Central States Pension Fund in the American Rescue Plan, saving the pensions of over half a million workers and retirees in 2022. Murray also helped pass theSocial Security Fairness Act, which restored full Social Security benefits for 3 million public servants across the country—including firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, and other state and local government workers—by repealing two provisions of the Social Security Act that unfairly reduce the Social Security benefits of some public employees. Senator Murray has been outspoken about the many ways the Trump administration is sowing chaos at the Social Security Administration and forcing seniors to wait longer for help on the phone and in person, and how President Trump’s chaotic tariffs are raising grocery and energy costs for families across America.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-new-congressional-report-showing-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-are-hurting-wa-businesses-and-causing-steep-decline-in-tourism-from-canada/,Senator Murray Responds to New Congressional Report Showing Trump’s Tariffs on Canada are Hurting WA Businesses and Causing Steep Decline in Tourism from Canada,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"NEW FROM JEC: Declining Canadian Tourism is Harming American Businesses in States Along the United States-Canada Border

ICYMI THIS WEEK: Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement in response to a new report from the U.S Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) which found that Trump’s tariffs on Canada and trade war provocations with our neighbor and close ally have led to a steep drop in Canadian tourism that is harming American businesses in Washington state and other states along the United States-Canada border.

The JEC report found that every state along the United States-Canada border is facing declines in tourism and rising economic pressures. Many states along the border, like Washington state, are home to hundreds of businesses that rely on Canadian tourism to survive. Canadian tourism contributed $20.5 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 140,000 jobs in 2024. In 2025, between January and October, the number of passenger vehicles crossing the United States-Canada border declined by nearly 20 percent compared to 2024. In Washington state, passenger vehicle border crossings were down more than 24 percent for that time period.

“While Trump hikes up tariffs via tweet and threatens to annex our close allies—businesses and communities in the United States are the ones who suffer. It’s both stupid and wrong. In Washington state, so many small businesses along the border rely on Canadian tourism and trade to survive—but Trump’s attacks on Canada have pushed our neighbors away and forced business and tourism to plummet.

“I’ve heard firsthand this year how many small businesses in our state are being forced to raise prices or close their doors altogether. This isn’t just bad economic policy, it is real American families’ livelihoods being hurt, lost revenue for local businesses, less hotel demand, fewer visitors at events, lost jobs, and fewer dollars being invested into our Northern border communities. Trump doesn’t know the first thing about trade, and businesses and consumers in Washington state are being forced to pay the price. Here’s what people need to understand: we could end this pointless trade war with Canada tomorrow if Republicans would stop blocking a simple vote to reverse Trump’s tariffs and reclaim Congress’ power over trade. Republicans need to stop bending the knee to Trump and start listening to their own constituents who are begging them to put an end to these tariffs.”

In Washington state, the JEC report found:

Estimates have found Seattle will see an almost 27 percent decrease in international overnight stays in 2025 compared to 2024, almost exclusively driven by the loss of Canadian tourists.

Spokane saw 33 percent fewer visitors in March 2025 than in March 2024.

Ridership on the Clipper between Victoria and Seattle is down 30 percent this year, causing Clipper Navigation to have to lay off a quarter of its workforce.

Over 30 businesses in Bellingham reported losses due to a decline in cross-border travel.

The Bellingham Chamber of Commerce has found the city has seen a drop in visits, overnight stays, and spending by Canadian travelers—a downturn which has been devastating for many businesses.

Kevin Coleman, Executive Director of SeaFeast in Whatcom County, told JEC that the area has seen a drastic decline in Canadian traffic: “Since March of this year, we have not only seen Canadian traffic drop drastically, but we have also seen a drop in our number of attendees at our festival this year in late September. We knew that after March, we could not rely on our Canadian business because of fear at the border and lack of understanding of what is happening with tariffs and Canada drawing a strong line of promoting Canada first.”

A nonpartisan analysis by the Washington State Office of Financial Management found that if the current Trump tariffs stay in effect for the next four years, they will cost Washington state up to 25,000 jobs—and if Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are fully implemented, they would cost Washington state $2.2 billion and 31,900 jobs over the next four years and significantly drive up the cost of food, clothing, cars, and much more.

Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. In 2024, Washington exported $57.8 billion of goods to the world, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), making Washington state the 9th-largest state exporter of goods last year. Washington state is also the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners, including Canada.

Senator Murray has been vocal in responding to Trump’s trade war, holding events in every part of Washington state, and hammering the Trump administration for driving up the cost of just about everything through their chaotic and thoughtless trade policies. When Trump first announced new tariffs, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state to discuss how Trump’s trade war threatens Washington state’s economy, and spoke out on the Senate floor against Trump’s chaotic trade war, calling on Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in reasserting Congress’s power over trade. She has held several events across Washington state to hear directly from constituents and small business owners about how Trump’s tariffs are harming them—including in Tacoma, Yakima, Vancouver, Seattle, Skagit County, and Blaine, just across the border from Canada. On August 1st, as Trump hiked “reciprocal” tariffs on some of our closest trading partners, Senator Murray held another virtual press conference with Washington state businesses to sound the alarm. She held another roundtable with small business owners in Vancouver in September, and slammed Trump for the new port fees that had been hitting ships at West Coast Ports as a result of Trump’s trade war with China. Last month, Senator Murray released a statement criticizing Trump’s tariffs and calling on Republicans to step up to put an end to them after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the legality of Trump’s disastrous tariffs.

Earlier this week at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing, Senator Murray grilled U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s trade war with Canada is hurting Washington state businesses and consumers—VIDEO HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4068,"Larsen Introduces Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Transportation, Health Care",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the introduction of the Veterans Access to Transit Act (H.R. 6451), legislation to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and veterans organizations.

“Local veterans have told me consistently that lack of transportation is a significant barrier to health care, especially in rural and island communities,” said Rep. Larsen. “Introducing this bill is one important step toward ensuring Northwest Washington’s 47,000 veterans can access timely, quality health care.”

In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September. Last month, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns.

Rep. Larsen recently submitted this report to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices impact the policy-making process.

“This fall, I met with veterans and service providers in Everett, Bellingham, Burlington, Oak Harbor and Lummi Nation,” said Rep. Larsen in a letter to HVAC. “Based on those conversations, I wrote a report that analyzes the challenges veterans in my district are facing, based on the four pillars that guide my work in veterans’ policy: health care, housing, education and employment. I look forward to working with the Committee to ensure veterans in Washington’s Second District have access to timely health care, affordable housing, high-quality education and fulfilling employment opportunities.”

Rep. Larsen also shared ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington’ with VA Secretary Doug Collins.

“At these [September] roundtables, veterans raised concerns about a wide range of issues… [including] specific challenges related to transportation, health care and housing, which I look forward to working with VA to address,” said Rep. Larsen in a letter to Secretary Collins. “While the local Puget Sound VA representatives continue to be great partners in serving the veterans of Northwest Washington state, VA leadership must make a stronger commitment to engaging with veterans directly, including through forums like these roundtables.”

You can access the full text of the Veterans Access to Transit Act HERE.

You can access the full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-cantwell-murray-bills-place-lower-elwha-klallam-tribe-and-quinault,"Randall, Cantwell, Murray Bills to Place Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Quinault Indian Nation Lands into Trust Passes House",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two major bills for Washington state Tribes, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, and the Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act. Both bills initiate the first step to return land back to the Tribes by transferring ownership from the federal government to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribes.

U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06), and U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the legislation in April 2025. The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

""Today, we took an important step in upholding our treaty obligations by passing legislation to transfer land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation. As a freshman member of Congress who represents — alongside their elected Tribal leaders — over 15,000 Tribal members, this significance is not lost on me,” said Rep. Randall. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass these two bills to ensure we meet our trust responsibilities to restore Tribal lands.”

“The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe led a historic regional effort to restore salmon runs by removing obsolete dams along Elwha River. Now, it’s time to return over 1,000 acres of land that was taken to build the dams and allow the Lower Elwha Klallam people to reclaim ancestral lands,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“These bills take critical first steps to transfer land that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation have stewarded for centuries, back to Tribal ownership,” said Senator Murray. “This is about righting historic wrongs and fulfilling a commitment to our Tribes—and it’s also an investment in salmon recovery, habitat restoration, and the preservation of key ecosystems for future generations. I am thrilled to see these bills pass the House and will continue fighting to pass them through the Senate, so we can see through this important effort to restore Tribal ownership of culturally significant lands in Washington state.”

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act:

This bill would transfer three parcels of land totaling 1,082 acres to the BIA to be held in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.

The land is just outside the boundaries of the Olympic National Park and includes 1,061 acres originally acquired by the National Park Service to demolish two dams along the Elwha River.

The two remaining parcels were acquired by the U.S. Department of the Interior to construct a pipeline to transfer surface water to the Tribe’s new fish hatchery – the House of Salmon.

The land transfer would boost habitat restoration efforts led by the Lower Elwha Tribe and federal agencies, aiding in the recovery of all five species of Pacific salmon and other native fish, including Chinook, coho, chum, pink and sockeye salmon, along with steelhead and bull trout.

This bill is an important action in the decades’ long effort to restore the Elwha River.

“The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is very significant to the Elwha Klallam people. The return of these lands is an important final action to the dam removal project that rewilded the Elwha River and made possible the recovery of the salmon populations,” said Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Chairwoman Frances Charles. “The return of these sacred and culturally significant lands to the Tribe’s stewardship protects the federal investment in the restoration of the river and upholds the federal government’s treaty and trust obligations to the Tribe. The Tribe is grateful to Representative Randall for her efforts to keep this legislation moving toward the return of the lands to the Tribe.”

The proposal for the land to be taken into trust is supported by WSDOT, the Makah Tribe, and the City of Port Angeles.

Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act:

This bill would transfer 72 acres from the Forest Service to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the Quinault Indian Nation.

The 72 acres, known as Allotment 1157, was originally part of the Quinault reservation that was established by the Treaty of Olympia of 1856.

After the passage of the Dawes Act of 1887, the Quinault Indian Reservation was separated into individual allotments and in 1928, Allotment 1157 was given to away through a Trust Deed signed by President Calvin Coolidge.

The Allotment was eventually sold to a timber company and was purchased by the U.S. Forest Service in 1996 for conservation.

Allotment 1157 is one of the last remnants of old growth forest, particularly old growth cedar, that were a significant part of the Quinault’s reservation.

The Quinault Nation plans to utilize this land as a living museum for educational purposes, where students and college interns will learn how to preserve other historical places. Trees and downed wood on this land will be utilized for cultural purposes, as has been done in the past.

“With the passage of the Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act today, the United States House of Representatives has taken a historic step to uphold the U.S. government’s promise that the Quinault Indian Reservation will always belong to the Quinault Nation.” said Quinault Indian Nation President Guy Capoeman. “The forced breakup of our reservation due to the Dawes Act erased one of the foundations of our way of life: our view that the land and waters of our homeland were for communal use by all. We thank Congresswoman Randall for introducing, supporting, and ensuring this important piece of legislation passed in the House. We now ask the Senate to quickly take up and pass this bill before the end of the year.”

“Returning 72 acres of the Quinault Indian Nation’s original reservation will restore the Tribe’s ancestral lands and help preserve one of the area’s last remnants of old growth forest as a living museum for future generations,” said Sen. Cantwell.

The proposal for the land to be taken into trust is supported by Jefferson and Grays Harbor County, the Hoh Tribe, and the Quileute Tribe. A document containing written letters of support is available HERE.

With the passage of the Dawes Act in 1867, the Quinault Reservation was broken up into 80-acre allotments, with many given to individual Tribal Members. As private interests quickly moved in to buy up the allotments, including allotment 1157, the Quinault Nation lost multiple pieces of its Reservation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/09/strickland-statement-on-naming-military-bases-after-confederate-traitors/,Strickland Statement on Naming Military Bases After Confederate Traitors,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on her bipartisan Naming Commission for Military Assets amendment:

“The President and Speaker Johnson were willing to reject the defense bill if it included my bipartisan amendment to remove Confederate names from military bases. Republican leadership and the White House like to call themselves the “party of Lincoln,” but prefer to honor racist, Confederate traitors who fought to protect the institution of slavery. This is an insult to the African-Americans who wear the uniform, and the 40% of enlisted servicemembers who are minorities.”

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-career-and-technical-education-senator-murray-calls-out-trump-admins-illegal-scheme-to-transfer-key-education-responsibilities-to-other-agencies-jeopardizing-support-students/,"At Hearing on Career and Technical Education, Senator Murray Calls Out Trump Admin’s Illegal Scheme to Transfer Key Education Responsibilities to Other Agencies, Jeopardizing Support Students Count On",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"ICYMI from Politico: The Education Department gave another agency power to distribute its money. It hasn’t gone well.

ICYMI from Gov Exec: Trump admin acknowledges difficulties in transferring Education programs to other agencies, internal documents show

***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on how the Trump administration has increased bureaucratic hurdles for educators and harmed career and technical education***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) subcommittee hearing on career and technical education (CTE), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) by spinning off critical education responsibilities to other agencies are harming students and threatening education programs across the nation.

President Trump signed an executive order in March seeking to eliminate the Department of Education. Federal law requires an act of Congress to close the department, and Secretary McMahon has repeatedly affirmed that only Congress can shut down the department. Knowing that Congress will not pass a law to abolish the Department of Education, she has nonetheless worked hard to dismantle the department from within. In July, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that she planned to illegally transfer responsibility of CTE and adult education programs to the Department of Labor–leading to technical problems, communications breakdowns, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical issues at the agency. Despite these problems, last month, the Trump administration announced that it would double down on this failure and attempt to illegally shutter even more of the Department of Education by moving significant responsibilities of almost all K-12 education programs and the majority of higher education grantmaking to other agencies with little to no education expertise—causing early literacy programs, preschool programs, and college access programs to be administered out of an agency whose primary task is to implement workforce training and labor protections. Now, K-12 and higher education grantees will need to work with multiple federal agencies, instead of one, in the administration of these programs, creating new bureaucratic hurdles for states and school districts in the process. Senator Murray hosted a roundtable last month with parents, educators, and advocates in Seattle decrying the administration’ latest actions to dismantle ED.

In opening comments, Senator Murray said:

“Thank you, Chair Tuberville. I’m really glad that we are having this important conversation.

“I want to take this opportunity to say how outraged I am by how callously the Trump Administration has mishandled our education programs, as it is taking a wrecking ball to the Department of Education.

“Earlier this year, Secretary McMahon cast off much of her Department’s responsibility for career and technical education and adult education programs to the Labor Department, with basically no notice, no planning—which has resulted in funding delays and other problems.

“Unfortunately, that was just a preview of what was to come.

“Three weeks ago, President Trump and Secretary McMahon announced they are moving almost all K-12 education programs, and many higher education programs, to DOL, and they are moving others to HHS, Interior, State.

“And they also promised to keep moving more programs—including Special Education—to other agencies, all without consulting Congress. That should be unacceptable to every one of us.

“Congress has repeatedly and clearly authorized those programs at the Department of Education and provided funding to the Department of Education to carry them out. Moving programs to agencies without the experience nor the capacity to administer them is really a disservice to our students and to our schools.

“The Department of Labor is not used to administering the number of programs administered by the Department of Education. We saw chaos earlier this year when the CTE and Adult Education programs were moved from the Department of Education to DOL.

“How much worse is it going to be when DOL is saddled with thousands of education grants, like TRIO, when they have never administered anything near that scale? How are they going to administer Impact Aid programs with zero experience doing that? Why is the Department of Labor administering programs for preschoolers and elementary school students at all?

“The Trump administration has not answered those questions or even consulted Congress. The Secretary of Labor has never testified to how she would administer any of these new programs—and she even failed to explain how she’s meeting her existing responsibilities.

“This is not saving money. It is not reducing bureaucracy. It is increasing chaos. DOL is already charging McMahon over a million additional dollars to now do the CTE work her employees were doing.

“Taking over significantly larger and complex programs will surely cost significantly more—but of course, the administration hasn’t told us how much it’s going to be. And now we will have two separate Departments ‘co-managing’ all of these programs.

“How is that going to reduce bureaucracy? States, school districts, and families are going to have to deal with multiple federal agencies now when they used to deal with one.

“So I want to make clear: I am always ready for a conversation about how we improve these federal programs. But that couldn’t be further from what is happening with this administration.

“And again, they aren’t even bothering to talk to Congress about it and how they can pursue these ideas legally—by passing a law to do it. They’re just doing it, which tells you pretty much how serious they are about doing anything.

“So I appreciate this hearing, but I needed this opportunity to express my dismay at what is happening in this administration to our schools, to our students, and really, to the future of our country with all this mismanaging going on.”

Witnesses at the hearing included: Mr. Luke Rhine, Vice President, Rodel Foundation; Chris Cox, Deputy Chancellor for Instruction, Research, and Development, Alabama Community College System; Ms. Chelle Travis, Executive Director, SkillsUSA; and Mr. Joel Stadtlander, Director of Human Resources, ArcelorMittal Calvert.

[TRUMP ADMIN UNDERMINING EDUCATION]

Senator Murray began by asking Mr. Rhine about the inter-agency agreements Secretary McMahon announced last month, which are intended to further dismantle the Department without any concern for how to best manage these programs and help students, “But Mr. Rhine, let me ask you, and I wanted to ask you given your expertise: can Education and DOL collaborate on these programs without an inter-agency agreement, and have they collaborated on CTE before?”

“So, there is a long history of collaboration between the Department of Education and the Department of Labor. And what that history tells us is that it does not require major structural realignment. Where states have partnered, where federal agencies have partnered, is essentially through a number of instances. So, the implementation of WIOA, Titles I and III exist at the U.S. Department of Labor. Titles II and IV, which are inherently education programs, exist at the Department of Education—used to exist at the Department of Education. There was an inter-agency working group that worked directly with states and across federal agencies to manage the implementation of WIOA and ensure that our nation’s adult education and workforce system was responsive to states. There are also examples where the Departments of Education and Labor have partnered to offer and support things like career and technical education. When I worked federally, we offered a number of joint issue, we jointly issued a number of guidance documents to states that help them think about the integration of CTE, the expansion of post-secondary CTE to include registered apprenticeship as well as short term credential programs. How states could modify their post-secondary funding formula, which states are given the authority to do under the Act to include at the time programs that were not Pell-eligible. So, there are many instances where the Departments of Education and Labor have cooperatively worked together, but in past instances, they’ve essentially centered states’ needs as part of their joint collaboration. And I think that’s one thing that we’re missing right now, is really working hand in glove with states to make sure that they have the information that they need to lead effectively,” answered Mr. Rhine.

“Thank you. I’m over my time, but Mr. Chairman, I really think Congress needs to look at what is happening here, what’s happening to our programs, what’s happening to families’ access, whether there’s any collaboration, how they’re putting this together. And clearly, again, it’s up to Congress to pass the law. The administration cannot do this without Congress having their input,” Senator Murray concluded.

A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. In June, she wrote a letter to Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-03), Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D, VA-03), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), calling out the Department’s illegal efforts to attempt to transfer responsibility over CTE programs to the Department of Labor (DOL). The lawmakers also called out the moves in a July statement, and Senator Murray joined Congresswoman DeLauro and Senator Baldwin to condemn the Department of Education’s continued attempts to illegally transfer CTE responsibility to the DOL in September. Last week, Senator Murray led her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary McMahon slamming ED’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on—and calling on her to reverse these latest steps to dismantle ED.

Senator Murray also helped pass the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in 2018, which updated and reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to update job training and CTE programs to meet the needs of local economies in the 21st century.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-grills-trumps-trade-representative-over-administrations-reckless-tariffs-driving-up-prices-devastating-small-businesses/,"Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Murray raises example of Tacoma-made Almond Roca while pressing Trump administration on effect of trade war on American businesses

Senator Murray has been outspoken about the harm Trump’s tariffs are causing in WA—one of the most trade-dependent states in the country; Murray has held numerous events in every corner of the state to hear from businesses, farmers, and border communities about effects of Trump’s trade war

***WATCH: Senator Murray exchange with U.S. Trade Representative on Trump’s tariffs***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s unprecedented, chaotic, and ill-conceived tariffs are hurting American consumers and small businesses.

Right now, the effective tariff rate in the U.S. is 16.8 percent, the highest tariff rate since 1934. Trump’s tariffs have already raised retail prices for families by 5 percent, and this year alone, Trump’s tariffs are expected to cost American households an additional $1,700 on average. One analysis found Trump’s tariffs will could push nearly 1 million Americans into poverty in 2026. In September, a nonpartisan analysis by the Washington State Office of Financial Management found that if the current Trump tariffs stay in effect for the next four years, they will cost Washington state up to 25,000 jobs—and if Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are fully implemented, Washington state would lose $2.2 billion in economic output and 31,900 jobs over the next four years, and significantly drive up the cost of groceries, clothing, cars, and much more.

Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. In 2024, Washington exported $57.8 billion of goods, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), making Washington state the 9th-largest state exporter of goods last year. Washington state is also the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada.

[AFFORDABILITY]

Senator Murray began her questioning by grilling Ambassador Greer about the effect Trump’s tariffs are having on the prices American consumers are paying every day. “I know when it comes to trade and tariffs this Committee has strong bipartisan concerns, so I am glad that we’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from you, Ambassador Greer.”

“President Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Instead, he slapped unprecedented new taxes on nearly everything Americans buy from abroad. And now that prices are rising, he’s calling affordability a ‘Democratic scam.’

“Ambassador let me just ask you, yes or no: do tariffs raise prices for American consumers?” asked Senator Murray.

“I don’t think they do when you look at all the data. I think they have a very limited impact,” answered U.S. Trade Representative Greer.

“Well, I disagree, and Secretary Bessent said on Fox News that exempting products from tariffs would, ‘bring the prices down very quickly.’ Wouldn’t that mean then that tariffs increase prices?” Senator Murray pushed back.

“I think again, the general answer is no. I think with some of those products he was referencing; bananas, coffee, things we don’t necessarily make, there you’re going to get more of a chance of a price impact from tariffs. Other stuff that we make, or have a lot of producers, you don’t have the flow through. But I think with those you could see an impact so,” replied U.S. Trade Representative Greer.

Senator Murray said, “Well, I think my consumers, people in my state, are seeing price increases, and they know what’s happening. I don’t see how anybody with a straight face can’t say that tariffs raise prices but somehow ending them lowers the prices. So, I think we all need to be honest.”

[TARIFF IMPACTS ON WA STATE BUSINESSES]

Senator Murray continued by discussing how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting small businesses, raising the example of a local business in Tacoma she visited in April that has faced devastating fallout from Trump’s tariffs. “In April, I visited a local candy company in my home state in Tacoma, Washington, they are called Brown and Haley. They’ve been in business for 112 years and employ 150 people. They are known for Almond Roca, which they export to 65 countries in the world. Brown and Haley told me that Trump’s tariffs and trade wars have cost them half of their export business. Half! They worked hard for years to become a net exporter to China, and then Trump’s trade war came along and their China exports dropped to zero. Now, to keep their business alive in China, they’ve been forced to license their brand to other products made in China—literally helping Chinese manufacturers at the expense of the American ones.”

“You are their trade representative. What have you done to ensure American small businesses who rely on sales to China are able to sell their products and grow the economy here at home?” asked Senator Murray.

U.S. Trade Representative Greer answered, “First of all, we’re opening market access all over the world, in places like Southeast Asia and even in Europe, places where everyone thinks we’ve had market access for a long time, but we haven’t. So, we’re opening billions and billions of dollars of markets. I’d be interested in talking to the company that makes Almond Roca. I think that’s, you know, that is, that is news to me that they had an issue in China.”

“They’re one of many in my home state, and actually, in this country, who are facing the same kind of thing. And in fact, we have farmers and growers who are trying to expand into other markets, as you well know, and they’re being thrown one-time, limited relief, but our small businesses and our farmers want to trade, they don’t want aid. And they tell me that this is really creating chaos, including Brown and Haley, but other companies as well. And I’d love to have you take a look at that, because it has had a serious impact to them,” Senator Murray replied.

[CHAOTIC TARIFF EXEMPTIONS]

Senator Murray continued her questioning by pressing Ambassador Greer on the lack of strategy or common sense behind the rollout of the Trump’s tariffs, noting how the U.S. cannot produce coffee at scale, and coffee was only finally made exempt from tariffs last month. “I do understand tariffs can be strategic. But there seems to be no strategy to me when it comes to this trade war. Coffee is a great example. We consume nearly 800 times as much coffee as we produce, as you know, and I doubt that’s going to change anytime soon. And I’m glad that coffee is now exempt from some of these tariffs, but I cannot understand why this administration forced Americans to pay higher for months.”

“Tell me, what did the coffee tariffs actually achieve?” asked Senator Murray.

U.S. Trade Representative Greer answered, “So first of all, coffee prices were going up for two years. I can’t affect the weather in Brazil and these other places. Second of all, all the tariffs that were imposed, some of them are in place to protect domestic supply chains. Some of them are in place for leverage. So, in early September, the President announced that he was going to take the tariffs off of coffee and bananas and other things. And then once we had the deals with the kind of countries that send us coffee and bananas, Ecuador, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc., then we had used that leverage and we removed it.”

“Why did it take so long to exempt coffee?” Senator Murray inquired.

U.S. Trade Representative Greer answered, “Because, you know, TPP was negotiated for eight years under Obama, and it never came to fruition. We did deals with Southeast Asia in six months to get all the tariffs down. So, I think that’s really, really fast.”

“Well, my opinion is those kinds of issues should have been worked out before we slapped tariffs on anybody,” Senator Murray responded.

[CANADIAN TOURISM]

In concluding her questioning, Senator Murray said:

“Canada is Washington state’s, my state, second-largest export partner and our largest source of international visitors.

“And I want you to know this, President Trump’s trade war and insults have driven away Canadian visitors to my state and to other states, it has delivered a huge blow to our economy.

“Passenger vehicle border crossings in my state are down more than 24 percent in the first ten months of this year. Spokane, Washington, in Eastern Washington, saw a 33 percent drop in visitors this year.

“The operator of a ferry between Seattle and Victoria, B.C. has been forced to lay off now a quarter of its workforce because ridership is down 30 percent.

“In my state, Americans are losing their jobs and our businesses are struggling.

“And I just really believe Mr. Ambassador, we should not be picking fights with our close allies and neighbors like Canada. This trade war has been a terrible blow to American small businesses, and I hope it ends, it has to end. If it could end tomorrow, it would be so much better for my state and so many other people. I want you to know that. Especially with Canada, this is hurting my state.”

Senator Murray has been vocal in responding to Trump’s trade war, holding events in every part of Washington state, and hammering the Trump administration for driving up the cost of just about everything through their chaotic and thoughtless trade policies. When Trump first announced new tariffs, Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state to discuss how Trump’s trade war threatens Washington state’s economy, and spoke out on the Senate floor against Trump’s chaotic trade war, calling on Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in reasserting Congress’s power over trade. She has held several events across Washington state to hear directly from constituents and small business owners about how Trump’s tariffs are harming them—including in Tacoma, Yakima, Vancouver, Seattle, Skagit County, and Blaine, just across the border from Canada. On August 1st, as Trump hiked “reciprocal” tariffs on some of our closest trading partners, Senator Murray held another virtual press conference with Washington state businesses to sound the alarm. She held another roundtable with small business owners in Vancouver in September, and slammed Trump for the new port fees that had been hitting ships at West Coast Ports as a result of Trump’s trade war with China. Last month, Senator Murray released a statement criticizing Trump’s tariffs and calling on Republicans to step up to put an end to them after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the legality of Trump’s disastrous tariffs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-this-weeks-vote-on-extending-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-lays-out-the-stakes-urges-republicans-to-vote-yes-in-final-opportunity-to-stop-health-care-premiums-from-skyrocketi/,"Ahead of This Week’s Vote on Extending ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Lays Out the Stakes & Urges Republicans to Vote Yes in Final Opportunity to Stop Health Care Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SEATTLE TIMES: WA health insurance buyers fret as ACA subsidies remain in limbo

NEW YORK TIMES: Running Out of Time, Republicans in Congress Still Lack a Health Plan

Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE

***WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on the fight to save the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the critical vote this week on a proposal to extend the tax credits for three years. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange, and Lisa, a Washington resident of King County who buys her health care through the Marketplace and is facing skyrocketing premiums with the looming expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits.

At the press conference, Senator Murray discussed how inaction by Republican Members of Congress will force Washingtonians to pay significantly more for health care next year, and how this week’s vote on a clean, three-year extension of the ACA tax credits is the last chance to prevent skyrocketing health care premiums starting in January, when the tax credits expire. Due to Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the ACA Marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state), and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is HERE.

“I’ve heard from families across the country who are staring down unthinkable health care hikes. Premiums doubling, tripling, and worse. I am talking to people who learned their monthly premium is jumping by hundreds—in some cases thousands—of dollars a month. Americans who are making painful decisions wondering how they can cut down on groceries, gas, and other essentials to cover their rising premiums, or whether they will just roll the dice and go without coverage, even if it means skipping checkups or rationing their prescriptions,” said Senator Murray. “These stories are so important to drive home the reality for Republicans who keep trying to bury their heads in the sand. This is not some talking point. It is not some thought exercise. The MAGA health care hike is a reality that millions of families are facing in this country right now. And unless we take action—decisive, quick action this week—to stop it, higher premium costs for millions of American families will be getting locked in for good.”

Senator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. Since then, she has called on Republicans to extend the enhanced premium tax credits dozens of times, calling attention to the tax credit cliff and how millions of Americans will see their health care costs jump dramatically if Republicans don’t work with Democrats on an extension.

Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save the ACA tax credits and stop health care costs from skyrocketing and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the tax credits—which they have so far refused to do. She has spoken on the Senate floor numerous times to call for an extension of the ACA tax credits, and has held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, to sound the alarm and highlight the stakes of the health care fight. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis and prevented the government shutdown. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year—the Health Care Affordability Actand the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act—that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.

“Open enrollment is really tough right now. People, as you said, are experiencing sticker shock. And I really want to emphasize what you said about a clean extension—we’re overdue, we need this to happen. Literally, our customers are suffering and experiencing so much worry and anxiety about how they’re going to afford something so basic and meaningful and important as health insurance. As you said, we need a clean extension, that’s important. That means extending the existing policy as is, not changing into some other kind of policy, because we want to act quickly to pass on relief to our customers as soon as possible,” saidIngrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange. “Our average customer coming in who will no longer be eligible in that income bracket, the increase will be up to $800 a month, is what they’ll be seeing versus last year, a policy that cost $450 a month. And that’s just the average. Many people are experiencing tens of thousands of dollar increases. So overall [they are] thinking about what kind of choices am I going to make? How am I going to afford to pay for health insurance at $10,000, $20,000, or even $30,000 a year?”

“When I went on Washington Healthplanfinder to get insurance for 2026, I found that the premium for continuing my current plan is now over $1,600 a month. That is an increase of nearly $9,000 for the calendar year – all to continue the same coverage with no increase in my health care needs. As a person living on a fixed retirement income, I do not have that extra money… I have been planning for my retirement for 30 years. I have been responsible with my spending. I waited to retire until I had savings and retirement income that allowed me to be self-sufficient and also pay for some modest recreation, travel and occasional gestures for my adult children. That’s now gone,” said Lisa Riveland, a resident of King County, Washington. “In the past year, my fixed income has already been stretched by skyrocketing prices for food, housing and basic services. Now the loss of the health care tax credit, and accompanying increased healthcare premium rates, has tipped my carefully planned budget on its head. This is my story. I expect every member of Congress is hearing similar stories. I hope these stories will translate to immediate action in Congress to secure affordable health care.”

A timeline detailing how Senator Murray has been fighting for years to extend the ACA tax credits, and calling on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate, is HERE.

Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below:

“Thank you all for joining me as we keep the spotlight on the MAGA health care hike, and give Republicans one last chance to join us and stop these premiums from skyrocketing across the country.

“I have been raising the alarm about this all year long, and Republicans have been trying to ignore it all year long. Literally, they chose to shut down the government rather than even talk with us about health care.

“Still, just because Republicans don’t want to talk about something, that’s never going to stop me from talking to my constituents about it, and lifting up their stories and concerns loud and clear in the other Washington.

“And I will tell you—I have heard so many heartbreaking stories from so many concerned families when it comes to skyrocketing health care costs. I’ve heard from families across the country who are staring down unthinkable health care hikes. Premiums doubling, tripling, worse. I am talking to people who learned their monthly premium is jumping by hundreds, and in some cases thousands—of dollars a month.

“Americans who are making painful decisions wondering how they can cut down on groceries, gas, and other essentials to cover their rising premiums, or whether they will just roll the dice and go without coverage, even if it means skipping checkups or rationing prescriptions.

“Later on this call, Lisa from Washington state is going to share her story and talk about the health care price hike she’s facing next year because of this Republican inaction.

“These stories are so important to drive home the reality for Republicans who keep trying to bury their heads in the sand. This is not some talking point. It is not some thought exercise. The MAGA health care hike is a reality that millions of families are facing in this county right now.

“And unless we take action—decisive, quick action this week—to stop it, higher premium costs for millions of American families will be getting locked in for good.

“So, time is of the absolute essence right now. The fact of the matter is, this should have been happening months ago. We should not be having this conversation in the middle of December. If Republicans wanted to make reforms to the tax credits, the time for that was before open enrollment.

“But right now, the only thing we have time for is a clean extension of the tax credits—which is exactly what Democrats will be forcing a vote on this week.

“We need to stop the health care hike right now, and we need to save health care for the tens of millions of American families who are counting on us. We are way past the deadline—we are in overtime.

“Republicans need to understand that it’s literally now or never for stopping these premium hikes families are facing next year. And by refusing a clean extension and running out the clock, Republicans are choosing: the never.

“But I’m not going to stop pushing. I am not going to stop sharing families’ stories, and keeping up the pressure. So long as there is even a chance we can stop premiums from skyrocketing, and save millions of patients from getting priced out of their health coverage. I am going to push with everything I’ve got to make sure we get it done.

“And if Republicans refuse to do the right thing, the obvious thing, the thing their own constituents are begging us to do, if they refuse to stop this MAGA health care hike, well, our fight doesn’t end at the end of this year.

“I am going to continue sharing these stories. I am going to continue holding Republicans accountable. And more importantly, the American people are going to hold Republicans accountable too—with their voices and their votes.

“And listen, looking past this fight to save the ACA tax credits, which is so crucial, we still need universal health care in America. We have needed that for a very long time. It’s always what I’ve fought for. So I am going to keep pushing for reforms that make high-quality health care—that’s actually affordable—a reality for every American.

“And now, I’ll turn it over to Ingrid, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to share some remarks.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-senate-democrats-condemn-neo-nazi-hate-in-the-face-of-rising-antisemitism-and-mainstreaming-of-white-supremacists/,"Murray, Senate Democrats Condemn Neo-Nazi Hate in the Face of Rising Antisemitism and Mainstreaming of White Supremacists",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to introduce a resolution—co-sponsored by every Senate Democrat—that strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes and condemns Tucker Carlson’s platforming of Fuentes. The resolution, “Condemning white supremacy, hate, and antisemitism, and efforts to give a platform to these dangerous ideologies” condemns Nazism and white supremacy in all its forms and urges all elected officials to condemn them as well.

The text of the resolution lays out numerous examples of Nick Fuentes’ dangerous white supremacist ideology, noting that he is a Holocaust denier and supporter of Hitler who has expressed support for killing Jews and repeatedly peddled the dangerous “Great Replacement Theory” that claims that Jews are orchestrating the replacement of native white Europeans from their countries by non-white immigrants. The resolution also notes that, during Tucker Carlson’s lengthy interview with Fuentes on October 27, 2025, Fuentes perpetuated antisemitic conspiracy theories and Carlson did not push back on or reject the claims made by Fuentes during the interview, at times even validating his framing.

Senate Democrats’ resolution concludes: “Resolved, That the Senate—(1) strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes; (2) condemns the effort by Tucker Carlson to platform and mainstream Fuentes; (3) condemns Nazism, honors the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives to defeat the Nazis, and affirms that Nazi Germany and its collaborators murdered 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust; (4) unequivocally condemns antisemitism and white supremacy whenever and wherever they occur; and (5) urges all elected officials, thought leaders, and community leaders to reject and condemn white supremacy and antisemitism whenever and wherever they occur.”

The full list of endorsing organizations includes: Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), Jewish Women International (JWI), National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, and The Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-and-valadao-introduce-bipartisan-charge-act-strengthen-energy-resilience,Smith and Valadao Introduce Bipartisan CHARGE Act to Strengthen Energy Resilience at Community Health Centers,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and David Valadao (R-Calif) introduced the Community Health Access Through Resilient Grid Energy (CHARGE) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a new grant program at the Department of Energy to help Federally Qualified Health Centers install solar energy systems and battery storage technologies. These upgrades will ensure that community health centers can maintain operations during grid disruptions, extreme weather events, and other emergencies.

“Community health centers are the backbone of care in underserved communities. Too many face dangerous gaps in power reliability during extreme weather or emergency situations,” said Smith. “The CHARGE Act is a smart and forward-looking investment that will help centers stay open, protect patients, and strengthen energy resilience across the country.”

“Federally Qualified Health Centers are a lifeline for families across the Central Valley, and we need to make sure they can stay open—even when emergencies happen,” said Valadao. “The CHARGE Act creates a new grant program to help FQHCs install reliable energy storage systems so they can keep serving patients without interruption. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Smith on this bipartisan effort to strengthen local healthcare and lower energy costs.”

Endorsements:

TThe bill is endorsed by the National Association of Community Health Centers, Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), Solar United Neighbors, the Washington Association for Community Health, and HealthPoint.

Original cosponsors include Representatives Ed Case, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and James Moylan.

""Electricity powers every step of health care. When Community Health Centers lose power, diabetic patients miss visits, pregnant women miss prenatal care, children forgo vaccinations, and patients needing behavioral health services miss therapy. After Hurricane Helene alone, power outages caused more than 10,000 patient appointment cancellations in one state alone. The bipartisan CHARGE Act, led by US Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and David Valadao (R-CA) will help health centers deploy solar energy and battery storage systems so they can continue serving as lifelines for their communities during disasters.”

– Ben Money, SVP of Population Health at National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

“When natural disasters and other grid-straining emergencies hit, solar and energy storage are critical to providing reliable power to those that need it most. We applaud Congressmen Smith and Valadao for championing this legislation which will enhance access to solar and storage for the Federally Qualified Community Health Centers working every day to provide essential care to communities across America.”

– Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

“Community health centers are an essential part of the healthcare delivery system in rural and underserved regions across the country—especially here in the Central Valley. Central Valley Health Network applauds the leadership of Congressman Valadao and Smith in introducing the CHARGE Act of 2025, which will invest in improving healthcare in our communities while promoting renewable energy solutions.”

– Jason Vega, Chief Executive Officer, Central Valley Health Network

“Ensuring clean, reliable, and safe energy technologies is not only smart policy. It is a direct investment in community health and in the well-being of the diverse communities we serve.”

– HealthPoint

“We appreciate Representative Smith’s work with community health centers to develop this program that advances clean energy goals, helps reduce long-term energy costs, and supports local renewable energy jobs.”

– Washington Association for Community Health

Background:

FQHCs provide primary and preventive care to more than 34 million Americans each year, often in communities that are most vulnerable to outages and disasters. Many centers lack the reliable and affordable backup power systems needed to keep their doors open when power fails. The CHARGE Act offers a targeted and fiscally responsible solution that improves energy resilience, reduces long-term operating costs, and supports local clean energy jobs.

Under the bill, the Department of Energy, through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, would award competitive grants to FQHCs, state and local governments, nonprofits, and qualifying provider networks. Funds may be used for solar installation, battery storage deployment, and technical assistance programs. The bill authorizes 50 million dollars annually from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2030 for these purposes.

The CHARGE Act:

Creates a new Department of Energy grant program to help FQHCs deploy solar energy systems and energy storage technologies.

Authorizes 50 million dollars annually from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2030 for installation projects and technical assistance.

Allows participation from FQHCs, state and local governments, nonprofits, and majority FQHC controlled provider networks.

Supports technical assistance to ensure that systems are effectively designed, installed, and operated for long-term resilience.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/05/jayapal-demands-answers-on-canceled-consumer-protection-actions/,Jayapal Demands Answers on Canceled Consumer Protection Actions,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is demanding answers from Russ Vought, the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), regarding the Bureau’s ongoing push to drop pending enforcement actions involving billions of dollars in harm to American consumers.

“When a corporation breaks the law, it is the federal government’s responsibility to hold them accountable, penalize their wrongdoing, and get relief for the people who were harmed,” wrote Jayapal. “Unfortunately, since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the CFPB has not only shut down all investigations into potential law-breaking, it has also been quietly dismissing or rolling back settled enforcement cases. This abdication of legal responsibility rigs the system in favor of the elite, allowing major corporations to get away with ripping off consumers and harming local communities.”

Since its establishment in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB has held financial institutions accountable and returned over $21 billion to American consumers who have been scammed by illegal corporate actions. However, as of October 15, 2025, the CFPB has permanently dismissed 22 public enforcement actions that were pending when President Trump took office. The Trump Administration has also terminated or modified at least 20 settled actions where lawbreaking corporations had already agreed to compensate victims, pay fines, and cease illegal conduct.

The full text of Jayapal’s letter, which outlines each of the dismissed cases, can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/05/jayapal-hosts-shadow-hearing-on-trumps-detention-abuses/,Jayapal Hosts Shadow Hearing on Trump’s Detention Abuses,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Full video of the hearing can be found HERE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, hosted a shadow hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Detention Abuses. Twenty-five Members of Congress attended this hearing.

“Today, according to ICE’s own statistics, 73 percent of people held in ICE detention have no criminal conviction and the vast majority of the remaining 27 percent have minor convictions such as traffic violations. ICE has been arresting people at courthouses when they’re trying to follow the legal process. They are profiling immigrants around the country, picking people up for the language they speak or the street corner they hang out on,” said Jayapal. “So immigration detention centers are full of mothers and fathers and beloved community members while those who pose a threat are free. Amidst this surge in detention, conditions have gone from bad to worse with terrible overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, long waits to get medical help if received at all, and inedible food, described by some as ‘dripping with blood.’ Multiple pregnant women have been shackled and even suffered miscarriages due to their mistreatment in detention. And since Trump took office, in just 10 months, there have been 23 in-custody deaths – a shocking number and more than any year since 2005. As Republicans refuse to conduct oversight, I will continue to hold these hearings to ensure that.”

This hearing featured witness testimony from Sarah Owings, an attorney representing multiple formerly detained and currently detained immigrants, including 54 Korean workers from the Hyundai plant that was raided in September, Mildred Pierre, the wife of Rodney Taylor, who is currently being held at the Stewart Detention Center, Laura St. John, the Legal Director of the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, and Kate Voigt, a Senior Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

“Overcrowding worsens already poor detention conditions, especially in remote private prisons that lack sufficient medical staff and equipment to address the complex health needs of detainees who have chronic conditions and who are being denied release in nearly all circumstances,” said Sarah Owings. “The government’s continued investment in expanding detention infrastructure does not address these underlying issues; instead, it allows them to become even more widespread.”

“The world needs to know what is happening to people like Rodney including solitary confinement, no access to water, limited to no medical attention, and deplorable conditions at Stewart Detention Center,” said Mildred Pierre, Rodney Taylor’s wife and advocate who has been right by his side through all of his detainment testified the horrific conditions Rodney has endured as a double amputee in detainment. “Rodney’s health has been impacted as a result of limited medical attention for his prosthetics that requires charging daily.”

“The Trump administration is creating hopelessness by design,” said Laura St. John, Legal Director at the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. “We’ve seen people unjustly kept in detention for months or years while this administration makes repeated attempts to remove them to third countries. Additionally, an abrupt change of law around bond eligibility has functionally eliminated release options for most people. This remains true despite numerous federal courts holding that the Agency’s new interpretation is contrary to law. Thousands of people now face months, if not years, in detention if they fight their case without any review by a judge to determine whether their detention is fair, just, or necessary. At the same time, conditions in detention centers are rapidly worsening. We thank Ranking Member Jayapal and the Members in attendance for their commitment to shining a light on how this administration is treating people in immigration detention.”

“ICE is turbocharging $45 billion in taxpayer dollars to rapidly expand ICE detention capacity across the country,” said Kate Voigt, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. “Without the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties – and other oversight agencies that were also eliminated in March – there is no effective internal oversight mechanism while immigration detention is exploding in scale. The ACLU thanks Ranking Member Jayapal for her commitment to conducting oversight of the abuses happening in detention facilities across the country, and we encourage all Members of Congress to hold ICE accountable for its egregious actions.”

This was the fifth shadow hearing in this series, each of which has focused on a different aspect of immigration oversight. The others have focused on Trump’s assault on Chicago, families that have been torn apart, unlawful third country deportations, and efforts to undermine due process.

Jayapal was joined at this hearing by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Val Hoyle (OR-05), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Mark Takano (CA-39), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-randall-ruiz-lead-18-dem-colleagues-letter-hhs-secretary-kennedy-address,"Reps. Randall, Ruiz lead 18 Dem Colleagues In Letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy to Address Gaps in Tribal Health Grant Funding",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. House Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Raul Ruiz (D, CA-25), led 18 Democratic colleagues in a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy raising concerns about recent changes to federal grant eligibility that could undermine health care services in Native communities.

“Despite the high percentage of [American Indian and Alaska Native] people in urban areas, the urban Indian health line-item makes up only about 1 percent of the [Indian Health Service] (IHS) budget and for some [Urban Indian Organizations] (UIOs), IHS funding covers less than half of their budget,” the members wrote in the letter. “Because of this, UIOs rely heavily on other federal grants from multiple HHS agencies to carry out their functions. Cuts or changes to these grants will disproportionately impact UIOs ability to carry out their mission and serve their patients.""

The lawmakers warn that updated guidance limits eligibility to “Tribes” and “Tribal organizations,” excluding Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) from applying. This shift threatens critical funding streams that support high-quality, culturally grounded health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people — including the approximately 87% who live in urban areas.

""As a result of HHS’s restricting, we are concerned that UIOs are now at risk of losing eligibility for funding streams that were previously available to the entire [Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Services, and Urban Indian Health Programs] (I/T/U) system because the language used in some grant eligibility criteria only mentions “tribes and tribal organizations” as eligible entities,” the members continued. “We believe this is an unintentional oversight caused by the mistaken belief that UIOs are considered Tribal Organizations, which they are not. UIOs are non-profit, IHS contracted agencies—a key component in the I/T/U system and exist as an extension of treaty rights to provide direct health services to citizens of federally recognized Tribes.""

In addition to Reps. Randall and Ruiz, the letter was signed by Reps. Ansari (D, AZ-03), Timothy M. Kennedy (D, NY-26), Soto (D, FL-09), Stanton (D, AZ-04), Grijalva (D, AZ-07), Stansbury (D, NM-01), Jayapal (D, WA-07), Case (D, HI-01), Salinas (D, OR-06), Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12), Brownley (D, CA-26), Lofgren (D, CA-18), Stevens (D, MI-11), Huffman (D, CA-02), Robin Kelly (D, IL-02), Hoyle (D, OR-04), Dexter (D, OR-03), Leger Fernandez (D, NM-03).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kim-schrier-md-wa-08-blasts-dangerous-acip-decision-stop,"Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Blasts Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), the first pediatrician elected to Congress, released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

""As expected and feared, RFK Jr.’s anti-vaxxer stacked Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) just ended the standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B, a terrible disease that infants can be exposed to at birth and from contact with people who unknowingly have hepatitis B. The ramifications of today’s decision – made without any indication that a newborn dose is unsafe – will be horrific. Ninety percent of those infected as newborns will go on to have chronic hepatitis B, and many of them will die prematurely from liver disease or liver cancer.

""This is entirely preventable. We have already tried only immunizing people thought to be ‘at risk’, but did not see near elimination of new cases until universal vaccination at birth. Today's decision will cause our nation's children to get infected and die needlessly. I will do all I can to fight against this decision. Parents, please trust your pediatrician, not RFK, Jr.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-doctors-caucus-condemns-dangerous-acip-decision-stop-recommending,Democratic Doctors Caucus Condemns Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Democratic Doctors Caucus released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

“The Democratic Doctors Caucus unequivocally condemns the decision to end the decades-long standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B. Today’s decision—made without any scientific justification that a newborn dose is unsafe—will lead to more disease, more cancer, more preventable deaths, and will further increase the cost of health care in our nation. We call on Acting CDC Director O’Neill to reject this recommendation. The Democratic Doctors Caucus will keep up our fight against this administration’s continued attacks like this on basic science and do all we can to protect the health and well-being of the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-condemns-egregious-use-of-force-by-ice-as-constituent-is-mauled-by-attack-dog-demands-release-from-nwipc-to-receive-appropriate-medical-care/,"Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"***(WARNING: Graphic Content) Photos of Wilmer’s injuries, photos of Wilmer and his children, and partial video of his detainment are available to the press HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement condemning the violent and unwarranted assault of her constituent, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, and calling for his immediate release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC).

“On November 14, 2025, my constituent Wilmer was mauled by an ICE attack dog even though he has consistently explained that he was not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. His wife and two of his young children, ages two and three, all U.S. citizens, were forced to watch helplessly as he was violently attacked and dragged away. For hours afterward, he was denied even basic medical care following this unprovoked assault. The photos documenting his injuries are horrific. This should shock the conscience of every one of us. I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity and face no consequences.

“While Donald Trump’s entire mass deportation agenda has been nothing short of depraved, this is especially sickening. By now, everyone should realize, Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst—he is terrorizing everyone, including U.S. citizens and their loved ones.

“I am calling for Wilmer’s immediate release from NWIPC—he has no criminal convictions, he poses no threat to the community, and he urgently needs appropriate medical care since ICE is denying him the treatment he requires. I am grateful for Wilmer’s willingness to let me share his story—there’s no telling how many similar stories are not being told for fear of retaliation. Every one of us must demand justice and accountability and every one of us must speak out against these kinds of human rights abuses.”

According to his attorney, Wilmer was violently detained by ICE and mauled by an attack dog despite not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. An ICE agent lured Wilmer out of his home under false pretenses, posing as a construction worker who claimed to have hit Wilmer’s car and needed him to step outside to verify. Another agent, accompanied by a dog, was hiding nearby and released the dog on Wilmer shortly after he stepped outside. Following the attack, Wilmer was left shaking and dizzy, and at one point his vision went black, yet he was denied medical care for hours. He was eventually taken to a hospital, where he received stitches for his injuries. He was prescribed antibiotics and additional medication, but the antibiotics were not provided immediately, and the other medication was never provided. Throughout his detention, Wilmer has repeatedly reported that obtaining adequate medical care has been extremely difficult. Wilmer, who is currently undocumented, was brought to the United States at the age of 15. Wilmer is married to a U.S. citizen and is the father of three U.S. born children, ages two, three, and seven, and this brutality has devastated the entire family.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-rfk-jr-s-hand-picked-anti-vax-panel-has-destroyed-any-shred-of-credibility-with-dangerous-removal-of-universal-hep-b-vaccine-recommendation/,Senator Murray: RFK Jr.’s Hand-Picked Anti-Vax Panel has “Destroyed Any Shred of Credibility” with Dangerous Removal of Universal Hep B Vaccine Recommendation,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"CDC vaccine advisory panel ends universal recommendation of Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, unless mother’s status is positive or unknown

One in four children with chronic Hepatitis B will later die from liver disease

Murray: “RFK Jr. should never have been confirmed, and until he does the only responsible thing and resigns—we should be working aggressively to push back against his parade of nonsense that is putting families in danger.”

ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Planned Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine at Upcoming ACIP Meeting

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement after vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to end the recommendation of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B at birth, without any new evidence prompting the change. Senator Murray has been a sharp critic of Secretary Kennedy, even before his confirmation—and has repeatedly called for him to be fired. This vaccine recommendation change comes despite robust evidence that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective, and has reduced infant hepatitis B infections by 99 percent since the U.S. first began recommending the first dose at-birth in 1991.

“RFK Jr.’s hand-picked anti-vax panel has removed any doubt about their obvious bias, and destroyed any shred of credibility for their decision-making process. In their singled-minded march to end the long established Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation that has saved countless lives, they discarded decades of established science, misrepresented medical studies, and ignored all critics. CDC should reject this dangerous suggestion that will simply mean more babies die in the United States.

“The painful truth is, much like Hepatitis B infections, this outcome was completely avoidable to anyone willing to look seriously at the facts. RFK Jr. has spent decades crusading against vaccines, and it has been clear from the start that he would use all the power available to him as Health Secretary to continue this dangerous campaign. In this case, a mere recommendation—not a mandate—that parents get newborns a lifesaving vaccine, was too much for RFK Jr. and his anti-vax cronies to stomach.

“The hard truth is that right now our Secretary of Health is one of our nation’s biggest health threats and largest sources of health disinformation, and we must demand accountability. RFK Jr. should never have been confirmed, and until he does the only responsible thing and resigns—we should be working aggressively to push back against his parade of nonsense that is putting families in danger, and that should start with a long-overdue hearing before the HELP Committee.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend routine Hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns: All babies should receive a first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a second dose at one to two months, and a third dose at six months. The pacing of these doses has been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective over several decades.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4228,DelBene Announces WA-01 Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced AnemoDx, coded by Isabella Li, Hiya Pandey, and Anya Mehta from Redmond High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge from Washington’s 1st Congressional District.

AnemoDx is an app that serves as a non-invasive, early warning system for people with anemia by helping users estimate their hemoglobin levels and alert them if they are too high or too low. It encourages users to seek out medical attention when necessary, making it especially useful to those who are prone to anemia and people in underprivileged or rural areas who may have limited access to regular blood tests or healthcare facilities. A demo of AnemoDx can be found here.

The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges from our local technology community.

The panel also awarded second place to BillBrain, created by Abhinav Bandaru, Vishvath Vinesh, Lohith Thimmichetty, and Ghirish Senthil Kumar from Lake Stevens High School, and third place to SwiftPermit, created by Arron Randhawa, Rohan Chilikuri, and Ishwin Baweja from Lake Washington High School.

AnemoDx will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-randall-slams-speaker-johnson-over-inaction-solve-republican-created,Rep. Randall Slams Speaker Johnson Over Inaction to Solve Republican-Created Health Care Crisis,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Emily Randall,R000621,randall.house.gov,randall,https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) spoke on the House floor to raise the alarm on the Republican-created health care crisis. At the end of the month, the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will officially expire, leaving 24 million Americans who currently purchase health care on the exchange to face skyrocketing monthly premiums.

A full transcript of Rep. Randall’s remarks are below, video HERE:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I come to the floor today to raise the alarm on the Republican health care crisis. Speaker Johnson shut the government down for 43 days and kept the House out of session, effectively running out the clock to find solutions to address the health care affordability crisis created by my Republican colleagues. And now we have just 11 session days left before recessing for the holidays.

“And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have offered zero solutions. At the end of the month, the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium tax credits will officially expire, leaving 24 million Americans who currently purchase health care on the exchange in an unimaginable position.

“While Mike Johnson may be sleeping soundly and enjoying the holidays with his family, millions of Americans will be up at night worrying about how they are going to pay for health insurance -- on top of the affordability crisis the Trump administration created with reckless policies.

“My family knows what this feels like. My sister Olivia was born with microcephaly, which means her brain was small and the doctors didn't know why. And even with insurance provided by my dad's civilian job at the Department of Defense, Olivia wouldn't have gotten the care that she needed to live for 19 years as healthy as possible if it weren't for the Washington State Legislature expanding Medicaid the year she was born.

“And my family would have faced dire choices about which bills not to pay in order to meet Olivia's needs if it weren't for Medicaid access. Would we give up heating, groceries, school lunches?

“Neighbors of mine in Washington’s 6th are already sick to their stomachs looking at their monthly costs.

“For example, a couple in Clallam County, ages 60 and 55, with a household income of $85,000, for them -- the least expensive plan available would jump from $127 a month to $1,485 per month. That's a 1,062% increase.

“That same couple in Kitsap County, where I grew up, would go from paying $56 to almost $1,500 a month under the least expensive plan.

“That's an annual insurance bill of $24,000, without even having to go to the doctor for a medical emergency or routine health care.

“I recently heard from a neighbor in Port Townsend who said, “My husband is retiring in a few weeks,” she retired years ago, “so although we currently have a good benefits package through his work, we will be on our own for coverage soon. Only yesterday we learned of the substantial increase through Health Plan Finder. We have now determined that the best way to cover our upcoming health care costs will be for me to take my Social Security early.”

“She says, ‘It's upsetting to me that my Social Security will not be used for other living expenses -- or be as much per month as it would have if I could hold off on taking it for a few more years.’

“She's worried in her last line about not being able to use her Social Security for other living expenses, because she's going to have to use all of it for health care coverage.

“Under this administration, costs are up across the board. Groceries are more expensive. Housing is more expensive. Childcare is more expensive. Gas prices are soaring. Today, the average price for a gallon of gas in Washington state is over $4, one of the highest in the nation.

“Health care costs are only one aspect of why millions of Americans are needlessly suffering under this administration. We don't have to keep living like this.

“It's time for my colleagues to get serious about solving the ACA tax credits -- as serious as they were about extending tax breaks for billionaires in July -- and get back to delivering on their promise to lower costs for Americans, which Trump promised to do on day one of his administration.

“Mr. Speaker, I yield back.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-sanders-schumer-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education-call-on-mcmahon-to-reverse-illegal-moves-that-weaken-support-for-students/,"Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, Schumer, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education; Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Moves That Weaken Support for Students",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department of Education’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on—and calling on her to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education.

In addition to Senators Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

“The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” write the Senators. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding—will undermine public education.”

“Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families,” the Senators add. “We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students.”

In the letter, the Senators make clear that, as McMahon has previously acknowledged, dismantling the Department would require an act of Congress, which has not been proposed—or even seriously pursued—by the administration: “We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing. … Congress has unambiguously authorized dozens of education programs to be administered by the Department through numerous laws and has clearly appropriated funding on a bipartisan basis for decades to the Department to carry out those programs. Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case.”

The lawmakers detail how the myriad departmental responsibilities McMahon is now seeking to spin off to other agencies that lack the expertise, capacity, and legal mandate to successfully administer key programs will risk support, funding, and oversight that our laws provide to students and families across America. They note, in particular, that: “Unfortunately, we have already seen negative consequences for states, schools, colleges, and students as these IAAs roll out: the first IAA inked earlier this year between the Department and DOL on career and technical education and adult education has been plagued with serious challenges—and it is but a small fraction of what is now being transferred to DOL.”

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary McMahon:

The actions you announced on November 18 to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education (“the Department”) are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on. Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more than half of all federal funds for elementary and secondary education programs and billions in higher education funding—will undermine public education. This is the latest example of this administration’s complete lack of regard for our laws and its failure to provide the certainty, clarity, and stability that students and schools deserve when it comes to the federal government’s approach and commitment to properly implementing federal education laws and appropriations.

Let’s be very clear: You are choosing to create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families. We urge you to immediately reverse course and to focus your time and attention on actions that actually help states, school districts and educational institutions improve educational outcomes and support for students. We expect you to work with Congress to pursue any ideas to streamline programs and improve public education, as the law and the Constitution require, and you have yourself stated you would do in your confirmation hearing.

The Department of Education is the only federal agency whose sole mission is to help children learn and improve their educational outcomes. The Department delivers much-needed federal funding and enforces basic educational guardrails and civil rights protections so that every child can get the quality public education that they are entitled to under the law, no matter who they are or where they live. Congress has unambiguously authorized dozens of education programs to be administered by the Department through numerous laws and has clearly appropriated funding on a bipartisan basis for decades to the Department to carry out those programs. Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case. When Congress wants another agency to administer a program or function, it has expressly said so—and in some cases, it has provided authority to transfer funds to allow this to happen. By contrast, Congress has not expressly authorized any other agency to administer the programs established under the previously mentioned laws, nor has it provided the authority for the Department to transfer these programs and associated funding to another agency.

The November 18 announcement outlines six interagency agreements (IAAs) with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to transfer major responsibilities out of the Department of Education. The authorities cited in the IAAs do not enable the Department to do an end-run around the relevant authorizing and appropriating statutes. For example, the Department cites the Economy Act to justify its use of the IAA framework. While the Economy Act is routinely used by other federal agencies to enter into IAAs for the procurement of discrete goods and services that a particular agency might have expertise in and authority to provide, such as DOJ’s fingerprinting authority, this authority was never contemplated to allow the transfer of major program functions or entire offices to another agency with the express stated purpose of eventually dismantling the agency or putting the Secretary “out of a job.” Federal resources outlining the purpose of the Economy Act make this clear. This view is further affirmed by the Department’s inability to cite a single instance of using this statute or any others in a similar way prior to this year.

You have expressed your interest in working with Congress on these issues, but these IAAs were developed in secret without outside input. The fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department makes no reference to administering these programs at other agencies and the fiscal year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), for example, makes no reference to administering them either. The Secretaries of Labor, Interior, State, and HHS have similarly never testified to Congress on how they would carry out and administer these critical education programs.

Since you were nominated to lead the Department, you have routinely misled the public about the level of involvement the Department has long had in the day-to-day management of schools—inaccurately suggesting that the Department was depriving states and families from making choices about their children’s education, shackling teachers with burdensome regulations and paperwork and causing K-12 and college students to experience “drudgery caused by administrative burdens.” On the basis of these false assertions, you have strangely claimed that we need to “Return Education to the States.” In fact, states and local communities have—since the founding of our republic—had the primary responsibility for educating our students and the establishment of the Department in 1979 did nothing to change that fact. In fact, there are numerous federal laws that prevent the Department from being involved in the day-to-day decision making in schools and colleges as it relates to curriculum, teaching, and programs.

Until your arrival at the Department, its role has been to provide funding, support, and oversight as authorized by federal education laws to ensure students from all walks of life and in every part of the country can get a high-quality public education. The Department’s programs ensure that parents get timely, accessible information about how their kids’ schools are doing. They ensure students with disabilities’ rights are enforced, so that they can get the education they are entitled to. The Department administers programs to help under-resourced rural school districts and allocates Impact Aid for more than 1,000 school districts with a reduced revenue base or increased costs due to a federal presence, such as a military base. It also administers programs to help first-generation and low-income students pursue and succeed in college. These are just a select few examples of the indispensable supporting role that the federal government—and the Department, in particular—plays in advancing educational outcomes for students.

To justify these new IAA’s, you say federal funding will keep flowing to states, school districts, and colleges. But we have already seen funding held up and seriously delayed because of this administration’s chaotic changes—and its extreme policies—and the moves you announced last week are certain to further jeopardize these funds.

You claim these actions will improve student achievement, yet your actions will significantly weaken federal monitoring of states’ K-12 accountability and school improvement systems. Before Congress mandated that states develop these systems with key guardrails in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, several states had weak or no school improvement systems, which allowed vulnerable students to slip through the cracks. As part of ESEA and subsequent appropriations directives, Congress has charged OESE with improving state compliance in state and local school report cards requirements, school improvement, and more. But without the staff expertise from OESE, it is likely that DOL will be ineffective in holding states accountable for improving student outcomes.

The Department also provides deep policy expertise to ensure programs support improved student outcomes, such as through expert guidance to colleges and universities to improve college access, retention, and completion through programs like TRIO, GEAR UP, the Postsecondary Student Success Grant Program, and others. Now, DOL, who lacks the necessary expertise, is tasked with managing these programs and students will suffer as a result.

DOL has no prior experience in administering education programs at this scale and complexity and will need to develop the capacity and processes to allot billions of dollars in funding to state and local educational agencies. States will also have to make changes to receive any funds distributed through DOL’s grant system while continuing to draw down prior year grant funding in the Department’s system. Your IAA also seems to suggest the Department will still retain some authorities over Title I-A, which means that states will now have to work with two federal agencies when they need help navigating this complex and absolutely critical program. These changes solve exactly zero problems but manage to create an onslaught of new ones. We are very concerned that these changes will mean funds our constituents rely on will not continue to flow as intended under federal education laws.

In addition to its scope and complexity, the Title I-A program primarily funds instruction and activities in elementary schools. We do not believe kindergartners or other elementary school students should be the focus of efforts to integrate workforce programming and education activities, activities that are better suited to older students. Instead of improving students’ readiness for the workforce, the move of Title I-A to DOL is much more likely to deprive states and school districts of the technical assistance and support they need to effectively implement federal education funding in their schools and provide high-quality educational opportunities to all students.

DOL already has a comprehensive workload to support the nation’s workers and workforce programs. It is authorized and funded to administer workforce training and enforce worker protection programs for which Congress appropriates $13.5 billion in discretionary funding annually, including for roughly a dozen workforce training grant programs totaling approximately $4 billion in annual funding. In addition to lacking the subject area expertise needed to administer the Department’s programs, DOL does not have the grant administration capacity to take on the work outlined in the IAA; the approximately $30 billion in the Department’s funding across approximately 50 discrete formula and competitive education grant programs that you seek to transfer now to DOL dwarf its current grant administration and oversight work. Transferring basic and significant responsibilities for administering education programs to DOL creates very significant risks of delays in funding and other administrative challenges for states, school districts, institutions of higher education, and other organizations through Impact Aid, rural education programs, afterschool programs, TRIO, and foundational education formula grant programs that tens of thousands of schools count on to help provide a quality education to millions of students.

Unfortunately, we have already seen negative consequences for states, schools, colleges, and students as these IAAs roll out: the first IAA inked earlier this year between the Department and DOL on career and technical education and adult education has been plagued with serious challenges—and it is but a small fraction of what is now being transferred to DOL. In fact, as your own staff reportedly concluded in its analysis after this transfer, “The size and scope of OCTAE’s programs are miniscule [sic] compared to other [Education Principal Operating Components] and programs…Larger formula grants and competitive grants are going to be much more difficult to migrate.” States and districts faced delays in accessing their Perkins CTE funding, and advocates report delays in guidance and training issued by DOL. Moreover, a CTE expert recently testified before the House of Representatives, “At a time of scarce resources, it’s hard to understand why the Department is paying Labor to do work that it can do for itself.” The fiscal year 2025 funding level for Perkins CTE and adult education was $2.18 billion, whereas the other programs DOL will now be responsible for are funded at roughly $30 billion. If the administrative costs balloon under these new IAAs as the administrative costs under the CTE IAA have, not only will these IAAs be terrible for students, their families, and educators, they will also be a catastrophic waste of time and money for the American taxpayer.

The Department has provided no substantive detail or even basic information about how the significant changes envisioned by these IAAs would be implemented. The other federal agencies that will suddenly have significant responsibilities in administering billions in education funding—have provided no information about their roles or their capacity to carry out these programs and activities. The plan seems clear—to jam these changes through for a talking point, whatever the consequences may be for states, school districts, schools, students, and families.

We once again demand that you reverse these detrimental plans and refocus your efforts on supporting state and local efforts by properly implementing federal laws intended to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students, especially those who count on the Department doing its job most.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-speaker-johnson-working-to-strip-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-from-ndaa-betraying-trump-promise-to-increase-access-to-ivf/,"Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"The NDAA provision is based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce in April; Murray has worked for decades to make IVF more accessible for veterans and servicemembers, leads legislation to help veterans grow their families

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to reporting in MS NOW that House Speaker Mike Johnson is working behind the scenes to strip a provision—based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce earlier this year— that would mandate TRICARE health care coverage for fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for all active-duty servicemembers.

“Right now, servicemembers who risk their lives for our country can’t get the same IVF coverage that’s available to other federal employees—that’s plain wrong, and it’s outrageous that once again, Speaker Johnson and his anti-abortion allies are standing in the way of a simple legislative fix. Members of the military face a higher rate of infertility often because of their service to our country, but Republicans want to deny these servicemembers the ability to grow their families.

“Speaker Johnson is among the most extreme anti-abortion radicals in Congress who believes embryos should have the same rights as living, breathing human beings—it’s disgraceful but not surprising that he is working behind the scenes to force servicemembers to suffer through infertility rather than grow their families through IVF.

“I’ll keep pushing to protect every servicemember’s right to IVF—and Donald Trump, who purports to support IVF, should join with Democrats to protect this provision.”

In April, Senator Murray joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in introducing the IVF for Military Families Act, new bicameral legislation that would require TRICARE—which provides health coverage to active duty military servicemembers, retirees, and their families—to cover fertility services, including IVF, for servicemembers and their families. The Senate-passed NDAA included a provision that mirrors the IVF for Military Families Act—Speaker Johnson is reportedly working to remove that provision from the final NDAA legislation.

As the daughter of a disabled World War II veteran, Senator Murray knows firsthand the sacrifice that military service demands and has been fighting for over a decade to expand access to IVF care and other fertility services for veterans and servicemembers, and to protect servicemembers’ and veterans’ access to the reproductive care they deserve. She has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to address the challenges veterans face when starting a family after their service, and in 2012, Senator Murray secured Senate passage of a provision to end the ban on IVF services at VA.

Senator Murray has helped lead the charge in the Senate to protect IVF from Republican attacks for the millions of Americans—including servicemembers and veterans—who rely on it to grow their families. Last Congress, Murray introduced the Right to IVF Act in the Senate—which would establish a nationwide right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) and lower the costs of IVF treatment for middle-class families, and includes the Veteran Families Health Services Act. Despite many Republicans publicly claiming to support IVF, nearly every Senate Republican voted against the Right to IVF Act on two separate occasions last year. Overall, Republicans blocked legislation that would protect IVF nationwide three separate times last year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-following-briefing-on-lethal-second-strike-of-boat-in-the-caribbean/,Senator Murray Statement Following Briefing on Lethal Second Strike of Boat in the Caribbean,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement following a bipartisan briefing on the Trump administration’s follow-up strike of a boat it attacked in the Caribbean on September 2, which killed all remaining survivors.

“I’m glad there is finally some bipartisan oversight of actions taken by this administration. That must continue.

“What we heard today was truly disturbing, and more accountability and answers must be provided—not only on this second strike, but on the Trump administration’s broader unauthorized military campaign in the Caribbean. Full, unedited video of the second strike must be made public by the Department of Defense as soon as possible.

“What’s also clear to me is that Pete Hegseth should be fired. Between overseeing this campaign in the Caribbean, risking U.S. servicemembers’ lives by sharing war plans on Signal, and so much else, it could not be more obvious that Secretary Hegseth is unfit for the role, and it is past time for him to go.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-jayapal-introduce-legislation-end-inhumane-immigration-detention,"Smith, Jayapal Introduce Legislation to End Inhumane Immigration Detention Conditions",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Adam Smith (WA-09) are today introducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to enact guardrails and oversight on immigration detention, and to ensure civil and human rights are protected.

""We are witnessing appalling conditions for immigration detention and a clear disregard for basic human rights,"" said Smith. ""No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that profit off of human suffering. This legislation establishes the oversight and guardrails needed to end these abuses and ensure that people are treated with dignity.""

“Under the Trump Administration, we have seen a shocking surge in the detention of people who have committed no crimes being locked up in increasingly horrifying conditions,” said Jayapal. “People are being held in squalor, largely in private, for-profit detention facilities, all to pad the bottom lines of prison corporations that donate to Donald Trump and Republicans. As Trump has struck down legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades, this will only continue to get worse. We must pass this legislation to protect dignity and civil rights in America.”

Since President Trump returned to office, the use of immigration detention has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with over 66,000 people detained. During that period of time, 23 people have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Nearly 73 percent of those detained have no criminal convictions, and many of those with convictions have only minor offenses, including traffic violations.

Detained people in these facilities are being held in inhumane living conditions, with reports of overcrowding forcing 35 men to share one toilet and sleep head to toe on concrete floors, of people being served only a cup of rice a day or rotting food, and of people having their medications withheld or being denied necessary medical care. Further, the Trump Administration has restarted the practice of detaining families and children, which has long been criticized as unsafe and inflicting irreversible harm on children.

This is while the Trump Administration has blocked Congressional oversight, despite death reports that do not line up with autopsy reports. In the case of Chaofeng Ge, ICE stated that he died by suicide, while his attorney alleges he was found with his hands and feet tied.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would:

Repeal mandatory detention;

Prohibit the detention of families and children in family detention;

Create a presumption of release and impose a higher burden of proof to detain primary caregivers and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, survivors of torture or gender-based violence, people with serious mental or physical illness or disability, LGBTQ individuals, asylum seekers, and people over age 60;

Phase out the use of private detention facilities and jails over a three-year period;

Require DHS to establish civil detention standards that provide, at minimum, the level of protection in the American Bar Association’s Civil Immigration Detention Standards;

Mandate the DHS Inspector General to conduct unannounced inspections with meaningful penalties for failure to comply with standards; and

Require DHS to admit Members of Congress to detention facilities for unannounced inspections.

“The reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act could not come at a more urgent moment,” said Haddy Gassama, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. “We are witnessing an unprecedented expansion of the immigration detention system, with billions of taxpayer dollars being funneled into the hands of private prison corporations, profiteers who are building and operating abusive detention facilities, while deaths in custody and other egregious abuses reach record levels. These are not abstract policy failures; they are the lived realities of the 66,000 people disappeared into an inhumane system that has long thrived on opacity, minimal oversight, and virtually no accountability.

“The reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act comes at a critical moment, as the harsh realities of immigration detention are no longer hidden but visible in every empty seat once occupied by a loved one sent to detention,” said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, Senior Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center. “Real change will take time, but immigration detention is an urgent threat that demands immediate action. The National Immigration Law Center welcomes the re-introduction of this important bill and urges Congress to act quickly to secure its passage.”

“The National Immigrant Justice Center is grateful for members of Congress fighting for communities increasingly under attack, facing inhumane conditions in a system driven by private contractors profiting off the imprisonment of human beings,” said Jesse Franzblau, Associate Director of Policy, National Immigrant Justice Center. “The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is pivotal legislation that works to end the private incentive to fill up prisons, fund communities and not cages, and combat impunity for the persistent human rights violations that occur everyday in immigration detention. This legislation is a guide for Congress working to dismantle walls and prisons and invest in an immigration system grounded in humanity.”

“Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation agenda has reached a previously unimaginable scope and scale, skyrocketing the number of people in immigration detention,” said Setareh Ghandehari, Advocacy Director of Detention Watch Network. “In more than 200 detention facilities across the country ICE subjects people to medical neglect, overcrowding, horrendous conditions of confinement, and rampant transfers that disappear people into the detention system, sowing confusion and cutting people off from their loved ones and support networks. As the administration aggressively expands the detention system and puts people’s lives in jeopardy at a cost to all Americans, Congress must take immediate and decisive action to intervene. While this bill does not fully end the inhumane and unnecessary system of immigration detention, it takes a bold step forward by ending mandatory detention, ending privatized detention, enacting critical safeguards and reversing the trend of constant, unchecked growth.”

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-At Large), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The legislation is also endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); Detention Watch Network; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; AFL-CIO; African Communities Together; African Human Rights Coalition; AFT; American Friends Service Committee (AFSC); American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA); Amica Center for Immigrant Rights ; Amnesty International USA; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Center for Victims of Torture; Church World Service; Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP); Community Change Action; Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces; Congressional Progressive Caucus; Disability Law United; Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM); Franciscan Action Network; Friends Committee on National Legislation ; Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees; Haitian Bridge Alliance; Human Rights First ; Immigrant Justice Network; Immigrant Legal Resource Center; Immigration Equality Action Fund; Indivisible; Just Detention International ; The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA); LatinoJustice PRLDEF; Make the Road States; Muslim Advocates; National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd; National Immigration Project; National Partnership for New Americans; National Religious Campaign Against Torture; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; People's Action Institute; Refugees International ; Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF); Social Workers for Immigration Justice; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC); Tahirih Justice Center; UndocuBlack Network; UnidosUS; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; United Church of Christ; Vera Institute of Justice; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice; Ayuda; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy (ISLA); JAMAAT - Jews and Muslims Ana Allies Acting Together; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; OneAmerica; Promise Arizona; Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; and Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN).

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4230,DelBene Leads Bipartisan Effort Urging USTR to Hold Canada Accountable for Dairy Trade Violations,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Tony Wied (WI-8), Jim Costa (CA-21) led a bipartisan group of 74 members of the House of Representatives in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging him to hold Canada accountable for failing to meet its dairy commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter calls on the administration to use the upcoming 2026 USMCA review process to address these longstanding concerns.

During USMCA negotiations, Canada agreed to expand market access for U.S. dairy by creating new tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) reserved exclusively for American producers. Instead, Canada has undermined the agreement by allocating most TRQs to Canadian processors, who often have no incentive to import, rather than to retailers, restaurants, or food service providers who have the need and desire for high-quality, lower-cost U.S. dairy products.

Canada has further distorted the market by offloading artificially low-priced nonfat milk solids onto the global marketplace, putting downward pressure on prices for U.S. producers. Despite repeated U.S. challenges, Canada has refused to uphold their commitments, making the 2026 review a critical opportunity to strengthen the deal and protect American dairy producers. The letter also highlights the strong gains made with Mexico under USMCA and stresses the importance of preserving that progress.

“As a bipartisan group, we remain unified in our belief that the upcoming 2026 review of USMCA represents a critical opportunity to deliver to American dairy farmers, producers, and exporters the market access that was originally promised when the agreement entered into force,” wrote the Members. “USMCA raised the bar for what trade agreements could be, yet Canada has still failed to uphold its dairy commitments. This review is the appropriate mechanism to strengthen enforcement, close loopholes, and ensure that the benefits envisioned under the agreement are fully realized.”

The effort is strongly supported by U.S. dairy producers.

“USMCA raised the standard for what a trade agreement could be and promised new opportunities for U.S. dairy farmers,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Unfortunately, the Canadian government has continued to evade its dairy trade obligations, and U.S. dairy farmers are not seeing the full benefits USMCA intended. We commend Representatives Tenney, DelBene, Wied, and Costa for championing this effort and working with the Administration to hold our trading partners accountable.”

“USMCA is the most important free trade agreement for the U.S. dairy industry, and it must be renewed, said Michael Dykes, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “But ongoing trade concerns with Canada and Mexico must also be rectified as the renewal is being considered. Collaboration between Congress and the Administration is critical to maintain the agreement’s meaningful progress and finally deliver the market access promised to U.S. dairy exporters. IDFA applauds this proactive approach by Members of Congress to help ensure that the review process results in a stronger, fairer USMCA.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/03/jayapal-casar-demand-action-in-wake-of-worsening-human-rights-crisis-in-pakistan/,"Jayapal, Casar Demand Action in Wake of Worsening Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Greg Casar (TX-35) today led 42 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the administration to take concrete action to hold Pakistan’s military accountable and call for the release of political prisoners.

“In recent years, U.S. citizens and residents who have spoken out against authoritarian abuses in Pakistan have faced threats, intimidation, and harassment — often extending to their families in Pakistan,” wrote the Members. “These tactics include arbitrary detentions, coercion, and retaliatory violence, targeting diaspora individuals and their relatives. These actions infringe upon the right to freedom of expression […], further, they set a dangerous precedent for foreign interference on U.S. soil.”

As Pakistan faces an escalating crisis of authoritarianism, democratic institutions have been dismantled, and opposition leaders have been held without charge and denied fair trials. Pakistanis have been arrested for social media posts, and those living in other countries, including the United States, have been threatened or had their family threatened for exercising their right to free speech. The letter calls for real steps to be taken to address these injustices.

“We urge you to swiftly impose targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes, against officials responsible for transnational repression, widespread human rights violations, and systematic repression in Pakistan,” continued the Members. “We have called out transnational repression in other countries before and will continue to do so; the same principled approach must be applied here.”

The full letter can be read here.

The letter was signed by Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Marc Veasey (TX-33), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/03/jayapal-smith-introduce-legislation-to-end-inhumane-immigration-detention-conditions/,"Jayapal, Smith Introduce Legislation to End Inhumane Immigration Detention Conditions",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Adam Smith (WA-09) are today introducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to enact guardrails and oversight on immigration detention, and to ensure civil and human rights are protected.

“Under the Trump Administration, we have seen a shocking surge in the detention of people who have committed no crimes being locked up in increasingly horrifying conditions,” said Jayapal. “People are being held in squalor, largely in private, for-profit detention facilities, all to pad the bottom lines of prison corporations that donate to Donald Trump and Republicans. As Trump has struck down legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades, this will only continue to get worse. We must pass this legislation to protect dignity and civil rights in America.”

“We are witnessing appalling conditions for immigration detention and a clear disregard for basic human rights,” said Smith. “No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that profit off of human suffering. This legislation establishes the oversight and guardrails needed to end these abuses and ensure that people are treated with dignity.”

Since President Trump returned to office, the use of immigration detention has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with over 66,000 people detained. During that period of time, 23 people have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Nearly 73 percent of those detained have no criminal convictions, and many of those with convictions have only minor offenses, including traffic violations.

Detained people in these facilities are being held in inhumane living conditions, with reports of overcrowding forcing 35 men to share one toilet and sleep head to toe on concrete floors, of people being served only a cup of rice a day or rotting food, and of people having their medications withheld or being denied necessary medical care. Further, the Trump Administration has restarted the practice of detaining families and children, which has long been criticized as unsafe and inflicting irreversible harm on children.

This is while the Trump Administration has blocked Congressional oversight, despite death reports that do not line up with autopsy reports. In the case of Chaofeng Ge, ICE stated that he died by suicide, while his attorney alleges he was found with his hands and feet tied.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act would:

Repeal mandatory detention;

Prohibit the detention of families and children in family detention;

Create a presumption of release and impose a higher burden of proof to detain primary caregivers and vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, survivors of torture or gender-based violence, people with serious mental or physical illness or disability, LGBTQ individuals, asylum seekers, and people over age 60;

Phase out the use of private detention facilities and jails over a three-year period;

Require DHS to establish civil detention standards that provide, at minimum, the level of protection in the American Bar Association’s Civil Immigration Detention Standards;

Mandate the DHS Inspector General to conduct unannounced inspections with meaningful penalties for failure to comply with standards; and

Require DHS to admit Members of Congress to detention facilities for unannounced inspections.

“The reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act could not come at a more urgent moment,” said Haddy Gassama, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU. “We are witnessing an unprecedented expansion of the immigration detention system, with billions of taxpayer dollars being funneled into the hands of private prison corporations, profiteers who are building and operating abusive detention facilities, while deaths in custody and other egregious abuses reach record levels. These are not abstract policy failures; they are the lived realities of the 66,000 people disappeared into an inhumane system that has long thrived on opacity, minimal oversight, and virtually no accountability.

“The reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act comes at a critical moment, as the harsh realities of immigration detention are no longer hidden but visible in every empty seat once occupied by a loved one sent to detention,” said Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock, Senior Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center. “Real change will take time, but immigration detention is an urgent threat that demands immediate action. The National Immigration Law Center welcomes the re-introduction of this important bill and urges Congress to act quickly to secure its passage.”

“The National Immigrant Justice Center is grateful for members of Congress fighting for communities increasingly under attack, facing inhumane conditions in a system driven by private contractors profiting off the imprisonment of human beings,” said Jesse Franzblau, Associate Director of Policy, National Immigrant Justice Center. “The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is pivotal legislation that works to end the private incentive to fill up prisons, fund communities and not cages, and combat impunity for the persistent human rights violations that occur everyday in immigration detention. This legislation is a guide for Congress working to dismantle walls and prisons and invest in an immigration system grounded in humanity.”

“Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation agenda has reached a previously unimaginable scope and scale, skyrocketing the number of people in immigration detention,” said Setareh Ghandehari, Advocacy Director of Detention Watch Network. “In more than 200 detention facilities across the country ICE subjects people to medical neglect, overcrowding, horrendous conditions of confinement, and rampant transfers that disappear people into the detention system, sowing confusion and cutting people off from their loved ones and support networks. As the administration aggressively expands the detention system and puts people’s lives in jeopardy at a cost to all Americans, Congress must take immediate and decisive action to intervene. While this bill does not fully end the inhumane and unnecessary system of immigration detention, it takes a bold step forward by ending mandatory detention, ending privatized detention, enacting critical safeguards and reversing the trend of constant, unchecked growth.”

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act is sponsored by Alma Adams (NC-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Pablo José Hernández (PR-At Large), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The legislation is also endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); Detention Watch Network; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; AFL-CIO; African Communities Together; African Human Rights Coalition; AFT; American Friends Service Committee (AFSC); American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA); Amica Center for Immigrant Rights ; Amnesty International USA; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Center for Victims of Torture; Church World Service; Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP); Community Change Action; Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces; Congressional Progressive Caucus; Disability Law United; Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM); Franciscan Action Network; Friends Committee on National Legislation ; Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees; Haitian Bridge Alliance; Human Rights First ; Immigrant Justice Network; Immigrant Legal Resource Center; Immigration Equality Action Fund; Indivisible; Just Detention International ; The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA); LatinoJustice PRLDEF; Make the Road States; Muslim Advocates; National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd; National Immigration Project; National Partnership for New Americans; National Religious Campaign Against Torture; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; People’s Action Institute; Refugees International ; Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF); Social Workers for Immigration Justice; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC); Tahirih Justice Center; UndocuBlack Network; UnidosUS; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; United Church of Christ; Vera Institute of Justice; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice; Ayuda; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy (ISLA); JAMAAT – Jews and Muslims Ana Allies Acting Together; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; OneAmerica; Promise Arizona; Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; and Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-health-care-affordability-senator-murray-slams-republicans-for-massive-health-care-cuts-and-refusal-to-stop-premiums-from-skyrocketing-next-year-urges-extension-of-aca-tax-credits/,"At Hearing on Health Care Affordability, Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Massive Health Care Cuts and Refusal to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year, Urges Extension of ACA Tax Credits",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Murray: “Saying ‘let’s start talking about fixing this now,’ a month into open enrollment, instead of at any point earlier this year when we actually had time to stop premiums from skyrocketing or look at some of these different reforms—well, that is about as serious as expressing concern about RFK Jr.’s anti-vax crusade after voting to make him the most powerful public health official in the country.”

Senator Murray: “I do want to note that tomorrow, CDC’s Vaccine Committee is meeting to discuss the childhood vaccine schedule, and the Hepatitis B vaccines—something the chair of this Committee has said many times save lives. The CDC Advisory Committee is going to hear from who-knows-who… I am deeply alarmed that this Committee has not done more oversight, and we still have not done a thing to force RFK Jr. to come here and answer questions about his decision to fire the CDC Director Monarez and limit access to lifesaving vaccines. I hope that will change.”

Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits for YEARS—FULL TIMELINE HERE

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks on health care and Q&A with witnesses***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on health care affordability, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—slammed Republican hypocrisy on health care affordability and called on Republicans to support a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to curb at least some of the damage from the massive health care premium hikes Republicans have already set in motion by refusing to lift a finger to extend the ACA tax credits earlier this year.

Because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the Marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state), and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is HERE.

In opening remarks, Senator Murray said:

“We’ve got to be real here: We are a month into open enrollment. A full month. The time to save people from these huge increases in cost that they’re going to see because the ACA tax credits was before those premium hikes were all-but locked in.

“Saying ‘let’s start talking about fixing this now,’a month into open enrollment, instead of any point earlier this year when we actually had time to stop premiums from skyrocketing or look at some of these different reforms—well, this is about as serious as expressing concern about RFK Jr.’s anti-vax crusade after voting to make him the most powerful public health official in the country.

“The time is out. Realistically, the only way, the only way now we can still stop people from seeing these huge increases is a clean extension and a longer open enrollment. And I think we should be honest about that.

“I appreciate the ideas being tossed around, even if I have some concerns with some of the proposals. But if Republicans had come to the table at any point this year, there would still be time to sit down and talk.

“But we have now seen Republicans run out the clock. They blew right past the start of open enrollment! Forget about time spent negotiating—even if we passed a bill today, there is not time to implement anything more complicated than a clean extension.

“So, if Republicans are serious about preventing the MAGA health care hike, they should work with us right now to pass a clean, one-year extension—as fast as possible. Literally right now.

“And if their call for reforming tax credits is serious, we should look at that. We can talk about reforms—ahead of the 2027 year.

“But I have to say, I am not optimistic that most Republicans are serious about saving people from exploding costs, because they refused to talk about this problem before right now, and I have been down this road before.

“During the first Trump administration, I sat across from Chair Alexander and we hammered out a bipartisan plan to lower costs. We were on the one-yard line. Then the call came down from Trump and Republican leaders: they didn’t want a deal. They didn’t want to lower health care costs.

“And they started demanding restrictions on abortion—something that had never been an issue in our talks until then—and used that pretext to torpedo months of bipartisan negotiations. So, excuse my skepticism today when we have seen this tired playbook.

“If Republicans want to talk health care, great. Unfortunately, we’ve heard many Republicans make it clear they are not serious. But if that changes, I am at the table. I’m ready to talk about our health care system in this country.”

Appearing at the hearing as witnesses were: Joel White, President, Council for Affordable Health Coverage; Marcie Strouse, Owner and Partner, Capitol Benefits Group; and Claudia M. Fegan, MD, National Coordinator, Physicians for a National Health Program.

[MEDICAID AND ACA CUTS]

Senator Murray began her questioning by asking Dr. Fegan about the gigantic cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act that Republicans passed into law this summer as part of their partisan reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: “So Dr. Fegan, let me talk to you. Did any of the cuts Republicans made in their reconciliation bill this summer make health care more affordable for American families?”

“They did not,” answered Dr. Fegan.

“I’ve heard a lot of discussion about making coverage more affordable for small businesses and employers,” Senator Murray continued. “I think what is important to acknowledge is that nearly half of adults within the ACA Marketplace are small business owners or employees, and letting these tax credits expire is going to hurt them dramatically.”

[UPCOMING CDC ACIP MEETING]

In concluding her questioning, Senator Murray said: “Before my time is almost up, I do want to note that tomorrow, CDC’s Vaccine Committee is meeting to discuss the childhood vaccine schedule, and the Hepatitis B vaccines—something the chair of this Committee has said many times save lives. The CDC Advisory Committee is going to hear from who-knows-who.”

“But based on the fact CDC’s own website now spreads anti-vax disinformation, I want to state for the record, I am deeply alarmed that this Committee has not done more oversight, and we still have not done a thing to force RFK Jr. to come here and answer questions about his decision to fire the CDC Director Monarez and limit access to lifesaving vaccines. I hope that will change.”

Just yesterday, Senator Murray released a statement in response to reporting by the Washington Post that, in their upcoming meeting this week, vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are planning to vote on ending the practice of vaccinating all newborns for Hepatitis B. “Ending the decades-long recommendation that babies born in the U.S. get vaccinated against Hepatitis B is a heartless choice to allow babies to die in the United States,” Murray said, calling on HELP Chairman Cassidy to compel RFK Jr. to testify before the HELP Committee.

Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the ACA tax credits—which they have so far refused to do. She took to the Senate floor in November with her Democratic colleagues in November to call for a clean one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, and has held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, about the exploding health care premiums that Americans are seeing due to the expiration of the tax credits. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis during the government shutdown. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year—the Health Care Affordability Actand the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act—that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.

Senator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. Since then, she has called on Republicans to extend the enhanced premium tax credits dozens of times, calling attention to the tax credit cliff and how millions of Americans will see their health care costs jump dramatically if Republicans don’t work with Democrats on an extension.

A timeline detailing how Senator Murray has been fighting for years to extend the ACA tax credits, and calling on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate, is HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-highlights-russias-barbaric-kidnapping-of-ukrainian-children-slams-trump-for-eliminating-funding-for-efforts-to-track-victims/,"At Hearing, Senator Murray Highlights Russia’s Barbaric Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children, Slams Trump for Eliminating Funding for Efforts to Track Victims",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Senator Murray: “Unfortunately, we simply cannot have this conversation without talking about the fact that, as Ranking Member Schatz mentioned, earlier this year the Trump Administration abruptly cut off funding to help track victims of Russian kidnapping and deliver justice.”

***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on holding Russia accountable for kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children***

Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing titled “The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned witnesses on how the United States can support efforts to hold Russia accountable for the kidnapping and forced re-education of thousands of Ukrainian children.

A report from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab concluded this September that Russia has kidnapped thousands of children from Ukraine to at least 210 facilities inside Russia and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine and subjected them to re-education or militarization at many of the facilities. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of the war crime of illegally deporting and transferring children from Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated funding for the Yale lab’s ongoing research tracking Russia’s abduction of children, and there is still no ongoing funding from the United States for this specific research.

In opening comments, Senator Murray said:

“Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. I’m really glad that this hearing is being held to help shine a light on one of the darkest aspects of Russia’s bloody and unjustified war in Ukraine.

“Thousands of Ukrainian children that you’ve talked about have been kidnapped by Russia since this terrible war began. They’ve been abducted from their homes, they’ve been ripped out of their parents’ arms, they’ve been sent, as we’ve heard, to forced re-education programs, military training camps, and worse.

“The horror of this sort of crime is really hard to even fathom, and that is why it resulted in Putin being charged for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. It is the height of barbarity.

“So I really appreciate all of the witnesses for joining us today to share their powerful testimony, and discuss the steps we can take to secure justice for this ongoing atrocity and provide healing for the victims and survivors.

“Unfortunately, we simply cannot have this conversation without talking about the fact that, as Ranking Member Schatz mentioned, earlier this year the Trump Administration abruptly cut off funding to help track victims of Russian kidnapping and deliver justice.

“And as noted already, that data was almost all lost, and was delayed in being sent to the proper authorities. That was absolutely senseless. And today, there is still no ongoing U.S. funding for this specific work.

“Now, I wish that we had Trump administration officials here with us to explain why that program was terminated and to talk about efforts in this space moving forward. I understand Mr. Chairman that they were invited, but they are not here today. That is inexplicable to me.

“We have also seen the Trump Administration put forward drafts of so-called peace plans that read more like Russian wish lists than a serious plan.

“We really need better from this administration. We all need to stand firm by our allies in Ukraine. And we need to stand firm for basic principles like accountability and justice. Especially for something as fundamentally immoral as kidnapping children.

“Which is why it is critical that we push back against careless cuts like the one I just talked about. We need to reverse course and restore the bipartisan tradition of support for investments that uphold our values, support our allies, and strengthen our leadership.

“And if we want a peace deal to end this war, we have to make sure that Putin understands that our resolve to stand by our allies will not waver, war crimes cannot be swept under the rug, and he cannot get a better deal by walking away from the table and waiting us out.

“Mr. Chairman, I’m pleased that we’re having this hearing today and to be here with so many others who are sending a message in a bipartisan way with our voices.

“And I hope that we can send that same message with our laws as well, by writing a very strong, SFOPS bill that restores funding to help identify, track, and return victims of kidnapping, and restores support to so many other worthy NGOs that have a long history of good work, and bipartisan support, and that maintains robust support to Ukraine at this very critical moment.”

Appearing at the hearing as witnesses were: The Honorable Olha Stefanishyna, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States; Mykola Kuleba, Save Ukraine; Maksym Maksymov, Bring Kids Back; and Kateryna Rashevska, Regional Center for Human Rights.

[ROLE OF NGOS]

Senator Murray began by asking Mr. Kuleba about the important efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in efforts to recover kidnapped Ukrainian children: “Can you talk a little bit more about the work you do to return Ukrainian children to their families? And how governmental funding and coordination helps expand your ability to do so?” asked Senator Murray.

“We built our system beginning from the investigators team who are searching for these kids. Then as I mentioned before, after rescuing these kids we are provided with more information and we can find more information about the kids who stayed in occupied territories. Very often these kids whose parents were killed or arrested or disappeared. We have a little limit of time just to extract them from that territory,” answered Mr. Kuleba. “We built a holistic system for the search, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration. We have rehabilitation centers with more than 800 beds… both for families and children of the reunification and for unaccompanied minors and orphans. Because many children who have been rescued have a draft notice for the Russian army. It is a huge risk. We have kids who have been rescued from Russian foster families, rescued from Russian military academies, even from the Russian army… they testify how they have been forcibly taken to the Russian army. Thousands of Ukrainian children in such risk. Many of them who when taken, forcibly conscripted, and are now fighting with us. That is why it is so important for us to find these kids and rescue them in time…and they have to fight, they must fight, because if not they will be jailed or killed.”

“I can’t even imagine. What you said, ‘in time,’ is really critical. Because if you take the picture you had of two-year-olds and 11-years later, that has been their life, they don’t remember much else, and rehabilitation must be extremely difficult. So ‘in time,’ is critically important and why funding Mr. Chairman, is so important as well,” Senator Murray replied.

[RUSSIA’S OBSTRUCTION AND MOTIVATION]

Senator Murray continued her questioning by asking Mr. Maksymov about difficulties getting Russia to return the abducted Ukrainian children. “Mr. Maksymov, what is the single greatest obstacle the United States will faces in trying to compel Russia to return these abducted children?”

Mr. Maksymov answered, “The reality is that for Russians to return the kids, it is the same as testifying to committing a crime. Every single child returned has been a victim of a war crime. They can tell what happened to them. They can tell law enforcement authorities what happened to peers of theirs and what happened to their friends and what happened to family members… that is very counter instinctive for them to return the witnesses who will testify against them. Another huge obstacle… we face is they tried to downplay the crime. Despite hundreds and hundreds of names that have been submitted to Ukraine from different channels… there has never been a return of 20 kids even… That goes against the very logic for them to release the witnesses to their crime.”

Senator Murray has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion in 2022. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress, she played an instrumental role in marshalling through additional support to aid Ukraine in its defense against Putin’s war.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-cortez-masto-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-harmful-provisions-in-republican-tax-law-and-protect-unaccompanied-immigrant-children/,"Murray, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse Harmful Provisions in Republican Tax Law and Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Representative Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), and Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D, IL-03) in introducing the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act. This legislation would reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (H.R. 1) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries.

“Making a child pay an exorbitant amount of money just to escape human trafficking or violence is beyond cruel—it’s heartless,” said Senator Murray. “The Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act reverses provisions that should have never made it into law and takes an important step to protect the safety of unaccompanied children fleeing the most horrific of situations.”

“As members of Congress, it’s our duty to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That includes the unaccompanied children who come to the United States after escaping trafficking and abuse. It’s essential that we reverse the Republican tax law’s cruel provisions and protect these kids.”

Passed in July, H.R. 1 imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on any child who arrives to the United States between ports of entry. This law also requires children to pay a mandatory asylum application fee, as well as new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government’s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay.

Additionally, H.R. 1 provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking. H.R. 1 also provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge.

To reverse these provisions in the Republican tax law and protect unaccompanied children, the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act would:

Exempt unaccompanied children from all H.R. 1 fees tied to humanitarian protection, including asylum fees, annual maintenance fees, immigration court fees, and the $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee.

Eliminate H.R. 1’s fee on abandoned, abused, or neglected children applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Repeal the H.R. 1 provision funding deportations of “specified unaccompanied children” without robust trafficking screenings or full review before an immigration judge.

Repeal H.R. 1 provisions funding intrusive body examinations of children in federal custody.

Prohibit the use of Office of Refugee Resettlement funds to share children’s sponsor information with the Department of Homeland Security for enforcement purposes.

In addition to Senators Murray and Cortez Masto, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Senator Murray has championed comprehensive and humane immigration reform throughout her Senate career, repeatedly pushing for legislative solutions that would offer a fair pathway to citizenship for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants living in America, including Dreamers, farmworkers, and those with Temporary Protected Status. During Trump’s first administration, Senator Murray helped lead the charge in pushing back against Trump’s appalling treatment of migrant children and families at the southern border—cosponsoring the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would require unaccompanied children and vulnerable individuals to be provided with legal assistance during immigration court proceedings, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act to end family separations at the border, and legislation to prevent the separation of families at sensitive locations such as schools, religious institutions, and hospitals, among many other efforts.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-floodplain-bill-picks-up-dozens-of-key-endorsements-momentum-grows-as-commonsense-bipartisan-legislation-is-introduced-in-the-house/,"Murray Floodplain Bill Picks Up Dozens of Key Endorsements, Momentum Grows as Commonsense Bipartisan Legislation Is Introduced in the House",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced dozens of endorsements from key stakeholders for the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act—bipartisan legislation Senator Murray introduced with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) this past May. The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act is a straightforward, commonsense bill that would create a new pathway for ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains that meet specific low-risk criteria—simplifying the approval for important restoration work while still upholding flood safety standards. On November 21st, U.S. Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Troy Downing (R, MT-02), Janelle Bynum (D, OR-02), and Bryan Steil (R, WI-01), introduced identical companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“I’m delighted to see momentum growing behind the bipartisan bill Senator Daines and I introduced earlier this year to simplify the approval process for critical ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains,” said Senator Murray. “It’s easy to see why everyone from environmental organizations, to Tribes, to local city and community partners, are excited about this legislation: it’s a simple, zero-cost fix that will cut red tape and allow critical environment restoration efforts across the country to move forward. The federal government should be making it easier to complete locally-supported environmental restoration projects—not harder. Passing this commonsense bill is one simple step we can take now to protect critical ecosystems and make government more efficient.”

“Critical ecosystem restoration projects across Montana have been abandoned due to FEMA’s onerous and costly ‘No Rise’ rule,” said Senator Daines. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will reduce unnecessary burdens on important conservation and restoration work, while continuing to keep our communities safe from flooding. I’m glad to see companion legislation introduced by our colleagues in the House of Representatives and am thrilled that the bill garnered bipartisan support.”

“Restoring regulated floodplains that meet low-risk criteria is one of the most effective ways to strengthen disaster resilience,” said Chris Brown, Executive Director of the SmarterSafer Coalition. “We appreciate the bipartisan leadership behind this effort and thank U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) for advancing this legislation. SmarterSafer welcomes this common-sense step and the long-term savings it can deliver.”

The following organizations have now endorsed Senator Murray and Daines’ Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act: Smarter Safer Coalition; American Rivers; Association of State Floodplain Managers; National Association of Conservation Districts; Bonneville Environmental Foundation; City of Kenmore; City of Sammamish; City of Seattle; Seattle Public Utilities; Environmental Policy Innovation Center; Environmental Science Center; Island County; King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks; Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe; Montana Trout Unlimited; National Wildlife Federation; Puget Sound Partnership; Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council; River Alliance of Wisconsin; Southern Environmental Law Center; The Nature Conservancy; Trout Unlimited; Upper Deschutes Watershed Council; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Wild Salmon Center; Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited; Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association; Wisconsin Wetlands Association; WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council (Lake Sammamish, Lake Washington, Cedar River Watersheds); City of Shoreline; Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust; Rock River Coalition; and Clean Wisconsin.

Background on the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act:

Under the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policy, any proposed development in a regulated floodway, whether it’s a shopping mall or salmon habitat, must prove that it will not increase the base flood elevation (BFE) of the area. This requirement is commonly referred to as the “No Rise” rule. While important for protecting communities from increased flood risks, it has had major unintended consequences on important environmental restoration in Washington state and across the country.

In Washington state, many salmon habitat restoration projects involve placing woody debris in a waterway to slow water and make safe spaces for juvenile salmon to develop. These projects, and many others, often fail the “No Rise” rule. Currently, the only way around the rule is to first update FEMA’s flood maps with the projected BFE impacts. This requires extensive and very expensive hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, often performed by a third-party engineer. FEMA then reviews the analyses, replicates them, and approves them internally before giving the okay to move forward, which has taken up to three years to complete. While this process often makes sense in an urbanized, flood-prone community, it is an unnecessary exercise for restoration in remote areas.

Many communities in Washington state have avoided doing restoration work in regulated floodways—which makes up much of the state—to avoid the associated costs. This bill would allow for a more efficient process for ecosystem restoration in a regulated floodplain and addresses the issue of “No Rise,” which has been a priority concern for a number of Tribal communities and salmon advocates in states like Washington and across the country.

Senator Murray has been a champion for protecting and strengthening critical salmon and fish populations throughout her time in the Senate. Senator Murray secured a historic $2.85 billion investment in salmon and ecosystem restoration programs—including $400 million for a new community-based restoration program focused on removing fish passage barriers in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and in the Inflation Reduction Act, Murray secured hundreds of millions for Washington state priorities including $15 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, $3 million to support facilities at the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, $27 million for Pacific salmon research, and more.

Last Congress, as then-Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray protected critical funding for salmon recovery and fishery projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 government spending bills she negotiated and passed into law, including securing: $50 million in the construction of the Howard Hanson Dam Fish Passage facility; $75 million for the Pacific Salmon account at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, $54 million for the EPA’s Puget Sound Geographic Program, and more.

The text of the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schiff-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/,"Murray, Schiff, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) to introduce the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D, CA-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda – such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings.

“The Trump administration has already fired or forced out over 100 immigration judges across the country as part of their callous anti-immigrant crusade, and now they are allowing attorneys with zero prior immigration law experience to serve as temporary judges in immigration cases, making hugely consequential decisions about families’ futures,” said Senator Murray. “Every person deserves a fair hearing. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act is about making sure anyone serving as a judge in an immigration hearing has the basic qualifications to do the job, and that the Trump administration can’t keep unqualified temporary judges in place indefinitely.”

The bill would:

Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services;

Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges;

Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements;

Establish basic training requirements.

In addition to Senators Murray and Schiff, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/02/budget-democrats-demand-vought-testify-before-committee/,Budget Democrats Demand Vought Testify Before Committee,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, led all Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding his immediate testimony before the Committee. The request follows the Committee’s November 18 hearing, where Chairman Jodey Arrington publicly agreed with Ranking Member Boyle that Director Vought must appear.

“As you continue to disregard the law and withhold essential resources from communities across the country, you owe this Committee an explanation for why you believe you possess such authority,” wrote Ranking Member Boyle and Committee Democrats.

“If you fail to appear before this Committee before the end of the year, this will be the only Administration in the last 50 years to not send the OMB Director — a basic standard you yourself met during President Trump’s first Administration (appearing in both 2019 and 2020),” the letter continues. “If you disagree with both Chairman Arrington and Budget Democrats it will make one point unmistakably clear: you know you cannot defend an extreme agenda that is driving up costs, weakening the labor market, and inflicting real economic harm on the American people.” Read the full letter to OMB Director Vought here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/02/jayapal-markey-clarke-lee-reintroduce-ai-civil-rights-act-to-eliminate-ai-discrimination-and-enact-guardrails-on-use-of-algorithms-in-decisions-impacting-peoples-rights-civil-li/,"Jayapal, Markey, Clarke, Lee Reintroduce AI Civil Rights Act to Eliminate AI Discrimination and Enact Guardrails on Use of Algorithms in Decisions Impacting People’s Rights, Civil Liberties, Livelihoods",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Pramila Jayapal,J000298,jayapal.house.gov,jayapal,https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington (December 2, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Representative Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, held a press conference today to reintroduce their Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent companies from using biased and discriminatory AI-powered algorithms to help make critical decisions in Americans’ lives, ensure algorithms are tested before and after deployment, and increase transparency of complex algorithms used for critical decisions.

The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04).

“We must address AI-powered bias and discrimination in the AI age,” said Senator Markey. “Under the AI Civil Rights Act, America would show leadership in AI—not just technological leadership, but moral leadership. We cannot abandon our principles in reckless pursuit of technological superiority. Otherwise, we risk building a future where innovation races ahead, but justice falls behind. I am grateful for Congresswomen Clarke, Pressley, Jayapal, and Lee for their partnership on the AI Civil Rights Act. We will not allow for AI to stand for accelerating injustice.”

“The AI Civil Rights Act represents a bold new front in our ongoing battle to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of every American. From developers to deployers, this legislation will place strict, strong, and unambiguous guardrails on the creation and use of artificial intelligence. I am deeply grateful to Senator Ed Markey for his steadfast leadership in introducing this critical bill. Together, we are making it very clear that innovation must never come at the expense of civil rights or justice,” said Rep. Clarke.

“As AI innovation grows, it is incumbent on us all to prioritize the safety, rights, and opportunity of all people—especially the Black, brown, and marginalized communities who disproportionately bear the burden of biased and discriminatory systems,” said Rep. Pressley. “We cannot allow AI to be the latest chapter in America’s history of exploiting marginalized people. That is why the AI Civil Rights Act is necessary—to invest in an approach rooted in equity that safeguards all of our civil rights and liberties.”

“This legislation comes at an inflection point for our country. Artificial intelligence has become a part of our everyday lives and grown into a projected $244 billion industry. A major risk of this new technology is the biases and discrimination that are built into algorithms – denying people housing or jobs based on race or gender. Our bill would place critical guardrails to ensure that the technologies of the future do not harden the injustices of the past,” said Rep. Jayapal.

“I represent neighborhoods that know what it feels like to be overpoliced, underinvested, and overlooked. If artificial intelligence is shaping people’s lives, then we must mitigate the harm it causes. This legislation puts up the necessary guardrails in an age of disinformation and misinformation. I’m grateful to Representatives Yvette Clarke, Pramila Jayapal, and Ayanna Pressley for co-leading this effort and for Senator Ed Markey for his partnership on this bill. We can and should be innovative with our technology, but never at the cost of our civil rights,” said Rep. Lee.

“The Lawyers’ Committee is proud to work in partnership with Senator Markey, Representatives Yvette Clarke, Summer Lee, Ayanna Pressley, and Pramila Jayapal as they introduce the AI Civil Rights Act to help ensure that AI systems are fair and equitable, as they become a large part of our daily lives. Most AI tools are built using data that reflects generations of racial discrimination, redlining, and segregation. Algorithms built on information about a troubled past can create new models that replicate these traumas as if they should be the norm for the future. So, increased transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these technologies are critical steps for combating algorithmic bias. The Lawyers’ Committee has been on the front lines of this issue, litigating in the courts and leading policy debates focused on the impacts and opportunities of emerging technology for Black people and other communities of color. We all deserve technology that works for us, not against us. Adopting appropriate human-centered guardrails is both logical and a critical need. We know that with fierce defenders of civil rights and democracy in Congress like the sponsors and co-sponsors of the AI Civil Rights Act, we can make that ambition a reality,” said Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

“Technologies, including AI systems, are only innovative if they help people. AI should be a tool that works for all of us, no matter where we come from, the color of our skin, our age, or how much money we have. But every day, qualified people are unjustly locked out of jobs, housing, education opportunities, and health care, or are wrongly jailed or imprisoned because of AI systems that discriminate. AI is powerful, so when it discriminates it can supercharge bias,” said Maya Wiley, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “The AI Civil Rights Act offers a way forward towards fairness and accountability by helping us see how AI is working, ensuring better accuracy, and holding companies that create and use AI accountable for protecting our rights. We are grateful for Senator Markey and Congresswoman Clarke’s commitment to creating a strong pro-civil rights federal standard that ensures we can all reap the benefits of the AI revolution.”

“With corporations increasingly using AI systems to hire, fire, surveil, and make disciplinary decisions, workers need common-sense civil rights protections. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Civil Rights Act introduced by Senator Markey and Congresswoman Clarke will do just that. It establishes critical guardrails to prevent AI discrimination, requires transparency from corporations around how they use AI, and holds corporations accountable when their AI systems perpetuate bias. This bill will be helpful in the labor movement’s ongoing fight to make sure that AI benefits workers instead of harming their jobs, rights, and freedoms,” said Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy at the AFL-CIO.

“The AI Civil Rights Act is the bold, innovative policy we need today to ensure a just tomorrow for us all. The premise is simple: the AI tools and systems used at the most critical decision points in our lives – mediating our access to homes, employment, healthcare, and opportunities –should be demonstrated to be accessible and fair before being unleashed on the American public. With this technologically sophisticated bill, anchored in enduring American commitments to freedom, Senator Markey ushers in a new day for civil rights and digital equity,” said Alondra Nelson, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, and former Acting Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“AI is shaping access to opportunity across the country. ‘Black box’ systems make decisions about who gets a loan, receives a job offer, or is eligible for parole, often with little understanding of how those decisions are made. The AI Civil Rights Act makes sure that AI systems are transparent and give everyone a fair chance to compete,” said Cody Venzke, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union.

“Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a part of everyday life, impacting all of our major decisions from housing and employment to education and healthcare. We thank Senators Markey and Booker, and Representative Clarke, for their proactive leadership in safeguarding our civil rights. The AI Civil Rights Act ensures that AI technologies do not reinforce existing inequalities, and instead contribute to a more just and equitable society,” said the National Urban League.

The AI Civil Rights Act is endorsed by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the AFL-CIO, National Urban League, Alondra Nelson, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress and former Acting Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Sam Levine, Former Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, A Better Balance, Access Now, ACLU MA, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for AI and Digital Policy, Center for Digital Democracy, Color of Change, Common Cause, Common Sense, Communications Workers of America, Deaf Equality, Demand Progress, Economic Policy Institute, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fight for the Future, Free Press Action, Hearing Loss Association of America, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, InnovateEDU, Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Investor Alliance for Human Rights, Japanese American Citizens League, Justice in Aging, NAACP, National Action Network, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Education Association, National Housing Law Project, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New America’s Open Technology Institute, Open MIC, Oxfam America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment, Sojourners, The National Alliance to End Homelessness, The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), The NYU Policing Project, The Trevor Project, The Value Alliance, UnidosUS, United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry, United Steelworkers, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Youth Power Project, Third Act , LGBT Tech, Consumer Federation of America, Movement Advancement Project , League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), The Loop Lab / The Hope Group, National Partnership for Women & Families, and Kapor Center Advocacy.

A full list of endorsement statements is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4064,Larsen Releases Statement on Trump Administration Changes to Immigration Processes,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced changes to immigration processes:

“Refugees and humanitarian nonprofits that support refugees should not be punished because of the actions of one violent person.

“I supported the establishment of World Relief’s Whatcom County office and I continue to support their work. Since 2021, World Relief has helped resettle more than 800 people in the area, including individuals who helped protect American troops in Afghanistan. World Relief is a critical organization that gives families who have faced severe hardship the opportunity to contribute to our communities and pursue the American dream.

“People fleeing violence to live in the United States deserve due process and a fair chance.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4066,"Larsen, Owens Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support World Cup Host City Transportation",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT-04) introduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act to authorize $50 million in funding each year to improve transportation infrastructure in the cities hosting next year’s—and future—Olympic and World Cup games.

“USMNT’s success on the field is inevitable, and this bipartisan bill makes sure the United States succeeds off the field, too,” Rep. Larsen said. “The World Cup needs world-class infrastructure to ensure teams and their fans can safely travel to and from every game. That’s why we’re unlocking millions of dollars in funding for host cities—like Seattle in my home state—to improve their transportation infrastructure before the opening whistle.”

“As the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Utah knows how to welcome the world, and we’re gearing up to do it again in 2034,” Rep. Owens said. “I’m proud to be Utah’s top advocate on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and to co-lead this effort to give host cities across America the dependable federal partner they need while preparing to host major international sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup. This support strengthens transportation planning, boosts local collaboration, and ensures the United States is ready to shine on the global stage.”

Legislation Background

Funds authorized by this legislation can be used to help host cities prepare their transit routes, roads, sidewalks and other transportation infrastructure for multiday international sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s and Men’s World Cups, the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics. Hosting a single World Cup match can cost cities roughly $100 to $200 million. Under this legislation, cities would be eligible for up to $10 million per event per year. To learn more, click here.

This legislation is a House companion to the identically named bill introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

World Cup Background

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Seventy-eight games will be played in the United States across 11 host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. For the 2022 World Cup, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) estimated its television viewership at 2.7 billion people.

This Friday, December 5th, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host the FIFA 2026 World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the 2026 World Cup, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-planned-changes-to-hepatitis-b-vaccine-at-upcoming-acip-meeting-calls-on-chair-cassidy-to-demand-rfk-jr-testify-on-vaccine-changes-before-help-committee/,"Senator Murray Slams Planned Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine at Upcoming ACIP Meeting, Calls on Chair Cassidy to Demand RFK Jr. Testify on Vaccine Changes Before HELP Committee",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"ICYMI: In Response to Murray Questioning at HELP, Former CDC Director Says She Would Be “Very Nervous” to Tell Parents to Trust Recommendations From New ACIP Panel

ICYMI: Murray requests HHS Inspector General Review of recent actions limiting access to vaccines

ICYMI from September: Senator Murray Statement on RFK Jr.’s ACIP Voting to Further Restrict Access to COVID-19 Shots, Creating Chaos Around Vaccines

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on new reporting by the Washington Post that, in their upcoming meeting this week, vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are planning to vote on ending the practice of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B and to relitigate the childhood immunization schedule based on Secretary Kennedy’s unproven anti-vaccine claims.

“Ending the decades-long recommendation that babies born in the U.S. get vaccinated against hepatitis B is a heartless choice to allow babies to die in the United States. It can’t be said enough: we’re not talking about a mandate—we’re talking about a simple recommendation that saves lives—one based on solid science, and that has led to a dramatic 99 percent drop in preventable infections, lifelong health complications, and deaths. RFK Jr. and his handpicked anti-vaccine advisors are careening our country backward to a time when thousands of moms and babies died each year of preventable illnesses that we now have the tools to stop. It’s unfathomable to me that people are actively peddling dangerous misinformation and looking for ways to make it harder for moms and babies to get vaccines they want—vaccines that could save their lives.

“Anyone who knows anything about medicine knows this move is nothing short of catastrophic. Chairman Cassidy is exactly right that getting rid of this recommendation will only make America sicker. This is the exact kind of health care sabotage I warned my colleagues about when I voted against Secretary Kennedy’s confirmation. We need accountability from the top, and once again I am calling on Chairman Cassidy to compel RFK Jr. to testify before the HELP Committee without delay.”

Senator Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care who has led hearings on addressing vaccine hesitancy, has been a leader in raising the alarm over RFK Jr.’s nomination and handling of HHS since the beginning—speaking out on the Senate floor, holding numerous events, raising the alarm after meeting with him, and hammering the threat he poses to Americans’ health nonstop. She led the opposition to the Trump administration’s disastrous plan to dismantle HHS and fire tens of thousands of staff in critical positions across CDC, NIH, FDA, and other agencies, and spoke out forcefully against RFK Jr.’s ousting of the entire ACIP panel, including one ACIP member from Washington state. Senator Murray has held countless events across Washington state and in Washington, D.C. with doctors, patients, and former HHS officials to lift up how Trump and Republicans’ attacks on health care will be devastating for families.

In early September, Senator Murray took to the Senate floor to reiterate her call for RFK Jr. to be fired after he pushed former CDC Director Susan Monarez out of her job for refusing to rubber-stamp vaccine recommendations without evidence. On September 8th, Senator Murray called on Chairman Cassidy to compel RFK Jr. to testify publicly before the HELP Committee. At the September 17th HELP committee hearing with former CDC Director Susan Monarez and former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deb Houry, Senator Murray pressed both witnesses on whether they would feel confident telling parents to trust ACIP’s vaccine recommendations now, after RFK Jr. purged the entire panel of experts and replaced them with unqualified anti-vaccine skeptics—Former CDC Director Monarez replied that she would be “very nervous” to tell parents to trust any recommendations coming from the new ACIP panel.

Senator Murray also requested in September an independent, comprehensive Inspector General review by the HHS Acting Inspector General of recent actions taken at HHS to limit access to vaccines, and recent personnel changes at the CDC.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murrays-wild-olympics-bill-advances-through-key-senate-hearing-on-wave-of-new-sportsmen-endorsements-calling-for-permanent-protection-of-wild-olympics/,Senator Murray’s Wild Olympics Bill Advances Through Key Senate Hearing on Wave of New Sportsmen Endorsements Calling for Permanent Protection of Wild Olympics,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"ICYMI IN AUGUST: Senator Murray Champions Wild Olympics Bill on Senate Floor —VIDEO HERE

ICYMI: Senator Murray & Representative Randall Reintroduce Wild Olympics Bill to Permanently Protect Wild Olympics Wilderness and Rivers

Photos of Wild Olympics available for use HERE

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) advanced her Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act through a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands Subcommittee, a key milestone in the legislative process toward becoming law. The hearing came after a wave of new endorsements from sportsmen organizations—including the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited—who sent a letter urging the Committee to pass Wild Olympics to protect hunting, fishing and salmon streams for the future against the increasing threats to public land. The new endorsements bring the total number of sportsmen organizations backing Wild Olympics to nearly 40.The Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which Senator Murray reintroduced in May with U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) would permanently protect approximately 125,000 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries—a total of 464 river miles—as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

“The movement behind our Wild Olympics legislation continues to grow year after year thanks to the tireless work of our coalition of sportsmen, conservationists, Tribes, businesses, local leaders, timber communities, shellfish growers, and so many others,” said Senator Murray. “Today’s Senate hearing is a significant step forward for our effort to permanently protect key areas of the Olympic National Forest—a crown jewel in Washington state—while preserving world-class recreation opportunities and supporting local economies. As long as I’m in the Senate, I won’t stop fighting to win the support we need to get our Wild Olympics bill across the finish line and protect these treasured areas on the Olympic Peninsula for generations to come.”

The bill’s inclusion in the hearing came after Senator Murray took to the Senate floor in August to block a public lands package that did not include the Wild Olympics bill. On the Senate floor, Murray said about the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: “It is a carefully drafted, it’s a thoughtful piece of legislation and the grassroots support for this bill has only grown over the years. That is exactly the kind of bill which should be included in a bipartisan public lands package. I would invite the Senior Senator of Utah to visit the land this bill covers to help protect our Olympic National Forest… I hope in the future we can work together in drafting a public lands bill that does include legislation like my Wild Olympics bill.” Video of Senator Murray’s remarks on the Senate floor is HERE.

Designed through extensive community input to conserve ancient forests and pristine rivers, protect clean water and salmon habitat, and enhance outdoor recreation, the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would set aside the first new wilderness on Olympic National Forest in over four decades and the first-ever protected wild and scenic rivers on the Olympic Peninsula. With a strong foundation of overwhelming local support, the bill has made steady progress each successive Congress—passing the House with bipartisan support twice before and passing out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Congress for the first time in the bill’s history.

“The forests, rivers, and wilderness of our region shape how we live, work, and play. And for communities around the Olympic Peninsula, access to these resources can make or break local economies,” said Representative Randall when the bill was introduced in May. “This bill protects the remote wilderness we treasure while ensuring access where it is essential for livelihoods, recreation, emergency response, and cultural practices. Protecting our natural resources also means protecting local economies, livelihoods, and Tribal Sovereignty. I’m grateful to all who have shaped this bill and Senator Murray for her leadership to secure the future of the community we proudly call home.”

Senator Murray and former U.S. Representatives Norm Dicks and Derek Kilmer spent years gathering extensive community input on the Olympic Peninsula to craft the carefully balanced legislation, which was first introduced in 2012. It would permanently preserve ancient and mature forests, critical salmon habitat, and sources of clean drinking water for local communities, while also protecting and expanding world-class outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and fishing. No roads would be closed, and trailhead access would not be affected.

Senator Murray worked extensively with local and regional timber interests to remove any currently viable timber base from the proposal to ensure the legislation would have no impact on existing timber jobs, as confirmed in a 2012 Timber Impact Study by the respected independent Forester Derek Churchill.

Aberdeen Forest Products Consultant and Former Timber CEO Roy Nott said in his July 10th 2019 testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee, “My own experience as a CEO and Entrepreneur is that our area’s natural treasures—which provide world-class outdoor recreation, clean water and our area’s high quality of living—are what give us a competitive edge over other regions in attracting and retaining the talented people new companies require. Wilderness and wild and scenic river protections would help protect and grow the local jobs that depend on our ability to compete for talent against other regions, and they would enhance our recruitment efforts as we work to grow new businesses in the future. And as a former Timber Industry Executive, I appreciate that (the) final compromise proposal was scaled-back to ensure it would not impact current timber jobs.”

Today’s committee hearing came on a recent wave of other new local endorsements also rallying behind the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Act against the backdrop of increasing threats to public land. The new additions bring the total number of local Olympic Peninsula & Hood Canal region endorsements to more than 800 endorsers, including the Quinault Indian Nation, Quileute, Lower Elwha Klallam and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribes; now nearly 40 local sportsmen organizations and fishing guides; the mayors of Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Westport and other local elected officials; businesses and CEOs; farms and faith leaders; conservation and outdoor recreation groups; and many others. Additionally, more than 14,000 local residents have signed petitions in support.

Below are just a few of many local testimonials in support of the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act:

Chairman Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe: “As stated in the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission’s “Treaty Rights at Risk” report, “Salmon recovery is based on the crucial premise that we can protect what habitat remains while we restore previously degraded habitat conditions. Unfortunately, significant investments in recovery may not be realized because the rate of habitat loss continues to outpace restoration. The resulting net decline in habitat demonstrates the federal government’s failure to protect the Tribes’ treaty-reserved rights.” In an era where we are witnessing unprecedented rollbacks of environmental safeguards on federal public lands, the Wild Olympics legislation would permanently protect some of the healthiest, intact salmon habitat left on the Peninsula. It is our heritage and cultural principles to protect the lands and waters Nature provides, as well as the natural resources she sustains. Therefore, we do continue to support and urge swift passage of the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.”

Chairwoman Frances Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe: “The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe (“Lower Elwha”) strongly supports the proposed Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. We believe that it represents a fair compromise between potentially competing interests of preservation, economic use, and recreation. This legislation creates 126,600 acres of new wilderness and nineteen new wild and scenic rivers designations in the Olympic National Forest, the Olympic National Park and Washington State Department of Natural Resource-managed land. For Lower Elwha, the most important aspect of these new designations is the increased protection for salmon habitat. And we appreciate that it expressly acknowledges the fundamental interests and expertise of all treaty tribes in the restoration of fish habitat. This is an important complement to our ongoing successes, along with our federal and State partners, in restoring Elwha River fisheries in the aftermath of dam removal.”

Connie Gallant, Chair, Wild Olympics Campaign (Quilcene): “We are so grateful for Senator Murray and Representative Randall’s leadership at this critical time for our public lands. The local momentum for the Wild Olympics Act has never been stronger and the need for its protections for our ancient forests & salmon streams has never been greater.”

Bill Taylor, President of Taylor Shellfish Farms (Shelton): “The Wild Olympics legislation will help protect our state’s shellfish industry, including hundreds of shell fishing jobs in Hood Canal alone – and many more in related industries like processing, shipping, and sales. It protects the rivers and streams vital to the health of our hatcheries and to the health and restoration of Puget Sound. Our oyster beds depend on the clean, cold, silt-free water that drains off Olympic National Forest into Hood Canal. Protecting these watersheds allows our industry to grow, expand and continue to benefit the economy and ecology of Washington State.”

Ashley Nichole Lewis, Bad Ash Outdoors (Taholah), Sportsmen For Wild Olympics and Member of the Quinault Indian Nation: “Wild Olympics protects the Olympic Peninsula’s ancient forests, free-flowing rivers and salmon streams for the future,” Nichole Lewis stressed. “It will protect fishing, boating and hunting access without closing any roads, but it also permanently protects some of the last healthy upstream salmon and steelhead habitat left on the peninsula.”

State Representative Steve Tharinger, 24th Legislative District (Sequim): “It is easy to see and understand the ecological value of the Wild Olympics idea, conserving clean and free-flowing rivers, but what is sometimes missed is the economic value that maintaining places like Wild Olympics brings by attracting people to the special outdoors of the Olympic region. I want to thank REI and Patagonia for engaging local community leaders like myself to help design the map, and for recognizing that encouraging people to get out and enjoy the special places in the Wild Olympics proposal brings economic benefits to the communities I represent.”

Fred Rakevich, Retired logger and 49-year veteran of the timber industry (Elma): “I am a retired logger who worked for fifty years in the timber industry. I have also fished and kayaked most of the major rivers in the Olympics. I was born and raised in Grays Harbor, but have traveled halfway around the world. In all my travels, nothing impressed me more than the natural beauty of the Olympic Mountain Range and the clear running waters that begin their journey flowing toward the lands below. Timber is and always will be part of the Olympic Peninsula’s proud heritage. But our ancient forests and wild rivers are the natural legacies we will leave to our children and grandchildren. The bill protects our natural heritage while respecting our timber heritage.”

Casey Weigel, Owner & Head Guide of Waters West Guide Service (Montesano) and member of Sportsmen for Wild Olympics: “Through hard work and our passion for our rivers and fishing, my wife and I have grown our small business enough to be able to help 3 other year-round and seasonal local guides support families, who love fishing just as much as we do. I support the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild & Scenic Rivers Act because our rivers and our salmon are our lifeblood and, without them, businesses like ours, the local jobs they support, and the dollars they bring into our local economy would dry up. The Wild Olympics proposal would simply make the current safeguards protecting our rivers on the Olympic National Forest permanent. That’s all it does. It doesn’t change access or cost timber jobs. And if it did, I wouldn’t support it, because my family works in the timber industry. There are many challenges facing our rivers and salmon, with lots of debate and millions of dollars spent trying to help restore clean water and habitat downstream. But one basic, simple piece of the foundation we can put in place now that won’t cost any of us anything, is to permanently protect the healthy habitat on the federal lands upstream against any misguided attempts to develop them in the future. That’s why I am a proud supporter of the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. For Our Future.”

State Senator Mike Chapman, 24th Legislative District (Port Angeles): “I have been very excited about the economic & recreational opportunities Wild Olympics will bring to the Olympic Peninsula. With REI and Patagonia’s support, our corner of the world is now attracting visitors from all over. Wild Olympics is our future, for fresh air, clean water, pristine forests, and future generations!”

Dave Bailey, former President of the Grey Wolf Fly Fishing Club in Sequim, WA & co-founder of Sportsmen for Wild Olympics: “People think that because our salmon streams on Olympic National Forest appear as they’ve always been, that they are safe. Unfortunately, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. There are determined threats underway to sell-off public land, roll back current safeguards and open these sensitive spawning streams to small hydropower development, industrial clear-cutting and more road building once more. That’s bad for fish, game, and sportsmen. This legislation is critical to preserve what we have.”

Douglas Scott, Owner of Exotic Hikes and The Outdoor Society (Hood Canal): “Outside my door, the river, forests and mountains of the Olympic Peninsula beckon me to hike and climb. In the Northwest corner of the contiguous United States, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, our glacial-fed rivers, full of salmon and surrounded by majestic eagles constantly inspire millions of locals and visitors to the region. Each year, over four million outdoor recreation enthusiasts head to the region, hoping to find a slice of natural beauty in pristine forests and impossibly gorgeous river valleys. As an author, tour guide and advocate for the Olympic Peninsula, I have witnessed the importance of nature and outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the support outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life, passing the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will help ensure that even more of the stunning scenery will be protected and accessible for all. I am proud to Support the Wild Olympics. Come visit and fall in love with the beauty of rainforests, wild rivers, and breathtaking adventures and you will too.”

A fact sheet on the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-legislation-support-farmers-conservation,"Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers, Conservation Efforts",2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025. This bill would scale and replicate Washington state’s bipartisan Sustainable Farms and Fields program, which supports farmers by incentivizing voluntary conservation practices, enhancing producer innovation and viability, and enabling locally led climate action.

""Our farmers play an integral role in our community here in Washington state, influencing our culture, economy, and environment,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is our responsibility to support our agricultural community, particularly as they face growing challenges posed by climate change. That's why I'm proud to introduce the PACA Act to help producers here in the Eighth District and across the country voluntarily strengthen their climate resiliency, contribute to climate solutions, stay in business, and improve their bottom line.""

“The vast majority of farms in Washington state are operated by small farmers, who need support as they prioritize conservation and sustainability while remaining profitable,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act prioritizes funding for climate-resilient innovative crops from low-income and minority farmers.”

Beyond scaling a successful state agriculture model, this bill allows farmers to best utilize their land and implement regionally relevant agricultural practices. Farmers, trusted partners, and state and Tribal governments can use PACA grants to support climate change adaptation and mitigation that best fits their land and circumstances.

The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action (PACA) Act of 2025 will:

Establish a new subprogram under USDA’s existing Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for local partners, States, and Tribes to improve and expedite resource access for producers who are reducing emissions, enhancing soil carbon storage, and improving resilience to extreme weather.

Enable local, State, and Tribal entities and partnerships to direct climate action in ways that are regionally relevant and appropriate for local agricultural operations.

Support first-time, low-income, and minority farmers by providing technical and financial assistance.

Ultimately, make it easier and more affordable for farmers and ranchers to implement climate-smart practices that are regionally relevant.

“The Washington State Conservation Commission thanks Representative Schrier for her commitment to creating opportunities for farmers and ranchers to voluntarily adopt climate-smart practices,” said Washington State Conservation Commission Executive Director James Thompson. “Through experience with our Sustainable Farms and Fields program, we know producers in Washington are adopting creative solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, resulting in increased resiliency to drought, flood, and fire while supporting long-term viability. The PACA Act of 2025 would scale this proven approach, bringing much-needed resources to agricultural producers across the country.”

“The agriculture sector is often positioned as a climate adversary, but many farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities across the country have a deep understanding of how to steward their land sustainably,” said Mary Olive, Interim Director of Policy at Carbon180. “The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act taps into the strengths of states, Tribes, conservation districts, and farmer cooperatives to leverage local knowledge, build resilience to extreme weather, and scale up climate-smart practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions.”

“The Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act, like Washington State's Sustainable Farms and Fields Program, will incentivize farmers to sequester carbon and improve soil health, reduce air pollution and decrease their operating costs - it's a complete win for everyone,"" said Doug Ray, Ph.D. Carbon Washington Board Chair.

""Washington's potato growers are on the front lines of adapting to a changing climate and global market,” said Geordy Greene, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission. “Legislation like PACA gives growers practical tools—not mandates—to stay competitive, protect yields, and invest in smarter, more resilient production. It's a win for growers, consumers, and Washington's ag economy.""

This legislation is supported by the Washington State Conservation Commission, Carbon180, Carbon Washington, the Washington State Potato Commission, the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the Washington Farm Bureau.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4063,Larsen Releases Statement on Shooting in D.C.,2025-11-27,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“I condemn the senseless violence committed in Washington D.C. against two brave National Guard members. I support local and federal law enforcement efforts to hold the shooter accountable. My thoughts are with the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, and with Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe as he fights for his life.""

###

Larsen Fights Drug Trafficking, Funds Public Safety and Addiction Recovery

February 10, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen and Colleagues Secure Reinstatement of Addiction and Mental Health Funding

January 15, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Releases Statement on the Protests in Los Angeles

June 11, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities

June 5, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4062,Larsen Releases Statement on Cancellation of Constellation-class Frigate Program,2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Navy announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program:

“I am disappointed to see the Administration abandon the Constellation-class frigate program, which would have a significant impact on the future of the Navy.

""Naval Station Everett (NSE), which is located in a deep water port with proximity to the Indo-Pacific, will compete aggressively to be the homeport for new Navy missions. A strong and growing NSE will create local jobs that have concrete impacts in the communities I represent – groceries on the table, school supplies in backpacks, gas in minivans and more economic activity that has ripple effects on other local businesses and workers.

""This decision demands transparency and a clear plan for filling the capability gap left by the frigate program’s cancellation. I will keep fighting for a new class of smaller surface combatant ships and the small shipyards we need to modernize and strengthen the Navy’s fleet. The Navy will need every available pier in order to reach its shipbuilding goals.

""I will continue to ensure that decisions about ship homeporting sustain jobs for Northwest Washington and keep our country safe. Northwest Washington has always answered the call to serve, and I will hold the Navy and the Administration accountable to do the same by investing in the fleet, in the workforce, and in the future of Naval Station Everett.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-lujan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-snap-cuts-and-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans/,"Murray, Luján, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse SNAP Cuts and Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans",2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,murray,https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Bicameral introduction follows Trump administration’s shutdown chaos and effort to strip food assistance from millions of Americans; 1 in 9 Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table

ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on House Passage of “Big, Ugly Betrayal” Cutting Health Care & SNAP for WA State Families to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

Senator Murray briefly relied on food stamps as a child and has always fought to fully fund SNAP benefits; Murray fiercely opposed Republicans when they passed the largest cuts to SNAP in American history this summer by passing their Big Ugly Bill.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and other Democratic colleagues in introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The legislation would repeal all the devastating cuts made by Republicans to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” the partisan Republican reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans’ partisan One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the largest SNAP cuts in history—breaking a 50-year bipartisan commitment—in order to fund new tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Congressional Republicans approved cuts that the Congressional Budget Office estimates will eliminate $187 billion in food assistance over the next decade—as grocery prices rise and President Trump’s tariffs raise costs on Americans across the board. These Republican SNAP cuts will take meals from millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities, while harming farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and grocers who rely on SNAP dollars. Additionally, the Republican legislation creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments that could force deep cuts or even eliminate SNAP entirely in some states. SNAP is a lifeline for over 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. In Washington state, over 888,000 residents received SNAP benefits in Fiscal Year 2024—approximately 11 percent of the state’s population, or one in nine Washingtonians.

“SNAP is an investment in people and a commitment we make that, in the richest country on earth, kids and families should not be forced to go hungry,” said Senator Murray. “But Republicans broke that commitment with their Big Ugly Bill that made the largest cuts to SNAP in history—taking food away from families who need it the most, to fund new tax breaks for billionaires who need them the least. And during the Republican shutdown, the Trump administration did everything they could to deny SNAP benefits to struggling families—even going to court to block benefits from reaching people who needed them. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to fully repeal Republican cuts to SNAP and I will keep doing everything in my power to speak out and fight back against these terrible cuts to programs Americans rely on to meet their basic needs.”

Additionally, nearly 1,500 national, state, and community-based organizations joined a letter voicing support for this effort.

In addition to Senators Murray, Luján, Klobuchar, and Merkley, and Leader Schumer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-cut-bureaucratic,"ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape, Support Lifesaving Blood Centers",2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) introduced the BLOOD Centers Act, a bipartisan bill to cut onerous administrative requirements placed on blood centers to help ensure that hospitals have a sufficient blood supply to meet patient needs. Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) was also an original cosponsor.

""As a doctor, I know that donated blood products save lives in dire situations,"" said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Redundant regulation and red tape make it harder for blood centers to get blood products where they are needed, when they are needed. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles without compromising patient safety.""

“At a time when our nation’s blood supply has reached a critical low, we must do everything we can to cut through red tape to ensure that people who are willing to donate can do so easily and swiftly,” said Congressman Wied. “That is why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan BLOOD Centers Act to expedite the ability of blood centers to open new locations and collect life-saving blood for those who need it.”

Under current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, blood centers must report changes, including the addition of a new fixed site, to their approved biologics license applications (BLA). This process can include additional steps, further delaying federal approval and preventing blood centers from expanding their operations. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill addresses this issue by instructing the FDA to create an expedited licensure process following passage of the legislation. This will bring much-needed efficiency improvements to the process while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

“Government red tape and delays can cost lives when every drop counts,” said Congressman Tiffany. “The BLOOD Centers Act streamlines approvals and requires the FDA to act within 30 days so lifesaving donations can reach patients quicker.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z