url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-named-one-most-effective-members-congress,Rep. Reichert Named One of the Most Effective Members of Congress,2015-12-31,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recently, the University of Virginias and Vanderbilt Universitys Legislative Effectiveness Project ranked U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert as one of the most effective Members of Congress between 2013 and 2014. Specifically, Rep. Reichert earned the second-highest score among Washington State lawmakers after Rep. Doc Hastings who is now retired, ranking 27th among Republicans, and 28th among all 435 House members.
This past year, Rep. Reichert has built upon his achievements from previous congressional terms and has continued to focus his efforts on growing jobs in Washington, enabling Americans to keep more of their hard earned dollars, and keeping our communities safe.
Here are some of the highlights from 2015:
 Named Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee: Rep. Reichert was given the opportunity to lead the Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Trade and champion some of the issues that have the greatest impact on Washingtonians.
Throughout the year, Rep. Reichert also continued to supporttrade in Washington by fighting for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank and serving as the lead advocate in Congress to resolve the West Coast Ports dispute. He is also a member of the President's Export Council.
 Served as Chairman of the Tax Subcommittee: Prior to being named as Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, Rep. Reichert chaired the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, where he focused on reforming the tax code to make it work better for American workers, families and businesses. Now as the Chairman Emeritus and second in seniority, he will continue reforming the outdated tax code.
 Named Conferee to Customs and Highway Conference Negotiations: With a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues, Rep. Reichert worked to negotiate two important bills for the American people. This years Highway Bill is the first long term highway bill in a decade, giving states the certainty they need to invest in long-term infrastructure projects.The Highway Bill also included Rep. Reicherts language advising states to strengthen laws regarding secured loads to increase public safety. As a Customs Bill conferee, he worked with his colleagues to negotiate a bill that will strengthen enforcement of our trade laws and increase opportunities for our businesses here at home.
 Launched the Law Enforcement Task Force: Earlier this year, Rep. Reichert launched a task force aimed at opening conversations between members of law enforcement and the communities they serve throughout the country. This task force will explore and identify opportunities for communities and law enforcement to build upon mutual respect for one another and increase civility in our nation.
 Launched the Congressional Freight Caucus: This past October, Rep. Reichert launched the bipartisan Congressional Freight Caucus in an effort to raise awareness about the need to expand the nations freight infrastructure and improve the movement of goods. This issue is especially important to Washington State, where our freight systems support 1.5 million jobs and produce $129 billion in annual revenue.
Sponsored Legislation Passed into Law:
 H.R. 1269 (P.L. 114-12): The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act was signed into law on May 19th and creates a nationwide alert system to apprehend violent criminals who have seriously injured, killed, or made an imminent or credible threat to cause serious harm to a law enforcement officer.
 H.R. 2146 (P.L. 114-26): The Defending Public Safety Employees Retirement Act ensures fairness for federal public safety officials by allowing them to access retirement savings at the age of 50 after 20 years of service without the application of the 10% penalty. This is the same treatment state and local public safety officers receive.
 H.R. 1892 (P.L. 114-27): The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reauthorization Act provides temporary assistance, including training, to American workers who have been impacted by international trade.
The following bills Rep. Reichert sponsored were enacted as part of the FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 114-113), which was recently signed into law on December 18th.
 H.R. 629, The Permanent S Corporation Built-in Gain Recognition Period Act of 2015: This bill makes permanent an important provision that supports our small businesses in doing what they do best  creating jobs and strengthening our local economies. Specifically, it allows S Corporations greater access to their own capital, so they can grow, reinvest, and hire by reducing the time they must hold certain assets after changing to a S Corporation from a C Corporation.
 H.R. 630, Permanent S Corporation Charitable Contribution Act of 2015: This bill makes permanent a rule ensuring consistent treatment of charitable contributions for S Corporation shareholders, thereby providing certainty and encouraging charitable giving.
 H.R. 869: This legislation ensures that public employees in Washington State including school teachers, utility district workers, and many others, are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and pass on medical benefits earned over years of service to their families and loved ones.
 H.R. 2940, Educator Tax Relief Act: This bill makes permanent the educator tax deduction, which allows teachers to deduct the cost of classroom supplies and professional development expenses up to $250. Just like companies can deduct certain business expenses, teachers should be able to deduct the amount of their own hard-earned dollars they put into making classrooms the best learning environment they can for our kids and grandkids.
 H.Amdt.271, to increase funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program by $100 million: This amendment, which passed the House on June 2nd and was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act , provides funding to help local police departments meet their hiring needs to ensure our communities have enough cops on the street to keep us safe.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-states-early-release-prisoners,Rep. Reichert's Statement on State's Early Release of Prisoners,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement in response to Gov. Jay Inslee's announcement that the Washington State Department of Corrections has mistakenly released thousands of prisoners early over the past thirteen years: Yesterdays news of yet another mishap by the Department of Corrections is as disturbing as it is infuriating. Over the past several months I have heard from folks throughout Washington state who are deeply concerned and baffled by the decisions coming out of Olympia.
Over the summer I was notified by victims of one of the most heinous crimes in Washingtons history that the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board was considering the early release of Timothy Pauley, a man serving three life sentences for a triple homicide in 1980. As one of the detectives who carried the bodies of his victims out of the building where he and his accomplice tortured and killed three people and left two more for dead, I can attest to it being one of the worst crime scenes weve ever processed. Unfortunately, it appears the ISRB believes 35 years in prison will suffice for the three life sentences he was given.
Numerous people including victims, lawyers, and King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterberg have called into question the method used to calculate Pauleys minimum sentence. We now know it is not only Pauleys sentence but thousands of others that have been miscalculated by the DOC. Ultimately those questions were ignored, and the ISRB is moving forward with a hearing on Pauleys release on January 5th, less than two weeks from today. Whats worse, Pauleys victims and their families were given little-to-no notice of previous hearings or decisions, and the Governor has refused to meet with them.
We also learned this summer that the DOC, again without notifying the victims families, moved the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway from isolation in the Walla Walla State Penitentiary to a prison in Colorado where he would be able to mingle with the general population. Only after public outcry was the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history returned to solitary confinement in Washington. In total, the move cost taxpayers $40,000.
Now we have been told that the DOC has been miscalculating sentences for 13 years. Even more upsetting is that they have known about the error since 2012 and, until yesterday, have not bothered to address it or inform victims, law enforcement or the public. This is unacceptable. Our communities and the first responders dedicated to protecting them deserve better. We need to know who these 3,200 criminals are; what crimes they were convicted of and ultimately granted early release for; and exactly how the state is going to ensure this mass injustice is resolved.
Yesterdays announcement and the recent actions of the DOC are not isolated incidents; they are part of a much larger problem. In the eyes of the state, victims of crimes and their families are taking a back seat to the criminals who have caused them so much pain. The DOC, through its incompetence and the decisions by its ISRB, has shown it is more interested in reducing the sentences lawfully handed down by judges than ensuring justice is served.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-votes-keep-government-running,Rep. Reichert Votes to Keep Government Running,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2016.
I am proud that today the House came together to vote on bipartisan legislation that will keep our government up and running, ensuring that our military has the resources it needs to protect our national security and that our seniors are cared for. With this bill, Washingtonians also secured some important wins, including preventing significant harmful tariffs from being placed on our high-quality goods, like apples and cherries, and the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It also boosts funding for the National Institutes of Health which supports researchers in our state who are working to find new treatments and cures for cancer and other diseases. Additionally, under this funding bill, the COPS Hiring Program, an initiative I have consistently fought for, will be restored so that local law enforcement agencies can adequately staff their departments in order to keep our cities and neighborhoods safe. With the certainty that the government will remain funded through September 2016, Congress can now return in the new year with a renewed focus on making the country safer, stronger, and better for all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398668,U.S. House Passes 2016 Funding Bill Containing Key Southwest Washington Priorities,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler in her position on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. 
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler in her position on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. 

This deal was far from perfect, but we had two options: support this agreement that had several strong wins for Southwest Washington communities, or reject it in favor of an autopilot spending extension that includes no reforms and cedes all spending control to this presidential administration, said Jaime. While there were certainly a number of tasks that were left undone, like putting a permanent halt to the EPAs attempt to regulate all ponds and ditches, I wont cease fighting for them when Congress reconvenes in January.  As a result of this bill, the Portland VA will be required to investigate and address staff turnover issues that have led to 30-plus day wait times for Southwest Washington veterans. Individuals and families here will be spared from the burden of some of the health care laws biggest tax increases. I fought to successfully include important safeguards against federal land acquisitions in Skamania County that dont have the support of the local community. Resources to fight and prevent wildfires were increased, which are so critical given the devastating wildfires that have hit our forests. 
Southwest Washington priorities included in the bill: 
Protecting Americans from multiple onerous Affordable Care Act (ACA) taxes: 
 
    No ACA bailouts: The ACA requires certain insurance companies to pay into a risk pool to subsidize health insurance companies that incur deep losses. Under the ACA, if the amount paid into the pool is less than the amount paid out, the federal government is required to make up the difference. In 2015 the shortfall was approximately $2.5 billion. This bill makes sure taxpayers are not on the hook for billions of dollars in ACA bailouts.
 
 
    Prevents Cadillac Plan tax hikes: The bill provides for a two-year freeze on a new tax the ACA would place on employers who offer certain premium health plans to their employees. Under current law, the 40 percent tax is set to take effect in 2018. This tax would hurt businesses, jobs and the economy. 
 
 
    Prevents Health Insurance tax hikes: The bill provides for a one-year freeze on a tax imposed on health insurers for calendar year 2017. The Health Insurance Tax is an annual fee charged to health insurance providers, that is passed onto consumers and patients through increased premiums. 
 
Cuts funding from the Medicare Independent Payment Advisory Board: Doctors and patients agree that the unelected Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) could limit seniors access to health care. This bill cuts funding to IPAB by $15 million.
IRS Accountability: The bill includes a prohibition Jaime fought for in the Appropriations process prohibiting the IRS from targeting taxpayers for their beliefs, including political ideology. It also bars the IRS from hiring former employees who failed to properly file their own taxes, and from using taxpayer dollars to make inappropriate videos or host expensive conferences  all actions revealed to have been carried out by the agency in recent years. Partially implements the Email Privacy Act: Jaime is a supporter of the Email Privacy Act that would bar federal agencies from obtaining individuals email, social media or electronic communication without a warrant. Through the Appropriations process, Jaime helped successfully place this requirement on the IRS, SEC and FTC. 
Preventing federal land acquisitions in Skamania County not supported by local community: This bill ensures Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars arent being used to acquire additional land in Skamania County without the explicit approval of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on which Jaime sits, made up of electable and accountable Democrat and Republican representatives. 90% of Skamania County is publically owned, and for the last 20 years that land has produced minimal timber harvests. Only 2% is land that generates tax revenue or be can developed. This has resulted in severe economic hardships and forced Skamania to rely on meager federal welfare payments instead of local tax revenue to fund essential services.  This provision simply ensures that the Land and Water Conservation Fund is being used on popular projects supported by our local communities in Skamania County, which serves the original intent of LWCF and takes the severe economic conditions of this county into account, said Jaime.
Visa Waiver Program: This bill cracks down on gaps in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by making changes that help ensure individuals traveling to the US are not security risks. Individuals coming from a high risk area cannot have gaps in their background and be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, thanks to this reform. 
VA Wait Time Report: Veterans in Southwest Washington are still being forced to wait longer than the national average to see a doctor. Between January and August of this year, the Portland VA, which includes the Vancouver clinic, hired 470 staff, lost 459 staff and 9.6% of veterans in Vancouver are still waiting over 30 days for an appointment. Jaime authored a legislative directive to tackle the high VA staff turnover rate contributing to 30-plus days wait for veterans seeking health care appointments. The VA is directed to collect data on the reasons medical providers choose to leave the VA system, and to provide to Congress its plan to address this problem.
VA Medical Services: VA medical services are funded at $50 billion, an increase of $4.7 billion. This funding will allow VA to provide care and treatment for approximately 7 million veterans. This includes: $7.5 billion in mental health care services; $605 million for family caregivers of seriously injured veterans; $6.7 billion in homeless veterans treatment, services, housing, and job training; and $270 million in rural health initiatives.
Wildfire prevention:Wildfires have been increasing in severity over the past several years, damaging forests, threatening safety, and forcing the Forest Service to tap into its budget for other services and priorities. The bill includes $468.6 million for wildfire suppression activities and $170 million for hazardous fuel management. The bill also calls to prevent wildfires by reducing the fuel load and the prompt removal of dead or downed trees on federal land. This active management would reduce the threat to our communities. 
Federal Rail Administration Safety and Operations: Includes $199 million for the Federal Railroad Administration Rail Safety and Operations to improve the safety of grade crossing and the movement of crude oil. 
Community Development Block Grants protected for Southwest Washington cities: Jaime worked successfully to block changes proposed by the Obama Administration to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program that would favor large cities over cities like Longview and Battle Ground in obtaining these grants. Longview uses these funds for several community needs like supporting the Help Warehouse, the Lower Columbia Community Action Program that distributes food to people in need and making vital improvements to senior housing. 
Prenatal Screening Report: Included in the agreement was a Jaime-authored provision that requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Health and Human Services agencies to report on how they ensure patients and providers understand the accuracy and limitations of Cell free DNA prenatal screenings that can produce inaccurate results up to 50% of the time. 
Dredging and harbor maintenance: Jaime was able to secure $1.2 billion in harbor maintenance from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) with $48 million of the HMTF designated specifically for small ports like Ilwaco, Chinook and others along the Columbian River. The bill also provides over $30 million for maintenance on the mouth of the Columbia River, including critical jetty rehabilitation. 
Hanford clean-up: The bill provides $2.34 billion for environmental cleanup at the Hanford Site, an 8.5% increase of $184 million over the previous years budget. It also restores funding to continue work at the Office of River Protection on a strategy to retrieve, treat and vitrify the waste currently in underground tanks.
Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT): The bill includes $452 million for payments to counties with large portions of land owned by the federal government. These funds help offset the loss of property tax income that pays for education, emergency services, county road maintenance, and other critical services in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, and Skamania Counties.
Continued commitment to strong salmon recovery: The bill secures $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), a program that provides critical funding for recovery and sustainability projects to improve wild salmon and steelhead habitats in Pacific Northwest. As of 2012, PCSRF funding has been applied to 260 fish enhancement projects in Southwest Washington and has restored over 7,100 miles of stream on the west coast for fish passage.
The restoration work done through PCSRF in part helps secure a future for recreational fishing in Washington state  an industry that as of 2011, contributed 5,100 jobs and $247 million in income for Washington residents, generated $654 million in local retail sales and contributed $390 million to the states gross domestic product.
Pollock Bill Language: The bill included Jaimes legislation barring Russian pollock from being marketed in the U.S. as Alaska pollock, protecting Southwest Washington fishermen and businesses from the economic harm caused by misleading labeling. 
Law Enforcement: The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program and the Byrne JAG programs provide vital support to law enforcement agencies across the country.They fund the hiring and training of law enforcement officers, prevention and education programs, treatment and correction programs, they help purchase and deploy new crime-fighting technologies, and develop and test innovative policing strategies.This bill includes $347.1 million for Byrne grants and $187 million for COPS.
Maternal and Child Health Block Grants: Jaimes recently launched Congressional Maternity Care Caucus successfully restored the Senate proposed cuts to the Maternity and Child Health Block grants used to improve the health and well-being of mothers, infants and children, including those with special health care needs.
Alzheimers Research: According to the Alzheimers Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia. This bill increases Alzheimers disease research funding at the National Institute of Health (NIH) significantly to $936 million. This is just over double what it was five years ago.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/advisory-dec-19-23/,ADVISORY: Dec 19-23,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. McMorris Rodgers in Spokane, Walla Walla, and Colville
Washington, DC Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will hold open media events in Eastern Washington December 19-23. She will honor the retirement of Megan Clubb, CEO of Baker Boyer Bank, speak at the Spokane Valley Rotary Club, visit veterans at the Walla Walla rehab unit, and tour local charitable organizations who are helping those in need throughout Eastern Washington.
If you are interested in covering the following events, please RSVP to Ian Field(ian.field@mail.house.gov).
Open Media Events for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers:
Saturday, December 19
11:00 amAward Presentation & Remarks: Daughters of the American Revolution Special Awards
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will give brief remarks and will present the Bronze Congressional Award for Youth, 2 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service and Historical Preservation Recognition Awards.
Location:  
2117 East North Crescent Ave  
Spokane, WA 99207-8400
Monday, December 21 
3:30 pm Remarks: Megan Clubb Retirement Event
In honor of her retirement, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will present a Congressional Record to Megan Clubb, CEO of Baker Boyer Bank.
Location:  
Baker Boyer Bank  
7 W Main Street  
Walla Walla, WA 99362
4:30 pm Visit & Tour: Walla Walla YWCA
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will tour the YWCA facilities including domestic violence shelter for women and children. She will also meet with YWCA staff and board members to discuss community influence, local support, and future plans.
Location:  
213 South 1st Ave  
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Tuesday December 22
8:15 am Visit: Walla Walla Veterans Residential Rehab Unit
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will visit Veterans to show support and offer appreciation to those seeking care and spending the holidays in the substance abuse and mental health residential unit.
Location:  
77 Wainwright Drive  
Walla Walla, WA 99362
12:00 pm Speaking: Spokane Valley Rotary Club
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will give remarks and answer questions at the Spokane Valley Rotary Club meeting.
Location:  
Darcys in the University City Mall  
10502 E. Sprague Ave  
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
3:00 pm Speaking: Celebration for Sheila Stalp and Karen Dodson
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will host an open house honoring the retirement of her congressional staff, Sheila Stalp and Karen Dodson.
Location:  
The Hub  
231 West Elep Ave  
Colville, WA 99114
Wednesday December 23
9:30 am Visit: Goodwill Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF)
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will visit SSVF, a housing stability program serving veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Goodwill partners with Volunteers of America and Transitions to provide these intensive services to veterans and their families in Spokane County, Stevens County, Pend Oreille County, Kootenai County, Ferry County, Lincoln County and Bonner County. SSVF assists over 400 veterans each year.
Location:  
130 E. 3rd Ave  
Spokane, WA 99202
10:45 am Visit: Christ Kitchen 
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will visit Christ Kitchen, a job-training project providing work, instruction, discipleship, support, and fellowship for women living in poverty in the Spokane area. Through the production and sales of gourmet dried food products and catered meals, this project enables women to learn to work, to become employable and, eventually, to support themselves and their families without reliance on government programs or destructive relationships.
Location:  
2410 N. Monroe St.  
Spokane, WA 99205
11:30 am Visit: Associated Industries
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will visit Associated Industries (AI) for a discussion about health care plans for people in Eastern Washington. AI administers health plans for six industries in WA: business services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing and retail. 1200 companies participate in their plans500 in Spokane.
Location:  
1206 N. Lincoln St.  
Spokane, WA 99201
1:45 pm Award Presentation: Hero of Main Street
Rep. McMorris Rodgers will be presented the Hero of Main Street award by Rick OConner of Referee Photo and Mark Johnson of the Washington Retail Association.
Location:  
The Spokane Club  
1002 W Riverside Ave  
Spokane, WA 99201",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/consolidated-appropriations-for-2016/,Consolidated Appropriations for 2016,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised Eastern Washington priorities in the consolidated appropriations bill to fund the federal government for the coming year. This bipartisan deal includes many initiatives McMorris Rodgers has led, including keeping communities safe from wildfires, stopping burdensome regulations, supporting rural counties, and investing in cures for diseases.
On Forests: Washington State experienced devastating fires in 2014 and 2015. For 2016, we secured the greatest investment in decades to fight fires and make our forests healthy, McMorris Rodgers said. I will continue to push for solutions to help firefighters and preserve healthier forests for generations to come.
Note: McMorris Rodgers is leading an effort to improvethe way we manage forest health and protect rural communities from wildfires. Legislation she helped author passed the U.S. House this year. She has authored op-eds in The Spokesman-Review and The Seattle Times.
On Cures: Innovation and discovery should be accelerated; treatments should be quickly available; and we should be curing diseases here in the United States, McMorris Rodgers said. This agreement bolsters our investment in future cures and prioritizes cancer and Alzheimers research.
Note: This deal supplies additional resources to for the National Institute of Health (NIH) to cure cancer and Alzheimers disease. NIH funding is used by researchers at Washington State University and the University of Washington. McMorris Rodgers authored six major provisions of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures package that passed the House earlier this year.
The agreement encourages the NIH to explore the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that predestine individuals born with a third copy of human chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) to either live withor be protected froma range of diseases that cause nearly 60 percent of deaths today in the U.S. The agreement requests that NIH submit a report within one year of enactment of this Act to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of a multi-year study of children and adults with trisomy 21.
On Obamacare Regulations: In their current form, Obamacares menu labeling regulations are fundamentally impractical and unnecessarily expensive, McMorris Rodgers said. While our bipartisan legislative solution continues to advance through Congress, I am pleased that this unworkable rule will be delayed at least one year.
Note: This deal delays by one year the flawed 400-page menu labeling rule from Obamacare. McMorris Rodgers authored bipartisan legislation to fix this regulation, it passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee in November. The deal also repeals broken Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements that would hurt farmers and ranchers in Eastern Washington. 
On Security: The men and women who serve in our military risk their lives to protect our freedom, and we must support them and their families, McMorris Rodgers said. I am honored to represent Fairchild Air Force Base and will continue doing everything I can to support the airmen, guard, and reserves who serve there.
Note: This deal pays our troops and provides them with the resources and equipment they need to protect our national security and keep Americans safe. Additionally, the KC-46 Tanker modernization project funding is on track. 
On 2016: Under the new leadership of Speaker Ryan, weve continued our work to return power to every family, worker, parent, and student with meaningful reforms to education, energy, transportation, and issues of national security  taking the government off autopilot and paving the way for a productive 2016, McMorris Rodgers said.
While our work is far from finished, weve opened up the process and made great strides in promoting and advancing the American peoples priorities through their elected representatives. In 2016, we will continue opening this country to the future and empowering every man, woman, and child to pursue their version of the American dream, regardless of their background or walk of life.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-central-washington-priorities-omnibus-passage,Newhouse Statement on Central Washington Priorities in Omnibus Passage,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 2029, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act on a vote of 316-113. Yesterday, the House approved the tax relief provisions of the end-of-year agreement.
While this bill is far from perfect, it advances Central Washingtons priorities, said Rep. Newhouse. It keeps the federal government accountable for meeting the legal and moral obligation to continue clean-up at Hanford.I fought hard to ensure thatthis bill contains critical resources to fully fund Hanford clean-up through the next fiscal year.
Additionally, this legislation provides a key repeal of the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements. If COOL is not repealed, Washington farmers stand to face tens of millions of dollars inretaliatorytariffs by Mexico and Canada, causing severe economic harm to agriculture in our state.
After yet another catastrophic wildfire season for Central Washington and the West, this legislation provides a much-needed 50-percent increase in wildfire response and prevention funding. It also includes resources for the reduction of hazardous fuels in national forests, with agencies directed to work with State and local governments to prioritize the prompt removal of dead and downed trees in drought-stricken regions.
Over the last several weeks we have been confronted by the growing threat of terrorism at home and abroad, and this legislation provides vital funding for our military and intelligence community to ensure we can combat threats to our nation.I am also pleased this legislation provides new safeguards for our national security byreforming the visa waiver program to provide tighter screening for travel to the U.S. It also prohibits funding fortransfers of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. or its territories, keeping them from our shores. We must provide necessary resources to secure the homeland and fight the global scourge of ISIS, and this bill gives our troops the critical tools they need to keep Americans safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-tax-extenders-bill,Rep. Reichert's Statement on Tax Extenders Bill,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, which includes several provisions Rep. Reichert championed. Prior to the vote, the Congressman spoke on the House floor about the impact this bill will have on Washingtonians. To watch the video, click HERE.
Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bills passage:
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act does exactly what its title implies  it ensures families across the country will keep more of their hard-earned dollars and provides our small business owners with much-needed certainty to plan for future investments and hirings. I am proud to say this bill includes several provisions I have championed on behalf of Americas teachers, workers and small businesses, Reichert said. And for Washingtonians, this bill not only guarantees fairness by making permanent our ability to deduct sales tax, but it also ensures that tens of thousands of local public employees, like public utility workers and teachers, will be able to pass on savings they set aside for health care to their loved ones. Todays vote puts us on a path toward tax reform and guarantees certainty for American workers to provide for their families and for American businesses to compete, innovate and thrive.
After the vote, stakeholders reached out to Rep. Reichert, thanking for him for his continued effort to fight for tax relief for Washingtonians:
Main Street businesses owe Congressman Reichert a big THANKS for his tireless efforts on behalf of millions of S corporations across the country. The passage of the PATH Act means these businesses will no longer need to wait until the end of the year to know if they are going to get relief from the built-in gains tax or whether theyll be able to deduct their full charitable contributions. These and the other Main Street business provisions in the bill will provide job creators with certainty for the first time in decades, so they can make decisions based on what is best for the company rather than the dictates of an outdated tax code.
- Brian Reardon, President, S Corporation Association
NEA applauds Rep. Reicherts bipartisan efforts to provide much-needed financial relief for the 99.5 percent of public school educators who put their own dollars toward classroom supplies and instructional materials for our children. For the first time, the tax deduction is permanent, includes professional development as a deductible expense, and will go a long way towards helping educators provide the additional resources our students need to succeed.
- Lily Eskelsen Garca , President, National Education Association
We are very thankful this bill has been passed. It provides a much-needed change for local government employees who for years have worked hard to set money aside in their VEBA accounts to provide for their health care and that of their families. These prudent savers deserve options in designating beneficiaries so the earnings they have accumulated during their years of service are rightfully retained by their families.
- Steve Pfaff, Commissioner of the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District
Additional Information:
Reichert, Blumenauer Introduce Bill to Eliminate HRA Tax Rule:  https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-blumenauer-introduce-bill-eliminate-hra-tax-rule
Reichert and House Members Work to Provide Educators with Tax Relief:  https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-and-house-members-work-provide-educators-tax-relief
Reichert, Kind Introduce Bill to Reduce Burden on Small Businesses: https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-kind-introduce-bill-reduce-burden-small-businesses",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398667,Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Secure Making  State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Permanent in Tax Agreement,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. House of Representatives passed the House- Senate negotiated agreement on a tax reform bill that includes the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction  critical tax relief that Jaime has championed since coming to Congress. Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the bill with a vote of 318 - 109.   
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Click here to watch Jaime urge the U.S. House to permanently extend the state and local sales tax earlier this year. 
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. House of Representatives passed the House- Senate negotiated agreement on a tax reform bill that includes the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction  critical tax relief that Jaime has championed since coming to Congress. Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the bill with a vote of 318 - 109. 
The state and local sales tax deduction allows residents of states without a state income tax, like Washington, to deduct state and local sales tax from their federal tax returns. Residents of states with income tax are able to deduct that from their federal taxes. 
For the past several years, Congress has passed only short-term extensions of the sales tax deduction at the 11th hour. The provision is widely used by Washington residents; in 2012, 27.7% of Washington state filers used the sales tax deduction, saving this states taxpayers more than $2 billion. The average claim was $602. 
Etching this the state and local sales tax deduction into permanent tax code would eliminate the uncertainty that individuals and families face due to frequent short-term extensions. 
Residents from over 40 states get to deduct their state income tax from their federal taxes, and now, through the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction, Washington state families can know that they will get to keep more of their money too, said Jaime. This solution gives fairness in the tax code to Southwest Washington families who have already dutifully paid their taxes. A mom from Chehalis can spend that money averaging $602  on the things that matter to her family. 
This provision was part of a larger package of tax relief provisions including permanent extension of the Research and Development Credit and all charitable giving deductions. The bill also included taxpayer protection and IRS accountability provisions; the Taxpayer Bill of Rights that establishes the right of taxpayers to challenge the IRS and appeal their decision, the IRS Email Transparency Act that prohibits the IRS from using personal email accounts to conduct government business, the Contracting Tax Accountability Act that prohibits companies with significant tax debt to receive government contracts and the Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act that prevents the federal government from hiring individuals who have not paid their taxes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/providing-tax-certainty-to-support-jobs-innovation/,Providing Tax Certainty to Support Jobs & Innovation,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Eastern Washington, this means local farmers and manufacturers will have more certainty to invest in the property and equipment necessary to grow and expand.
Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the bipartisan passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. It includes a suspension of the harmful medical device tax, and provisions like the Research and Development Credit and Section 179 expensing are made permanent.
McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Today, the House took important steps in our mission to provide more certainty and opportunity for job creators and their families. By voting to make some of the most important parts of our tax code permanent, and incentivizing the development of cutting-edge technology here in America, businesses and manufacturers of all sizes will have more of the edge they need to grow and compete in a dynamic economy. In Eastern Washington, this means local farmers and manufacturers will have more certainty to invest in the property and equipment necessary to grow and expand. The PATH Act will help keep jobs and innovation here in America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-permanent-tax-relief-families-small-businesses,"Newhouse Applauds Passage of Permanent Tax Relief for Families, Small Businesses",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 on a vote of 318-109.
Todays passage of a bipartisan, pro-growth tax extender package is a huge win for families and small businesses in Central Washington, said Rep. Newhouse. Before today, Washingtonians were at a disadvantage compared to residents of states who are able to claim a federal tax deduction for state income taxes. Each year, Washingtonians had to wait at the whims of D.C. to know if they would be allowed a federal tax deduction for what they spend on state and local sales tax. Making the state and local sales tax deduction permanent when filing federal taxes promotes fairness in the tax code and allows individuals and families in Washington to keep more of the money they earn. In 2012, the average Washington taxpayer saved $602 from this federal deduction. This deduction will permanently reduce the tax burden on Washington families and give them the certainty they need to plan ahead financially.
The agreement passed today also helps small businesses by blocking scheduled tax hikes from ever taking effect. Small businesses will now be able to rely on a permanent tax deduction of up to $500,000 on assets such as heavy machinery or office equipment. This provision will promote investment and give small businesses the long-term tax certainty they need.
Together, these permanent deductions will go a long way to create fairness and protect families and small businesses from tax increases. I am proud to support permanent tax relief that boosts economic growth and creates jobs, injecting money into our economy instead of sending it to bureaucrats in D.C.
H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 makes permanent over 20 tax relief provisions, extends for 5 years or 2 years a number of other tax relief provisions that expired at the end of calendar year 2014, provides for a 2-year moratorium on the medical device tax, and includes a number of additional tax policy changes
Click here for a Section-By-Section Summary of the PATH Act",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/freedom-of-the-press-in-the-western-hemisphere/,Freedom of the Press in the Western Hemisphere,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today,Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) stoodin support of H. Res. 536, a resolution to support freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean. The bill condemns violations of press freedoms and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech.
McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Freedom of the press is a pillar on which all free and prosperous societies are built. The persecution of those seeking free expression should not be tolerated. Regime hostility toward journalists in Cuba, Ecuador, and Mexico violates basic civil rights and the Inter-American democratic charter.
H. Res. 536 was adopted by the House with a 399  2vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/northern-representative-malcolm-friedman/,Northern Representative Malcolm Friedman,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced former Stevens County Commissioner Malcolm Friedman will serve as her Northern Regional Representative, based in her Colville office.
Malcolm is leader in Northeastern Washington, and he brings a wealth of experience to this position, McMorris Rodgers said. I am excited to welcome him to my team as we continue to partner with local communities and individuals in moving forward important projects and priorities.
Malcolm Friedman grew up in the Colville grocery store his family built in 1956. He attended Colville schools and graduated from the University of Washington. After college, Friedman continued in the family grocery business, expanding into new locations. In 1997, he became the executive director of the Rural Information Technology Center, a nonprofit in Colville focused on expanding access to broadband internet in Northeastern Washington.
In 2001, Friedman was elected to the Stevens County Board of Commissioners, and he served in that position until 2012. He has served on numerous boards and community organizations, including Mount Carmel Hospital Board, Rural Resources Community Action Board, Martin Hall Juvenile Facility Board, Tri-County Economic Development District Board, North East Washington Regional Support Network, North East Washington Health Systems, as well as the Colville Rotary Club and the Colville Food Bank.
Friedman is married to his high school sweetheart, Jillian. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/kilmer-reichert-and-newhouse-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-disaster-assistance,"Kilmer, Reichert, and Newhouse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Disaster Assistance to Rural Communities",2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  December 11, 2015  Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand key disaster assistance to rural communities in Washington state and across the country. The Individual Assistance Improvement Act of 2015 would increase opportunities to access the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program.
The Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration.
In Washington state, rural communities have been impacted by wildfires this year that burned more than one million acres and left 46 families without temporary housing. On the Olympic Peninsula severe storms have triggered flooding and mudslides that have caused significant damage to residential property.
From wildfires to mudslides, natural disasters cause significant damage to residents and businesses across our state, said Representative Kilmer. Folks who have to pick up the pieces after their property is damaged need a helping hand. They shouldnt have to worry about bureaucratic and technical hurdles to getting back on their feet. This bipartisan bill ensures that rural communities in Washington state dont get left out when we need to rebuild after disasters strike. 
Wildfires affect both urban and rural areas the same, they consume whatever stands in their path, said Representative Reichert. Communities throughout my region learned this the hard way this past summer. Chelan County alone lost 122,845 acres to wildfires, costing it over $4.7 million in damages. Many other smaller communities in Washington State and the country are impacted by wildfires and other disasters every year but do not receive the same FEMA consideration for Individual Assistance as more urban communities do. I was pleased to work with Congressmen Kilmer and Newhouse on bipartisan legislation to update this shortcoming in existing law and ensure that rural communities receive the financial support they need in order to help them pick up the pieces and rebuild after devastating disasters.
Two years of historic catastrophic wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and burned 1.4 million acres, despite this the residents of Central Washington have repeatedly been denied access to Individual Assistance aid without an adequate explanation, said Representative Newhouse. Current rules for disaster aid prioritize relief efforts to areas of concentration, or urban areas. This means even after a major federal disaster is declared all too often residents in devastated rural communities are left to fend for themselves. No family facing the aftermath of a wildfire, or any natural disaster, should be denied federal aid simply because they live in a rural community. This legislation will revise eligibility criteria, providing much-needed clarity and objective standards for the formula used for federal assistance. I thank my colleagues, Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Reichert, for their efforts on this critical legislation to ensure rural communities are not unfairly excluded from federal aid.
The members legislation would eliminate a factor FEMA uses to evaluate rural areas that treats them as a metropolitan area  putting too much emphasis on population density. The bill would also seek to set clear guidelines for how FEMA helps small states and rural communities gain access to assistance and would give Governors and Tribal Executives clear guidance as to why requests are accepted or rejected.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-passage-customs-bill,Rep. Reichert's Statement on Passage of Customs Bill,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today the U.S. House passed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which works to remove barriers for American importers and exporters and provide Customs and Border Protection officers with the tools they need to enforce our trade laws. As Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was named as a conferee to the committee that negotiated the final bill. Prior to the bills passage, Rep. Reichert spoke on the House floor about the benefits of passing this bill, both for Washington State and the country as a whole. A video of the speech can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/full-wa-delegation-dot-wa-state-needs-emergency-relief-after-severe,"Full WA Delegation to DOT: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods",2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, urging the Department of Transportation to quickly approve emergency relief funding to repair heavy damage to roadways in Washington state from storms occurring November 30 through December 8. The severe weather caused incidents state-wide ranging from flooding to mudslides, resulting in property damage and blocked roadways.
We urge you to grant the State of Washingtons ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways, the members wrote in their letter.
Full text of the letter:
December 10, 2015

The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary Foxx:
We write to urge you to expeditiously approve Emergency Relief (ER) program funding requested by the State of Washington to make emergency repairs to roadways and address damage caused by this weeks severe storms.
On December 9, 2015, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state as a result of a series of severe storms and hazardous weather conditions that occurred from November 30 through December 8. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused major flooding, saturated soils, landslides, mudslides, downed trees and power lines, stream bank and slope erosion, flying debris, standing water, and washouts.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is responding to more than 25 separate instances of blocked or damaged roadways across 13 counties due to this extreme weather, forcing our constituents to use alternate routes and detours. In some extreme cases, mudslides and flooding have completely isolated individual homes and neighborhoods. Interstate-5 (I-5) Northbound, approximately 20 miles north of Vancouver, remains blocked by mudslide and debris; if WSDOT can determine the surrounding slopes are stable, I-5 could be reopened in the next 24 hours. In addition, the northbound I-5 off-ramp to Kalama (exit 30) remains closed due to flooding. U.S. Route 2 near Leavenworth remains closed due to a mudslide, and may reopen soon, and U.S. Route 2 has been reduced to one lane in both directions west of Stevens Pass due to another mudslide. A washout on both sides of White Pass on U.S. Route 12 has closed this section of roadway indefinitely and an extended closure is expected. In all, more than 15 closures have been cleared or reopened by WSDOTs diligent road crews and at least seven state routes remain closed.
WSDOT estimates repairs to these roadways could reach at least $5 million, and the State of Washington has already requested $3 million in quick release ER funding to begin work immediately. We urge you to grant the State of Washingtons ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this important request.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-kilmer-and-reichert-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-disaster,"Newhouse, Kilmer, and Reichert Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Disaster Assistance to Rural Communities",2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand key disaster assistance to rural communities in Washington state and across the country. The Individual Assistance Improvement Act of 2015 would increase opportunities to access the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program.
The Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration.
In Washington state, rural communities have been impacted by wildfires this year that burned more than one million acres and left 46 families without temporary housing. On the Olympic Peninsula severe storms have triggered flooding and mudslides that have caused significant damage to residential property.
Two years of historic catastrophic wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and burned 1.4 million acres, despite this the residents of Central Washington have repeatedly been denied access to Individual Assistance aid without an adequate explanation, said Representative Newhouse. Current rules for disaster aid prioritize relief efforts to areas of concentration, or urban areas. This means even after a major federal disaster is declared all too often residents in devastated rural communities are left to fend for themselves. No family facing the aftermath of a wildfire, or any natural disaster, should be denied federal aid simply because they live in a rural community. This legislation will revise eligibility criteria, providing much-needed clarity and objective standards for the formula used for federal assistance. I thank my colleagues, Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Reichert, for their efforts on this critical legislation to ensure rural communities are not unfairly excluded from federal aid.
From wildfires to mudslides, natural disasters cause significant damage to residents and businesses across our state, said Representative Kilmer. Folks who have to pick up the pieces after their property is damaged need a helping hand. They shouldnt have to worry about bureaucratic and technical hurdles to getting back on their feet. This bipartisan bill ensures that rural communities in Washington state dont get left out when we need to rebuild after disasters strike. 
Wildfires affect both urban and rural areas the same, they consume whatever stands in their path, said Representative Reichert. Communities throughout my region learned this the hard way this past summer. Chelan County alone lost 122,845 acres to wildfires, costing it over $4.7 million in damages. Many other smaller communities in Washington State and the country are impacted by wildfires and other disasters every year but do not receive the same FEMA consideration for Individual Assistance as more urban communities do. I was pleased to work with Congressmen Kilmer and Newhouse on bipartisan legislation to update this shortcoming in existing law and ensure that rural communities receive the financial support they need in order to help them pick up the pieces and rebuild after devastating disasters.
The members legislation would eliminate a factor FEMA uses to evaluate rural areas that treats them as a metropolitan area  putting too much emphasis on population density. The bill would also seek to set clear guidelines for how FEMA helps small states and rural communities gain access to assistance and would give Governors and Tribal Executives clear guidance as to why requests are accepted or rejected.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398666,U.S. House Committee Holds Hearing on Jaime Herrera Beutler Prenatal Screening Education Bill,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) to improve parents understanding of the limitations and benefits of prenatal screening provided during pregnancy. 
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) to improve parents understanding of the limitations and benefits of prenatal screening provided during pregnancy. The Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act would develop and facilitate broad access to accurate, evidence-based information to accompany cell-free DNA prenatal screenings by requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain two separate education programs for patients and health care providers.
Cell-free DNA prenatal screenings  a new technology available since 2011  are blood tests that examine placental DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether a baby is at risk for a chromosomal abnormality. These screenings are not diagnostic, since they are not reliable enough to confirm an abnormality. Studies have revealed that screenings can produce false alarms up to 50% of the time.
The hearing brought in experts to help the Health Subcommittee closely examine Jaimes bill and five other pieces of legislation aiming to improve health care and treatment. Dr. Anthony Gregg, M.D., testified in favor of Jaimes bill on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The hearing is the requisite preliminary step for the Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act to advance through Congress.
Todays hearing shows that congressional health care leaders recognize the need to strengthen the information accompanying prenatal screenings. These screenings should not be confused with diagnoses, and its critical that parents are receiving the education and counseling to best understand these tests value  and their limitations, said Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler. Im grateful to Chairman Joe Pitts of the Health Subcommittee for taking up this bipartisan solution that will benefit and empower expectant parents. 
ACMG agrees with the goal of H.R. 3441, that it is imperative for clinicians to provide patients with both pre-test and post-test counseling when offering NIPS, in order to avoid any potential patient harm or confusion, said Anthony Gregg, M.D., on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), during his hearing testimony. We recognize that with nearly 4 million U.S. births annually, it is imperative that obstetric care providers, including obstetricians, family medicine physicians, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, have access to accurate educational materials that ensure patients receive accurate pre-test counseling. 
I commend Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts and Ranking Member Gene Green for including our bill, the Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act, in todays hearing, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. Expectant moms deserve to have access to the best information about cell-free DNA prenatal screenings, and our bill will help to ensure that this information is accurate, balanced, and readily available to all families and health providers. I hope that Dr. Anthony Greggs strong testimony about the need for the Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act will encourage our colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation, so that we can move the bill forward towards passage.

Background on prenatal screenings: 
Inaccurate up to half of the time: Two recent industry-conducted studies revealed the screenings can have false alarms 50% of the time. In another study, samples from two women who were not pregnant were sent to five testing companies for analysis. Three companies returned samples indicating they came from a woman who was carrying a healthy baby.
Studies show parents receiving inaccurate, inconsistent, incomplete information: One study of information available online about prenatal screenings found that only 15% of screening manufacturers websites pointed out that the test cannot rule out all fetal abnormalities. Some websites stated that the test guarantees a healthy baby. Just over half the websites stated that an invasive test is required to confirm a positive non-invasive screening result, and only a quarter mentioned the importance of pre-test counseling with a health care professional even though they are both recommended by medical professional guidelines.
Screenings are not regulated by the FDA: Currently, cell-free DNA prenatal screenings are not regulated by the FDA, and there are no requirements about what information is provided to doctors and parents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/principled-action-for-americas-safety/,Principled Action for Americas Safety,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to Play
Washington, D.C.  Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to reform and strengthen the Visa Waver program and called on American leaders to take principled action to protect the safety and security of every person in this country.
The House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, with overwhelming bipartisan support, 407-19.
America will always welcome foreign visitors, McMorris Rodgers said. But we cannot allow those who seek to do us harm to abuse our relationships with friendly nations. With the simple, bipartisan reforms to the visa-waiver program we passed today, we add additional safeguards that prevent potential threats from coming to America.
When asked about Donald Trumps proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the country, McMorris Rodgers stood up for American values. I agree with the statement made by Speaker Ryan, McMorris Rodgers said. [Trumps] proposal does not reflect our values as Republicans or Americans. I believe very strongly in the importance of our Constitutional rights. In America, we celebrate freedom of religion and freedom to worship.
McMorris Rodgers also called for the President to articulate a clear plan to protect the United States. We have an obligation to confront terrorist organizations before they threaten the American people, McMorris Rodgers said. The House will continue to take principled action while urging the President to adopt a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-praises-visa-waiver-reform-strengthen-national-security,Newhouse Praises Visa Waiver Reform to Strengthen National Security,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Rep. Newhouse cosponsored the bill to enhance security screening for participants in the Visa Waiver Program. This program was created in 1986 and allows nationals from 38 participating countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism without obtaining a U.S. visa, as long as they present a valid passport.
This common sense legislation strengthens our national security by making urgent reforms to address vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program, said Rep. Newhouse. In light of the threat we face at home from ISIS terrorists, improving screening of foreign travelers to ensure the safety of the American people should be our top priority. I cosponsored this bipartisan bill to give our intelligence community additional tools so that we can scrutinize foreign nationals seeking to visit our country and better share intelligence with partner nations. Closing existing loopholes and tightening the screening process for travelers from participating countries are necessary steps to block those who would do us harm from entering our country.
H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 will make the following changes to the Visa Waiver Program:

 Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S.
 
 Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots including Iraq and Syria since 2011
 
 Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries to use fraud resistant e-passports
 
 Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-response-president-obama-s-address,Rep. Newhouse Response to President Obamas Address,2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after President Obamas Oval Office address:
""The President's address tonight was disappointing. The horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino clearly show that radical Islamic terrorism is a growing threat at home and abroad. President Obama has the authority he needs to destroy ISIS, but tonight he simply doubled down on current efforts that have failed to even contain it.
The call to restrict 2nd Amendment rights on law-abiding citizens was also misguided. California has the most stringent gun control laws in the nation. France has far stricter gun control than exists in the U.S. The terrorists attacked San Bernardino and Paris anyway. Rather than shift the debate to a political distraction, the President should develop a strategy to destroy radical Islamic terrorism.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-ex-im-reauthorization,Rep. Reichert's Statement on Ex-Im Reauthorization,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) supported and the U.S. House and Senate passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which included language to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bill’s passage:
“After many months of uncertainty, Congress made the responsible decision to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, which provides thousands of businesses throughout the country with the tool they need to reach new foreign customers and expand globally. This resource is especially critical to Washington State, where Ex-Im has supported over 230 businesses – many of them small - and helped generate over $15 billion in exports just last year. I am proud to have served on the conference committee for this bill and to have been part of the team that saw the Bank’s reauthorization across the finish line.  Getting to this point has taken a lot of work from both sides of the aisle, but I am confident that when Washington State businesses operate on a level playing field with foreign businesses, they win, and create hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs here at home.”
Background:
Since Congress failed to reauthorize Ex-Im this past summer, Rep. Reichert has been working with a bipartisan group of colleagues to revive the Bank. He joined with over 40 Republicans in signing a petition to bring a bill to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank to the House floor. This bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 313-118 – and because of this bipartisan support it was included in the Highway Bill.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/crop-insurance-fixed/,Crop Insurance Fixed,2015-12-04,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the inclusion of a fix to the crop insurance program in the conference report for H.R. 22. It passed the U.S. House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 359-65.
McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
There were problematic changes to the crop insurance program in the Bipartisan Budget Act we passed in October that would have hurt Eastern Washingtons farmers. Before I agreed to support the deal, I made certain these changes would be completely reversed in upcoming legislation.
I promised our farmers it would happen, and now its done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-house-passage-highway-bill,Rep. Reichert's Statement on House Passage of Highway Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which reauthorizes our nation’s highways, transit, and safety programs as well as fully funds the Highway Trust Fund for the next five years. As a member of the highway bill conference committee, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) was part of the bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers that worked together to reach an agreement on the final conference report.
Congressman Reichert made the following statement after the bill passed the House:
“After years of short-term fixes, Congress voted this afternoon to give states the long-term certainty they need to make investments in job creating infrastructure projects that are critical to our roads, bridges, economic competitiveness, and public safety. The bill gives states more control and flexibility in prioritizing funding for much-needed highway projects and contains provisions that will help us better compete in a 21st Century economy, including improvements in freight mobility and port performance measures to address future port slowdowns. This is especially important to Washingtonians as our freight systems and ports support 1.5 million jobs and produce $129 billion in annual revenue. The bill also includes provisions to improve highway safety such as encouraging states to address unsecure loads.”
“Although this legislation is not perfect, I am proud of the work we have done as a bipartisan group to move a long-term highway solution to the President’s desk.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398665,"U.S House Passes Final Transportation Agreement that will Strengthen Southwest Washington Buses, Columbia River Gorge Bridges",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a final five-year, bipartisan transportation package that adds $1.5 billion in competitive grants for bus systems in Southwest Washington and across the country, and also makes roads and bridges within the Columbia River Gorge eligible for economic development grants to fund improvements.  
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a final five-year, bipartisan transportation package that adds $1.5 billion in competitive grants for bus systems in Southwest Washington and across the country, and also makes roads and bridges within the Columbia River Gorge eligible for economic development grants to fund improvements. Both provisions were included as a result of amendments successfully led by Jaime Herrera Beutler.The responsible legislation does not raise the gas tax, streamlines inefficiencies, prioritizes safety, and provides certainty for cities and states to plan much needed transportation projects. The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the package in the coming days, and the President has announced that he will sign it into law.
This five year package will make meaningful improvements to the transportation system that serves our regions residents and businesses, as well as the thousands who visit the Columbia River Gorge each year. said Jaime. Im pleased to have succeeded in making sure our federal transportation dollars can meet the needs of Southwest Washingtons buses, bridges and roads. 
Jaime Herrera Beutler sponsored Bus Transit Amendment: 
Jaime Herrera Beutler led the effort to restore the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant program when she successfully championed an amendment to the U.S. House version of the transportation bill in November. As a result of Jaimes efforts, the final House-Senate funding agreement includes an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies can compete to improve bus services for Southwest Washington transit commuters.  
Read more about the amendment and watch Jaimes floor speech here. 
Jaime Herrera Beutler sponsored Bridges in National Scenic Areas Amendment: 
The bill also included a bipartisan proposal offered by Jaime and Oregon Reps. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 
The proposal ensures that projects within national scenic areas (NSAs), including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Read more about this amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/building-roads-and-bridges/,Building Roads and Bridges,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised passage of the conference report for H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which passed the U.S. House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 359-65.
This kind of long term authorization is essential for projects like the North Spokane Corridor and Highway 12 in Walla Walla, McMorris Rodgers said. Our roads must be safe and well maintained; it is crucial for our economy and our Eastern Washington way of life.
This bill improves Americas transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail networks. In particular, it expands funding available for bridges in rural communities.
McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Smart investment in our nations roads, bridges, and highways and the ability to keep goods moving safely and efficiently, is vital to the health and growth of our economy. When we develop or repair infrastructure today, it must be with a focus on tomorrow. This legislation emphasizes building roads and highways with current technology and the strength to hold for the next 10 years. By cutting red tape and bringing together local governments with private sector partners, this 21st Century plan will create ground-breaking improvements and benefit communities for years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/hydro-modern-american-energy/,Hydro: Modern American Energy,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"We could double hydropowerand create hundreds of thousands of new jobswithout building a single new dam, simply by updating the technology in our existing infrastructure.
Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the passage of bipartisan legislation to modernize Americas energy system. H.R. 8 the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act passed the House, 249-174.
H.R. 8 includes important provisions authored by McMorris Rodgers to modernize hydropower licensing, which is another step forward in McMorris Rodgers bipartisan effort to advance hydropower.
It can take up to 10 years or longer to license a new hydropower project or relicense an existing facility. In comparison, it takes 18 months, on average, to license a natural gas facility.
Our changes will establish realistic, enforceable timelines, and prevent expensive and redundant studies, McMorris Rodgers said. This is very timely, because in the next 15 years over 500 hydropower plants will need to be reauthorized.
Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. It is clean, safe, reliable, renewable, and affordable. Studies show we could double hydropower without building a new dam. This legislation will make it easier to add power production capabilities to existing dams.
In 2013, McMorris Rodgers introduced H.R. 267, the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act, which passed Congress with unanimous support and was one of only 72 bills signed into law by President Obama that year. It facilitates the development of small hydropower and conduit projects, using emerging technologies that improve the capture of energy along irrigation canals, municipal water supply conduits, and other infrastructure.
Click here to watch McMorris Rodgers statement during Energy & Commerce Committee markup on September 30.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-schrader-applaud-passage-port-performance-program-surface,"Newhouse, Schrader Applaud Passage of Port Performance Program in Surface Transportation Bill",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR), released the following statements applauding passage of the bipartisan H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) to reauthorize transportation and infrastructure programs.
Reps. Newhouse and Schrader led the effort to include the Port Performance Program within the FAST Act requiring the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to collect and report port statistics which will then be published in an annual report by BTS. The bill also establishes a working group to make recommendations to BTS to determine specific port metrics. The working group will have at least 22 members, including government officials and representatives from labor and industry, with the final decision on metrics resting with the BTS Director.
The Port Performance Program is a step forward for transparency on ports operations, said Rep. Newhouse. I applaud passage of the FAST Act with important provisions to establish a metrics program that will provide objective baseline economic data for ports operations. Improved port metrics will provide a critical tool to examine the economic effects of port slowdowns such as the disastrous West Coast Ports slowdown earlier this year, and I thank my colleague, Rep. Schrader, for working with me on this effort.
As an essential component of our transportation system, and the global supply chain, our ports are critical to U.S. farmers and businesses. The efficient flow of cargo in and out of our ports is vital to the economic health of our country. Unfortunately, very little data exists on the performance of our ports, when it is a requirement in nearly every other sector of our transportation system and is important not only identifying and dealing with congestion in the system, but also shaping transportation policy, said Congressman Schrader. I appreciate the inclusion of this provision in the FAST Act and am hopeful this can strengthen the tools necessary to prevent further port disruptions and lead to increased investment and a boost to our economy.
The Port Performance Program within the FAST Act would create the following requirements:

 The BTS Director must submit a report on port capacity and throughput no later than January 15th of each year;
 
 The annual report must cover, at a minimum, the top 25 ports in the nation by tonnage, containers, and dry bulk;
 
 The working group must be established within 60 days of the bills enactment, and the working group members must submit their recommendations to the BTS Director within one year of enactment of the bill;
 
In response to the West Coast Ports slowdown earlier this year, Reps. Newhouse and Schrader introduced the H.R. 3932 theEnsuring Continued Operations and No Other Major Incidents, Closures, or Slowdowns(ECONOMICS) Act last month. The ECONOMICS Act would establish specific economic triggers, so that when certain economic impacts surrounding a dispute occur, a Board of Inquirymustbe convened, and the Board would be required to report to the President and the public to recommend whether there should be a judicial injunction.
For a summary of the FAST Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-protect-rural-utilities-and-support-hydropower,Newhouse Votes to Protect Rural Utilities and Support Hydropower,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04), released the following statement applauding House passage of H.R. 8, theNorth American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. This legislation will modernize the countrys energy laws and infrastructure for the 21st Century, facilitate more domestic energy production, modernize our energy workforce, improve management of the electric grid on federal lands and forests, update hydropower regulations, and strengthen overall U.S. national security and energy independence.
I am proud to support this legislation to improve the reliability of our electricity grid and to support clean, renewable hydropower infrastructure, said Rep. Newhouse. Updating management policies for power lines on federal lands is a common sense step to reduce the threat of wildfires and prevent unnecessary electricity blackouts. Much of our energy in the Pacific Northwest comes from hydropower sources, and cutting red tape for non-federal hydropower projects will create more opportunities for clean energy production that benefits the environment and creates jobs. Improving management of the electric grid and reforming guidelines for hydropower production for will make energy more affordable for American energy consumers and ratepayers.
Included as a provision within H.R. 8 is the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act, which was co-sponsored by Rep. Newhouse. This provision will improve the safety and reliability of transmission and distribution of electricity across federal lands. This will streamline the process of trimming hazard trees and performing limited vegetative management around power lines on federal lands.
H.R. 8 also contains important provisions to update federal licensing and regulation of non-federal hydropower projects administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Federal Power Act (FPA). Currently, the hydropower authorization process can last for 8 to 10 years, while other energy resources, such as natural gas, can be authorized in two years or less. Among other changes, the legislation includes reforms that would: make the approval process for non-federal hydropower more efficient and collaborative; improve the hydropower licensing study process; improve FERCs license amendment procedures; expedite hydropower project upgrades that expand renewable hydropower capacity, address environmental effects, or support public recreation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-applauds-esea-reauthorization,Rep. Reichert Applauds ESEA Reauthorization,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), replacing the existing law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB):
“Ensuring that all children have access to a world-class education is one of our greatest responsibilities, but for too long we have failed to meet that duty as our schools have struggled under the outdated No Child Left Behind law.  I’m pleased we were able to roll up our sleeves, put politics aside, and come to a bipartisan agreement on legislation updating our nation’s education law with one that put parents and educators back in charge of our children’s learning. This historic piece of legislation will end a decades-old top-down bureaucratic approach to education and empower our local school districts to make decisions that best address the unique needs of their students so that every child can succeed.”
Background:
This past November, Rep. Reichert sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate committees responsible for education legislation, urging them to quickly come to an agreement on legislation to reauthorize ESEA.
S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, is the conference agreement to reauthorize ESEA and passed the House on December 2, 2015 by a vote of 359-64.  The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-named-customs-conferee,Rep. Reichert Named Customs Conferee,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was selected to serve on the conference committee for the customs reauthorization bill. In this role, Rep. Reichert will work with his colleagues from the House and Senate to finalize an agreement on legislation to facilitate trade through the modernization of our export-import processes and to strengthen the enforcement of our trade laws. This is his second appointment to a conference committee in three weeks after finishing his work yesterday on the federal transportation authorization bill that is scheduled for a vote on the House floor in the coming days.
After hearing news of his appointment, Rep. Reichert made the following statement:
I am honored to work with my House and Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle to get this important legislation across the finish line. With the importance of trade to communities across the country, we must ensure that we are doing all we can to facilitate trade through updating our processes and reducing unnecessary burdens. That is exactly what this legislation will accomplish while also guaranteeing that the tools necessary to enforce our trade laws are effective. There is still work to be done, but I am confident we can finish the great work that was started by Chairmen Brady, Tiberi and Boustany.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/students-first/,Students First,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to View
Open doors for our children that unleash their talents and passions to prepare them for the best career possible
Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to put students first. The conference report for the Every Student Succeeds Act (S.1177) passed the House with strong bipartisan support, 359-64. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Every child should have an equal opportunity to get a great education. Today, we finally sent a replacement for No Child Left Behind to the Presidents desk that will open doors for our children that unleash their talents and passions to prepare them for the best future possible.
America is the land of opportunity. This is a country where no matter where you come from, no matter your walk of life, you can make your dreams come true. And often it starts with an education from great teachers at great schools. The bill we passed puts students first and rolls back broken bureaucratic mandates.
Were empowering State and local leaders to make the best decisions for students in their communities, rather than one-size-fits-all programs from Washington D.C.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398663,"U.S. Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Derek Kilmer Urge Support of Association Health Plans that Provide Coverage to 500,000 Washington Residents",2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) sent a formal letter today urging Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to protect Association Health Plans for Washingtons small business employees. 
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) sent a formal letter today urging Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to protect Association Health Plans for Washingtons small business employees. Association Health Plans allow small businesses to offer employees affordable health care options. Approximately 500,000 Washington residents are enrolled in Association Health Plans by their employer. 
In their letter to Commissioner Kreidler, the representatives wrote: Small employers are a major driver of our economy. According to the Small Business Administration, Washingtons small businesses employ 1.2 million  over half  of Washingtons private workforce. In our tight labor market, small firms with fewer resources must compete with larger companies for talent and being able to offer a competitive benefit package is essential. These employers are not mandated to offer health coverage but many of them do so voluntarily through Association Health Plans. 
The text of the letter follows, and a PDF of the original letter is available here:
Dear Commissioner Kreidler:
We are writing to express our support for Association Health Plans that have, for decades, provided high quality health care to hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians. Association Health Plans allow small businesses to leverage their purchasing power to buy high quality and affordable health insurance in the large group market. These plans provide small businesses and their employees the same opportunities to healthcare coverage as large corporations and help contain health care costs. 
Small employers are a major driver of our economy. According to the Small Business Administration, Washingtons small businesses employ 1.2 million  over half  of Washingtons private workforce. In our tight labor market, small firms with fewer resources must compete with larger companies for talent and being able to offer a competitive benefit package is essential. These employers are not mandated to offer health coverage but many of them do so voluntarily through Association Health Plans. Additionally, association plans provide service and administrative support typically not available in the small group market which facilitates enrollment and access. 
Allowable under federal and state law, Association Health Plans have been offered for decades. Based on their popularity with small employers and enrollment figures, Washingtons fully-insured association plans have been particularly successful. Figures from your office indicate that approximately 500,000 people are enrolled in Association Health Plans through their employer. 
Earlier this year constituents contacted us worried that they might lose their Association Health Plan coverage. We hope recent decisions regarding plan ratings and multi-industry associations remove uncertainty for people who receive their coverage through associations and the small companies that employ them. 
We should preserve bipartisan, commonsense insurance market options for small employers, notably including Association Health Plans. It is in the best interest of the state that small businesses and their employees have a competitive, robust health insurance market to choose from. We are encouraged that the continued importance of Association Health Plans has been reinforced in recent rulings and settlement orders which underscore the viability and need for this valued option for small employers and families 
In order to reach our shared goals of better access for small employers, we encourage your support for Association Health Plans.
Sincerely,
Industry and small businesses have also voiced support for Association Health Plans: 
Association Health Plans are an important part of the health insurance market for small employers and need to be preserved, said Kris Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Business. We know that many of the employers and their employees covered by our Association Health Plans were previously uninsured. In fact, historically roughly 40 percent did not have prior coverage. And these are often the smallest of small businesses  the average employer size in our plan is just 7 employees.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) greatly appreciates Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutlers and Derek Kilmers efforts to support Association Health Plans, which enable small businesses to provide their employees with access to health insurance coverage for themselves and their families, said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods. Association Health Plans have proven effective in states all across the country, helping countless Americans secure quality, affordable health insurance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398664,Jaime Herrera Beutler Successfully Secures Increased Funding for Southwest Washington Public Transit in Final Transportation Bill,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House and Senate finalized a five year transportation funding agreement that includes an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies can compete to improve bus services for Southwest Washington transit commuters.
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, the U.S. House and Senate finalized a five year transportation funding agreement that includes an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies can compete to improve bus services for Southwest Washington transit commuters. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led the effort to restore the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant program when she successfully championed an amendment to the U.S. House version of the transportation bill in November.
Read more about Jaimes efforts here. 
Over 50% of all transit riders in the U.S. travel on buses, and I am pleased to have helped improve bus service in Southwest Washington and nationwide in this final transportation funding plan, said Jaime. My goal was to restore the funding that was cut from buses in 2012s transportation bill, and we did that with todays agreement. Residents of Southwest Washington deserve access to public transportation that meet the needs of our region 
The FAST ACT compromise surface transportation bill provides higher levels of funding for transit bus and bus facilities nationwide thanks in large part to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutlers earlier efforts in the House of Representatives. C-TRAN looks forward to competing for its share of that funding to meet critical capital needs, said Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO of C-TRAN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/unleashing-american-ingenuity/,Unleashing American Ingenuity,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Im proud to be a part of what we are advancing this weekmaking government work better for those it was elected to represent.
Click to Play
Republican Leadership Press Conference:  
December 1, 2015
Participants:  
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI)  
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)  
Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)  
Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)  
Conference Vice-Chair Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)  
Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH)
Chair McMorris Rodgers, Remarks as Delivered:  
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. It gives us some time to reflect on the tremendous blessings of being an American and what this country has to offer. For me its a time to recommit here on Capitol Hill to ensuring that every person has the opportunity to fulfill their version of the American dream.
As we approach the week ahead there are a number of bills that are really important in that effort. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I always like to highlight the important role that hydropower plays in meeting important energy needs in this country. Hydropower is clean, its renewable, its affordable, and its reliable.
We could double hydropower without building another dam in this country simply by encouraging investment, technology, and streamlining the permitting process. In addition to that we could create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
There are all kinds of commonsense, bipartisan solutions. Its about unleashing Americans and American ingenuity.
Im proud to be a part of what we are advancing this weekmaking government work better for those it was elected to represent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-recognizes-pasco-residents-angels-adoption-during-national,Newhouse Recognizes Pasco Residents as Angels in Adoption During National Adoption Month,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"RICHLAND, Washington  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today recognized Janice and Dean Walker with the 2015 Angels in Adoption award for Washingtons 4th Congressional District during National Adoption Month.
Janice and Dean Walker are residents of Pasco who already had four biological children under the age of six when they adopted their twin five-year old sons from Zambia, Africa in 2010. In 2011, the Walkers had another biological daughter. In 2012, the Walkers adopted two five-year old sons, this time from China. Both of the sons the Walkers adopted from China had special needs, and while in China they learned that Janice would have another biological child. In 2013, the Walker family included 10 children. The Walkers story of adoption continues: Janice and Dean are now working to adopt a daughter from China with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
The Walkers consider themselves to be ordinary people with 10 children who are phenomenal, said Rep. Newhouse. The message the Walkers send is anything but ordinary: adoption is a calling for families, including for those with their own biological children. Their ability to open their homes to orphans and their example of dedication to live for others make Janice and Dean true angels of adoption. I am honored to recognize them today.As we celebrate National Adoption Month, I hope the Walker Family will inspire others who are considering adoption. 
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAIs Angels in Adoption initiative provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity from their district which has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/national-adoption-day-2015/,National Adoption Day 2015,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"No child is unlovable, and National Adoption Day is a beautiful moment to remember that every child is a blessing and deserves a chance to be in a forever family.

Washington, D.C.  Tomorrow, November 21, is National Adoption Day, when thousands of adoptions across the country are finalized.
There are more than 100,000 children in foster care in the United States that are eligible for adoption. Children in this situation face tremendous challenges. But while their challenges are great, our resolve  to advocate for them and find them forever families  is far greater.
In the spirit of November being National Adoption Month, House Republicans took to Medium.com to share their own stories of adoption, celebrate those in their districts who have made a difference, and highlight the significant work Congress is doing to address the needs of Americas forgotten youth. Click here to view the full collection of posts.
There is no greater gift than family, said House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). As we enter the holiday season and remind ourselves what we are thankful for, lets also remember who. Im thankful for the men and women in our conference and across the country who recognize the potential of our foster youth, have given a voice to the voiceless, and a forever family for children in need of one.
The greatest privilege this job brings is the opportunity to champion those who feel otherwise forgotten, said Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ), an advisory board member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. No child is unlovable, and National Adoption Day is a beautiful moment to remember that every child is a blessing and deserves a chance to be in a forever family. Today and every day we commit to making this a reality for young people in America and around the world.
In addition to the National Adoption Month Medium publication, House Republicans shared their personal adoption stories in a heartfelt video. Click here to view.
Featured on Medium and in the video are Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Diane Black of Tennessee, Ed Royce of California, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Rodney Davis of Illinois, Markwayne Mullin and Steve Russell of Oklahoma, David Schweikert and Trent Franks of Arizona, Tim Huelskamp of Kansas, Reid Ribble of Wisconsin, and Kevin Brady of Texas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-votes-strengthen-refugee-vetting-process,Rep. Reichert Votes to Strengthen Refugee Vetting Process,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, the House passed and U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) supported legislation to require proper security vetting of Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they are granted entry to the United States. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support with a vote count of 289  137. Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bills passage:
The United States is the most compassionate nation in the world  a fact in which we should all take great pride. However, that compassion cannot come at the expense of our citizens security. Starting with my service in the Air Force Reserves, through my 33 years in law enforcement, and now as a representative, my first priority is the safety of Washingtonians and all Americans. If the U.S. is going to allow Syrian refugees into our country we must have strong safeguards in place to ensure terrorist attacks, like the those that recently occurred in France, do not happen here at home.
Today, I voted for a bill to provide those safeguards. After the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, and Homeland Security admitted last month that they do not have adequate intelligence on Syria to ensure our safety, it was clear to me that the status quo is not enough. Our law enforcement officers and the communities they protect need to know their security is the federal governments top priority. This bill gives that assurance by requiring our intelligence community and homeland security agencies to unanimously certify that each refugee has been given a sufficiently thorough background investigation and determined that he or she is not a threat. As a country, we must remain strong and must act when radical extremists make threats to our homeland.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/safety-first/,Safety First,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to View
  
ISIS must be dismantled and Assad removed, so Syrians can live safely in their homeland.
Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to put safety first and urged the President to address the core of the crisis in Syria. H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 passed the House today with strong bipartisan support, 298-137.
This bill was passed to keep the American people safe after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security told Congress that they do not currently have the necessary intelligence to properly vet refugees.
America has a long history of providing safe haven for many of the worlds most vulnerable refugees, yet we must ensure that we do not allow terrorists to exploit refugee resettlement to gain entry to the United States, McMorris Rodgers said. To protect the American people, this legislation will place a hold on any further resettlement until these determinations can be made. It stipulates that refugees from Iraq and Syria may only be admitted if the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence certify to Congress that the refugee is not a security threat to the American people.
In a speech on the House floor following passage of the SAFE Act, McMorris Rodgers called on the President to address the core of the crisis in Syria.
ISIS must be dismantled and Assad removed, so Syrians can live safely in their homeland, McMorris Rodgers said. The heartbreaking attacks in Paris are a reminder that the United States, working with our international partners, must provide the leadership and commitment necessary to destroy ISIS and halt Bashar al-Assads mass atrocitiesthe causes of the worlds most serious terrorist threat and the most significant refugee crisis since WWII.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers, remarks as delivered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:
  
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today because I am deeply concerned about the future of American leadership abroad.
For nearly five years, this administration has defended a containment strategy, even as ISIS rapidly escalates. As Paris tragically demonstrates, containment as a strategy is as ineffective as it is morally bankrupt. It allowed for the development of the worlds largest humanitarian disaster since WWII, while placing us and our allies at grave risk.
This refugee crisis is a direct response to Assads mass atrocities against Syrian civilians and the associated expansion of ISIS. I call on the President to choose and execute a comprehensive strategy that destroys ISIS, stops Assads reign of terror, and allows refugees to return home and rebuild their lives.
It is time for real commitment and real courage from our Commander-in-Chief. The American people, and the world, are waiting.
Thank you. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-bipartisan-house-passage-safe-act,Newhouse Statement on Bipartisan House Passage of SAFE Act,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, which passed the House on a vote of 289-137.
While compassion and assistance to refugees are hallmarks of our nation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Counterterrorism Center, and the Department of Homeland Security have all raised concerns about the ability to vet refugees, said Rep. Newhouse. These concerns, coupled with recent terror attacks and threats to our own homeland, underscore that our first responsibility is to ensure the security of the American people. I strongly support legislation to pause the resettlement of Syrian or Iraqi refugees in the U.S. until stringent vetting processes certified by the nations top security officials confirm that there is no threat posed to Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-appointed-conferee-highway-bill-negotiations,Rep. Reichert is Appointed as Conferee to Highway Bill Negotiations,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert was selected to serve on the conference committee for the long-term highway bill. In this role, Rep. Reichert will work with other lawmakers from the House and Senate to negotiate and come to an agreement on legislation to reauthorize and fund the nations highway and transit programs. After hearing news of his appointment, Rep. Reichert made the following statement:
I am looking forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues from both sides of the aisle to complete a long-term highway bill. Doing so is critical for our roads, bridges, economic competitiveness, and public safety. Here in Washington State, folks not only depend on strong infrastructure to get to and from work, but with one of the nations leading trade economies, our growers and producers need a dependable, efficient freight and transportation system to move their goods safely to market. Todays conference meeting will be an important step toward meeting these goals.
Related information:
Reichert, Coffman, Radewagen, Newhouse Introduce PORTS Act
Congressman Reichert Launches Congressional Freight Caucus
Reichert, Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Introduce Legislation to Upgrade Infrastructure

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-named-chairman-subcommittee-trade,Rep. Reichert Named Chairman of Subcommittee on Trade,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after being named as the new Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Congressman Reichert will also serve as the second-highest ranking Republican on the newly re-named Subcommittee on Tax Policy, formerly the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, and will rejoin the Human Resources Subcommittee, where he formerly served as Chairman during the 113th Congress.
I am very honored to have the opportunity to lead the Trade Subcommittee and champion some of the issues that have the greatest impact on Washingtonians. Washington State is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country with 40 percent of our jobs and more than $90 billion in annual exports connected to trade. In the Eighth District alone, 77,100 jobs are supported by trade, and our growers, producers, and businesses export approximately $8.6 billion in goods and services each year, said Rep. Reichert. With the release of the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and our ongoing negotiations with the EU, this is a critical time for trade. As a long-time advocate of expanding trade opportunities, I will continue fighting on behalf of our workers, farmers, and businesses across the country, because I firmly believe through high-standard trade agreements we see expanded opportunities for all.
I am also pleased to continue my work updating and reforming our tax code as the Chairman Emeritus and second in seniority on the Tax Policy Subcommittee. Ensuring that our tax code helps families keep more of their hard-earned money and allows small businesses to thrive is a top priority for our nation. Additionally, I am returning to the Human Resources Subcommittee where I look forward to continuing the work I began when I chaired the subcommittee last Congress to protect children and those who are most vulnerable in society.
Related Information:
Rep. Reichert is the first Member of Congress from Washington State to serve as Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.
Rep. Reichert is co-chair of the Friends of TPP Caucus, member of the Presidents Export Council, and founder of the Congressional Freight Caucus.
Reichert Named 2014 Washington Trade Hero
Reichert Writes About Importance of Ex-Im Bank in The Hill

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/smarter-menu-legislation-passed-committee/,Smarter Menu Legislation Passed Committee,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to Play
This legislation is commonsense and provides access to calorie information in a practical, flexible, and simpler manner by clarifying  not significantly altering  complicated regulations.
Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)s legislation, H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act, passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee today with a vote of 36  12  1. It now awaits action on the House floor.
A new 400-page menu labeling rule from the FDA is unworkable for many food vendorsincluding grocery stores, delis, and pizzerias. McMorris Rodgerss bipartisan legislation clarifies the intent of the rule and uses technological innovations to provide flexibility in the way nutritional information is displayed.
Prior to todays vote, McMorris Rodgers spoke to the Committee on the importance of H.R. 2017.
In their current form, menu labeling regulations are fundamentally impractical and unnecessarily expensive, said McMorris Rodgers in her remarks. Compliance with this regulation is estimated to cost American businesses more than $1 billion and 500,000 hours of paperwork. This is time, energy, and financial resources that should be spent on creating jobs and building up the economy  not on paperwork. Thats why, with the input of stakeholders and my colleagues, I introduced H.R. 2017. This legislation is commonsense and provides access to calorie information in a practical, flexible, and simpler manner by clarifying  not significantly altering  complicated regulations.
Click here to view her remarks in their entirety. And click here for further background information on H.R. 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/syrian-refugees/,Syrian Refugees,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"The heartbreaking attacks in Paris are a reminder that the United States, working with our international partners, must provide the leadership and commitment necessary to destroy ISIS and halt Bashar al-Assads mass atrocitiesthe causes of the worlds most serious terrorist threat and the most significant refugee crisis since WWII.
America has a long history of providing safe haven for many of the worlds most vulnerable refugees. Yet, we must ensure that we do not allow terrorists to exploit refugee resettlement to gain entry to the United States. Our top priority must remain the safety of the American people.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security told Congress that they do not currently have the necessary intelligence to properly vet refugees from Syria. To protect the American people, I support legislation in the House to place a hold on any further resettlement until these determinations can be made. It stipulates that refugees from Iraq and Syria may only be admitted if the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence certify to Congress that the refugee is not a security threat to the American people.
Ultimately, the Syrian refugee crisis cannot be solved through resettlement. Rather, America must lead a global coalition to address the core of this crisis: ISIS must be dismantled and Assad removed, so Syrians can live safely in their homeland.
The first responsibility of the Federal Government is to keep the American people safe. This will continue to be my priority, and I will continue to urge the Administration to establish a broader and more effective strategy to destroy ISIS and solve the Syrian refugee crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/u-s-leadership-needed-to-destroy-isis/,U.S. Leadership Needed to Destroy ISIS,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to Play
Working alongside our international partners, we must provide the leadership and the commitment necessary to destroy ISIS and halt Bashar al-Assads mass atrocities.
Republican Leadership Press Conference:  
November 17, 2015
Participants:  
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI)  
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)  
Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)  
Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)  
Vice Conference Chair Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)  
Representative Martha McSally (R-AZ)
Chair McMorris Rodgers, Remarks as Delivered:  
Last Friday the world witnessed another unspeakable act against civilization, and against the people of Paris. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and their families.
On behalf of the American people and our allies, we must finally rise to the challenge. Working alongside our international partners, we must provide the leadership and the commitment necessary to destroy ISIS and halt Bashar al-Assads mass atrocities.
These are the causes of the worlds most serious terrorist threat, and the most significant refugee crisis since World War II.
It is time for a real commitment, and the courage and the resolve from our President. It is time for leadership.
We must be articulating that broader strategy to the nation and to our allies. Then we must actually follow through.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-dedication-manhattan-project-national-historic-park,Newhouse Applauds Dedication of Manhattan Project National Historic Park and Opening of Historic B Reactor,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today in a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) applauded the dedication of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park and the opening of the historic B Reactor to visitors:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH REP. NEWHOUSES FLOOR SPEECH ON THE MANHATATN PROJECT NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Transcript:
I rise today to recognize the opening of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, a significant part of which is in my Congressional district in the state of Washington. 
Decades of successful cleanup efforts at the Hanford Nuclear Site have come to fruition with the dedication of the historic B Reactor as a part of this National Park. The B Reactor was the worlds first full-scale plutonium production reactor, helping our country end World War II and the Cold War. 
The new park will highlight the sacrifices and the contributions of thousands of workers who built the facility, and the scientists whose groundbreaking research played a critical role in the Manhattan Project.
More than 50,000 visitors have toured the site since 2009, and the park will attract thousands more to learn about our regions history. The park will provide future generations with a unique educational experience.
I applaud the efforts of the community, who have worked for years to make this National Park a reality. 
I will continue to support the opening of additional sites for public access in order preserve and tell the story of Hanford.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-applauds-vote-rename-coon-lake,Rep. Reichert Applauds Vote to Rename Coon Lake,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement in response to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names vote to update the previously named Coon Lake to Howard Lake.
I am pleased that the Board listened to the will of the folks throughout our region and updated the lakes name to better reflect the history of the area. Now, when hikers take the long and steep climb up the McGregor Mountain trail and pass the lake about one mile in, they will instead be reminded of Wilson Howard, an African-American miner who staked claims in the area back in 1892. I am looking forward to seeing Howards name on trail signs and maps as we update information to reflect the Boards decision, said Congressman Reichert.
Background:
Prior to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approval of the name change, the Washington State Committee on Geographic Names, Chelan County Board of Commissioners, and a range of citizens, local groups, and property owners had also supported efforts to rename the lake. Additionally, this past October, Rep. Reichert took the lead in writing a letter alongside Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, demanding they rename the lake and right this historical wrong.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-sends-letter-urging-esea-reauthorization,Rep. Reichert Sends Letter Urging ESEA Reauthorization,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate committees responsible for education legislation, urging them to take swift action to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Congressman Reichert was joined by over 30 of his House Republican colleagues on the letter. Below is an excerpt from the letter:
For far too long our nations schools have struggled under the now outdated No Child Left Behind law to provide the world-class education that our children deserve and require to be competitive in a global economy. It has been nearly 13 years since the last ESEA reauthorization; we cannot miss this opportunity to reconcile differences and enact legislation that puts students and families first. We urge you to complete conference negotiations to reauthorize ESEA as soon as possible.
Missing this opportunity to reauthorize ESEA would be devastating to Americas students whose education is deeply impacted  these students deserve to be made a priority. Successful passage of legislation to update our laws is critical to every community in each of our congressional districts. Across the nation school districts, students, parents, educators, and community leaders are eager for a new law that supports common sense changes that strengthen our education system.
Enacting authorizing legislation is the duty of the legislative branch. The time is long-past for Congress to exercise this authority. We were pleased that both the House and Senate completed their individual bills this summer. We urge you to finish the work and present a final ESEA reauthorization bill as soon as possible. We stand ready to support you in this effort.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398654,Jaime Herrera Beutler Announces Second Annual High School Congressional App Challenge,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today extended an invitation to high school students across Southwest Washington to participate in the 2015 Congressional App Challenge.
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today extended an invitation to high school students across Southwest Washington to participate in the 2015 Congressional App Challenge.
The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, who either reside or attend school in Southwest Washingtons 3rd Congressional District. Student submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges, made up of leaders within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, appointed by Jaime. The winner or winners of the competition will have their app showcased at House.Gov along with winners from each congressional district. 
Its my hope that by participating in Congressional App Challenge, this regions students  tomorrows business leaders  will sharpen their ability to apply creativity and innovation within the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, said Jaime. As we look to the future, STEM skills will continue to be necessary skills in the workforce. I hope this challenge will inspire and open doors for students to consider careers in the STEM fields. 
Students entering the competition must submit their apps source code online by the January 15, 2016 9:00 pm (PST) deadline, as well as provide a YouTube video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process.
For complete details and guidelines, students and education leaders should call Jaimes office at (360) 695-6292 or visit JHB.House.Gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/honoring-veterans/,Honoring Veterans,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click to Play

Washington, DC  In advance of Veterans Day, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released a video tribute to Americas veterans. Featuring footage with veterans at the World War II and Vietnam War Memorials, the video shares McMorris Rodgerss vision for a 21st Century Veterans Administration.
VETERANS DAY 2015
On Veterans Day, we pay homage to the brave men and women who have valiantly defended our country.
Eastern Washington is home to thousands of Veterans. And as their representative in the Peoples House, I get to the see the best of our communities  the men and women who answered Americas call to freedom; and who defended us in our darkest hours.
Our freedom comes at a great price, and we owe immeasurable gratitude to those who continue to defend it today.
Right now, the Department of Veterans Affairs too often treats veterans more like commodities than heroes. Doors are locked when red carpet should be rolled out; and wait times to see doctors are months when it should be days.
This dysfunction is centered on outdated systems and models built for a previous century. With more silicon and less concrete, we can open up the VA to put the power back in the hands of every man and woman who served.
I am working on legislation that would enable any veteran to schedule their own medical appointments  using the internet or an app on your phone  similar to Uber, Lyft, or ZocDoc. Veterans need to have a system that works, so that when they need an appointment they can get one before its too late.
The Memorials in Washington D.C. allow us to express our gratitude.
Our brave men and women who have served in uniform who are risking their lives around the world to keep Americans safe deserve our respect and have earned our support.
Today, as we honor our veterans, we are reminded that we live in the freest country in the world  where we are not defined by what divides us, but bound by what unites us.
To our veterans and their families: thank you for your unwavering commitment to this country and for your service in America.
It is because of you that we stand as the strongest, safest, and freest nation on this earth.
Open Media Events for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on Veterans Day 2015:
Wednesday, November 11 
10:00 am Speaking: Veterans Day Ceremony  
Location:  
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena  
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
11:30 am Speaking: Illuminating Courage Memorial Dedication  
Location:  
Illuminating Courage Memorial  
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena  
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201  
If you are interested in covering these events, please RSVP to Ian Field (ian.field@mail.house.gov).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-named-hero-main-street,Newhouse Named Hero of Main Street,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"KENNEWICK, Washington  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was presented with the Hero of Main Street award on behalf of the National Retail Federation and Washington Retailer's Association for his support of legislation critical to U.S. retail, including trade, health care reform, and tax reform.
I am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to support policies to grow small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy, said Rep. Newhouse. As a third-generation farmer, I have firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities that come with running a small business. In many cases, simply reducing excessive regulations and cutting red tape can give small businesses the opportunity to do what they do best: create jobs and grow the economy. In Washington, 40 percent of our jobs are either directly created or supported by international trade, and reducing barriers to trade will continue to be a top priority of mine in Congress.
The 'Heroes of Main Street' awards were created by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in 2013 to recognize Members of Congress for outstanding support of the retail industry's public policy priorities. These 'heroes' have publicly supported policies and initiatives - defined by NRF - that recognize the important contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector.Retail is the nations largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs  42 million working Americans  and contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, according to NRF.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/spokane-media-events-november-11-13/,Spokane Media Events Nov.11-13,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"SPOKANE, WA  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will hold open media events in Spokane November 11-13. She will honor veterans, visit local businesses and manufacturers, and speak at Rotary 21 and the Tri-State Wheat Growers Association meetings.
If you are interested in covering the following events, please RSVP to Ian Field (ian.field@mail.house.gov)
Open Media Events for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers:
  
Wednesday, November 11
  
10:00 am Speaking: Veterans Day Ceremony  
Location:  
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena  
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
11:30 am Speaking: Illuminating Courage Memorial Dedication  
Location:  
Illuminating Courage Memorial  
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena  
720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
12:30 pm Speaking: Women in Energy Industries Event  
Location:  
Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI)  
801 W Riverside Ave #100  
Spokane, WA 99201
Thursday, November 12
8:15 am Visit: YWCA Spokane  
Location:  
YWCA Spokane  
930 N Monroe St  
Spokane, WA 99201
10:00 am Visit: Dry Fly Distillery  
Location:  
Dry Fly Distillery  
103 East Trent Ave  
Spokane, WA 99202
11:00 am Visit: Family Home Care  
Location:  
Family Home Care  
1716 North Union Road  
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
12:00 pm Speaking: Rotary Club #21 at the Spokane Club  
Location:  
The Spokane Club  
1002 W Riverside Ave  
Spokane, WA 99201
1:45 pm Visit: Dominos Store  
Location:  
Dominos  
11510 East Sprague Avenue  
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
2:30 pm Visit: Peaks and Plains (Durable Medical Equipment supplier)  
Location:  
Peaks and Plains  
13524 East Sprague Ave  
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
3:15 pm Visit: Next IT  
Location:  
Next IT  
12809 East Mirabeau Parkway  
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
6:00 pm Speaking: Tri-State Wheat Growers Convention  
Location:  
Davenport Grand Hotel  
10 South Post Street  
Spokane, WA 99201
Friday, November 13
8:00 am Visit: Inland Northwest Aerospace Coalition (INWAC)  Accra-Fab Tour  
Location:  
Accra-Fab  
23201 East Appleway Avenue  
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
*Please RSVP to Ian Field (ian.field@mail.house.gov)*",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-release-tpp-text,Rep. Reichert's Statement on Release of TPP Text,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, co-chair of the Friends of TPP Caucus, and member of the Presidents Export Council, issued the following statement in response to the Administrations release of the text of the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.
With the release of the text of the TPP agreement, we all have the opportunity to read the text of the agreement thoroughly. Only after reading the text will we know if TPP meets the standard Congress has set forth. A high-standard TPP agreement has the potential to offer businesses big and small throughout my region and the country an opportunity to expand to new markets, creating good-paying American jobs in the process. Trade with TPP countries already supports over 341,000 jobs in Washington State and with a successful TPP we will see this number grow, said Rep. Reichert. It is my hope that the TPP agreement is one I can support, but I must first evaluate the text of the agreement and consult with my constituents.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398651,U.S. House Passes Federal Transportation Bill That Boosts Help for Southwest Washington Buses and Columbia River Gorge Bridges,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a six-year, bipartisan transportation bill that provides a significant boost for funds available to Southwest Washington buses and bridges that span the Columbia River Gorge.  
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a six-year, bipartisan transportation bill that provides a significant boost for funds available to Southwest Washington buses and bridges that span the Columbia River Gorge. Jaime successfully fought for two amendments that increased competitive grant programs for which Southwest Washington transit agencies like C-Tran, and local port authorities that own the Bridge of the Gods and the Hood River Bridge can compete. This legislation does not include a cent in gas tax increases, but does streamline inefficiencies, prioritize safety and provide certainty for cities and states to plan much needed transportation projects.
Southwest Washington residents and businesses deserve reliable public transportation, and bridges that allow them to safely and efficiently move people and goods. Im pleased to have helped shape a six year transportation bill that puts hard-earned tax dollars toward these important priorities, said Jaime.By ending a $272 million earmark for Northeast states and working with colleagues across the aisle and across the Columbia River, I was able to help make important changes to this bill that will improve transportation in our region. 
Jaime Herrera Beutler-Sponsored Bus Funding Amendment: 
Thanks to Congresswoman Herrera Beutlers leadership in introducing and helping pass this amendment to the STRRA Act, C-TRAN will be able to compete for more federal dollars to replace an aging bus fleet and continue to provide safe, reliable and efficient public transit in Clark County and the Portland Metro region.  Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO of C-TRAN 
Jaime Herrera Beutler successfully amended the U.S. Houses federal transportation and infrastructure bill to make an average of $272 million in additional funding available annually to improve services to bus riders in Clark County and throughout Southwest Washington.
Jaimes bipartisan amendment, also sponsored by Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Mike Turner (R-OH), would eliminate a special carve out fund that benefits only seven Northeast states and add those dollars to the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program for which all 50 states can compete. 
Prior to Jaimes amendment, the U.S. House transportation bill provided the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program with $90 million in 2016 and $200 million each year after  while carving out an average of $272 million a year for the separate fund dedicated to only those seven Northeast states. Read more about the amendment and watch Jaimes floor speech here. 
Jaime Herrera Beutler-Sponsored Bridges in National Scenic Areas Amendment: 
The bill also included a bipartisan amendment successfully offered and secured by Jaime and Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 
The proposal ensures that projects within national scenic areas (NSA's), including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. Read more about this amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/building-roads-and-bridges-today-with-tomorrow-in-mind/,Building Roads and Bridges,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Smart investment in our nations roads, bridges, and highways and the ability to keep goods moving safely and efficiently, is vital to the health and growth of our economy.
Washington, D.C.  Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised passage of the Surface Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015. This kind of long term authorization is essential for projects like the North Spokane Corridor and the Highway 12 project in Walla Walla, McMorris Rodgers said. Our roads must be safe and well maintained; it is crucial for our economy and our Eastern Washington way of life.
H.R. 3763 passed the U.S. House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 363-64.
McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Smart investment in our nations roads, bridges, and highways and the ability to keep goods moving safely and efficiently, is vital to the health and growth of our economy. When we develop or repair infrastructure today, it must be with a focus on tomorrow. This legislation emphasizes building roads and highways with current technology and the strength to hold for the next 10 years. By cutting red tape and bringing together local governments with private sector partners, this 21st Century plan will create ground-breaking improvements and benefit communities for years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/wildfires-wa-delegation-calls-on-fema-to-finish-process-that-determines-who-gets-disaster-aid/,WA Delegation Tells FEMA To Update Criteria,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"After Hurricane Sandy, Congress directed FEMA to update criteria, but work remains unfinished
Washington citizens denied Individual Assistance disaster aid past two years
(Washington, D.C.) Today, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Derek Kilmer, Suzan DelBene, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse, sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, expressing concern over the slow pace of FEMAs progress to update its criteria for Individual Assistance. After Hurricane Sandy, Congress passed legislation directing FEMA to review, update, and revise its process for how it determines whether assistance to individuals and households is approved; however, this process remains unfinished. For the past two years, FEMA has denied citizens in communities devastated by wildfires from receiving this particular type of disaster assistance. While updated criteria will not affect past events, thelawmakers are concerned that with wildfires only continuing to increase in severity, this unfinished business will affect Washington citizens ability to receive aid in the event of future disasters.
In their letter to Administrator Fugate, the lawmakers wrote: Despite cumulatively burning close to 1.4 million acres and destroying over 400 homes, FEMA denied Individual Assistance for both disasters. As a result, entire communities  many of them already dealing with stubbornly high unemployment rates and low median incomes have been left to grapple with additional job losses and severe housing shortages without critical forms of Federal assistance Like many of our constituents, we are frustrated by the glacial pace of this process, especially given the serious implications it has for disaster victims.
Entire text of the letter is below:
November 5, 2015
Administrator W. Craig Fugate
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Fugate,
We write concerning the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) ongoing Individual Assistance (IA) rulemaking process and its major implications for our home state of Washington. While we understand the rulemaking process must be thorough, we are concerned progress is moving far too slowly at a time when communities in our state are suffering the very real consequences of wildfires.
As you are aware, the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA) directed FEMA, within a year of enactment, to review, update, and revise through rulemaking the factors considered under section 206.48 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations to provide more objective criteria for evaluating the need for assistance to individuals. While FEMA has begun this process in compliance with SRIA, the Agency has failed to detail its current status beyond stating that a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is anticipated no earlier than 2014. Given that they were last modified in 1999, FEMAs IA criteria are long-overdue for an update and we are concerned that further delay may have real and negative implications for individuals recovering from declared disasters.
Over the last two years, Washington has witnessed historic wildfire seasons, each receiving Major Disaster Declarations. Despite cumulatively burning close to 1.4 million acres and destroying over 400 homes, FEMA denied Individual Assistance for both disasters. As a result, entire communities  many of them already dealing with stubbornly high unemployment rates and low median incomes have been left to grapple with additional job losses and severe housing shortages without critical forms of Federal assistance. Whats more, the wildfire threat only appears to be getting worse, as the scope and severity of wildfires have grown dramatically in recent years. In the 15 years preceding FEMAs 1999 update of its IA rules, wildfires burned an average of 42 acres per fire; in the 15 years since, that figure has nearly doubled to an average of 82 acres per fire. FEMA cannot and should not allow this process to drag out longer than absolutely necessary, as it is critical that the Agency is able to incorporate these new realities into its existing criteria and help communities in need.
Like many of our constituents, we are frustrated by the glacial pace of this process, especially given the serious implications it has for disaster victims. This is why we urge you to expedite this rulemaking process and request that you clarify as to when FEMA will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and when FEMA will adopt a Final Rule. As always, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the country and Washington state and we look forward to your response on this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Sen. Patty Murray
Sen. Maria Cantwell
Rep. Jim McDermott
Rep. Adam Smith
Rep. Rick Larsen
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Rep. Dave Reichert
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler
Rep. Derek Kilmer
Rep. Suzan DelBene
Rep. Denny Heck
Rep. Dan Newhouse",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-schrader-introduce-legislation-prevent-future-port-slowdowns,"Newhouse, Schrader Introduce Legislation to Prevent Future Port Slowdowns",2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  During a press conference today, Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) announced the introduction of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 3932 the Ensuring Continued Operations and No Other Major Incidents, Closures, or Slowdowns (ECONOMICS) Act. This legislation would create new economic safeguards to prevent future port slowdowns such as the West Coast ports slowdown that devastated families, businesses, and agriculture producers west of the Mississippi. H.R. 3932 is also cosponsored by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Fred Upton (R-MI), and Greg Walden (R-OR).
We must take the lesson of the most recent ports slowdown to heart: that two parties cannot hold hostage the nations economy, said Rep. Newhouse. Under the status quo, the national economywhich depends on a stable supply chainis subject to the threat of ongoing disruptive activity at our ports. This legislation will create an impetus to act to resolve disputes before they drag on for months with catastrophic effects. By establishing objective economic standards that require the federal government to form a Board of Inquiry, we can reduce the threat of an economic bottleneck at our ports that causes costly delays and lost opportunities. Family farms and businesses in Washington simply cannot afford another slowdown. I am grateful for my colleagues support for this legislation.
The West Coast Port crisis cost Oregon jobs, millions of dollars in economic growth and productivity and, eventually, the loss of its largest container shipper Hanjin from the Port of Portlanda hit that we will not know the full magnitude of for a few years, said Rep. Schrader. Another dispute of this magnitude cannot and should not happen. It only makes sense, given the irreparable economic harm and market loss from West Coast Port strife, that we establish a Board of Inquiry to push for a resolution before conditions worsen.
The success of American agriculture is tied to our ability to dependably export our farm and ranch goods to overseas buyers, said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. Safeguards, such as those included in the ECONOMICS Act, would help prevent widespread disruption of our ability to deliver goods to our customers. The ability to ship agricultural products should not be held hostage by either side when disputes occur between shipping firms and labor. Measures included in this bill would help prevent damaging disruptions to our flow of agricultural commerce, which continues to be one of the brightest spots in our nations balance of trade.
Background:
The prolonged contract negotiations and slowdownof cargo handlingat the West Coast ports late last year and earlier this yearcaused significant disruptions throughout the economy, both nationally and across the States of Washington and Oregon. From May of 2014 through February of 2015, the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) engaged in lengthy negotiations of a multi-year contract covering the 29 West Coast container ports. On May 20th and 22nd, the PMA and the ILWU finally ratified the agreement reached in February.According to the Federal Reserve, exports from West Coast ports dropped by 20.5% in the first quarter of 2015.
From November 2014 through February 2015, the dispute drastically slowed import and export traffic at 29 West Coast ports, paralyzing the economy west of the Mississippi River. Agricultural producers, retailers, manufacturers, and countless other businesses and consumers suffered, and were unable to reliably transport goods through the ports. The impact on American businesses equated to billions of dollars in damages, impacting thousands of jobs, and causing lost market share to foreign competitors.
The ECONOMICS Act: Under existing law, the President has the emergency authority to appoint a Board of Inquiry to recommend whether a judicial injunction should be sought in a dispute. The Ensuring Continued Operations and No Other Major Incidents, Closures, or Slowdowns Act  or The ECONOMICS Act  puts in place specific triggers, so that when certain economic impacts surrounding a dispute occur, a Board of Inquiry must be convened, and the Board is required to report to the President and the public to recommend whether there should be a judicial injunction. Additionally, the legislation directs the Secretary of Transportation to divide the nations maritime ports geographically into 4 major Port Metric Identification Regions (PMIR)  the West Coast, East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Great Lakes.
These triggers include:
 Number of Ports: When a labor dispute occurs at 4 or more port facilities.
	Number of Employees: When the number of affected employees at ports totals 6,000 or more.
	Drop in Export or Import Vessel Value: When in one month U.S. imports/exports drop 20% or more.
 The ECONOMICS Act also widens the definition of strike throughout U.S. labor law to clarify that the President has broad authority to intervene in a variety of disruptions  including slowdowns, strikes, lock-outs, or threatened strikes or lock-outs. This change in definition will also apply to economic impact triggers. The measure directs the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to develop Additional Conditions for appointing a Board of Inquiry within two years of enactment and report appropriate conditions numbers to Congress.
The ECONOMICS Act would require an objective standard that defines when a dispute has reached a level of economic impact to require an Administrative inquiry and/or possible intervention. Currently, in the heat of an ongoing dispute, this threshold can be difficult to determine or agree upon. By requiring an objective standard for economic impact before a dispute takes place, disputes can be prevented from paralyzing our economy, costing jobs, and harming businesses and consumers alike.
Click here for the text of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-urges-colleagues-prevent-future-port-slowdowns,Rep. Reichert Urges Colleagues to Prevent Future Port Slowdowns,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) offered an amendment related to the 2014-2015 West Coast ports dispute, which impacted many importers and exporters throughout Washington State and the country. Under Rep. Reicherts amendment, the Government Accountability Office would be required to study the economic impact of the dispute, to review the steps taken to reach an agreement, and to suggest what other tools might be used to prevent future slowdowns. Prior to the vote, he spoke on the House floor about the importance of passing the amendment.
Below is an excerpt of his remarks:
The efficient movement of goods is critical to the economic success of country. Our farmers and manufacturers must be able to export their high-quality products to the customers around the world that rely upon this steady supply. 
Beginning in the summer of 2014, these customer relationships and our economy were threatened. This was the result of a prolonged contract negotiation between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). 
The negotiation, which lasted until February of 2015, covered the 29 West Coast container ports and the tens of thousands of longshore, clerk, and foreman workers who are employed at these ports.
Just how serious was the impact of these prolonged negotiations? An example from my home state provides a clear illustration. Our apple growers were faced with an estimated $100 million of apples that they could not sell. This is just one example, but the impact was felt across all industries 
Like many of you, I have committed to my constituents that I will work to ensure that this is not repeated for the sake of our workers, farmers, and manufacturers
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. The strength of our economy depends on it.""
Rep. Reichert's amendment gained the support of 200 members of the House, narrowly missing the 216 votes necessary for passage. While disappointed the amendment did not pass, he is pleased this issue is continuing to earn the attention of a growing number of members on both sides of the aisle and is committed to fighting on behalf of the many exporters who rely on ports to transport their goods. The support of 200 Members from across the country shows that the number of Members interested in a solution continues to increase even as more time has passed since an agreement was reached.
Related Links:
Reichert, Coffman, Radewagen, Newhouse Introduce PORTS Act
Reichert Statement on Administration Intervention in West Coast Ports Shutdown
Resolution Urging End to West Coast Ports Slowdown Grows Rapidly
Reichert Statement on West Coast Ports Resolution",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398649,VIDEO: Jaime Herrera Beutler Champions Increased Funding for Southwest Washington Buses,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Jaime Herrera Beutler successfully amended the U.S. Houses federal transportation and infrastructure bill to make an average of $272 million in additional funding available annually to improve services to bus riders in Clark County and throughout Southwest Washington.
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, Jaime Herrera Beutler successfully amended the U.S. Houses federal transportation and infrastructure bill to make an average of $272 million in additional funding available annually to improve services to bus riders in Clark County and throughout Southwest Washington.
Jaimes bipartisan amendment, also sponsored by Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Mike Turner (R-OH), was approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives and would eliminate a special carve out fund that benefits only seven Northeast states and add those dollars to the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program for which all 50 states can compete. 
Prior to Jaimes amendment, the U.S. House transportation bill provided the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program with $90 million in 2016 and $200 million each year after  while carving out an average of $272 million a year for the separate fund dedicated to only those seven Northeast states .With Jaimes amendment, those seven states are still eligible to compete for Competitive Bus Grant program funding. The U.S. House is expected to pass its federal transportation funding bill tomorrow.

    
        
            
        
    

Click here to watch Jaimes remarksJaimes remarks in favor of expanding the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program:  
Over 50% of all transit riders in the U.S. travel on buses but only 10% of our transit funding actually goes to buses.  Ill say that again, over half of the people in this country who use public transportation take buses to get to work, to the grocery store, to visit family, and yet the federal government dedicates less than 10% of its transit funds specifically to buses and to bus facilities.  Were selling communities short, communities like those in my home of Southwest Washington. But we have an opportunity to rectify that situation.  While all 50 states can compete for funds through the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program which is funded at $90 million in 2016 and $200 million each year after, a select few northeastern states get an additional $272 million pot to draw from.  Thats right, Mr. Chairman, these high density states  Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Delaware  have a special set aside pot of money for them that averages $90 million more a year than the nationwide pot all 50 states compete for.  Oh, and those seven states still get to compete for that nationwide pot, too.   Its an issue of fairness Mr. Speaker. The idea that seven states have available to them more money than all 50 states combined isnt fair to all of the communities in my state, or yours, or in the other 43 states.  My amendment would simply move the funding from the seven-state set-aside into the Competitive Bus Grant program and allow all states to compete for these much-needed resources.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/common-sense-menu-labeling-passes-subcommittee/,Common Sense Menu Labeling Passes Subcommittee,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"We are not here today to debate whether or not restaurants should be listing caloric information. We are here today to debate if this specific, 400-page rule is workable. And its not.
Click To Play
Washington, D.C.Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)s legislation,H.R. 2107, theCommon Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act, passed the Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee today on a voice vote. It now moves on to the full committee.
It is impossible for certain types of food vendors to comply with the FDAs new rules, McMorris Rodgers said. These recently finalized menu labeling regulations are more than 400 pages long and, according to estimates, could cost American businesses more than $1 billion to comply and 500,000 hours of paperwork.
The bipartisan legislation clarifies the intent of the regulations and uses technological innovations to provide flexibility in the way nutritional information is displayed.
During Subcommittee markup yesterday, McMorris Rodgersoffered opening remarkson the importance of H.R. 2107. Below are highlights from her statement:
We are not here today to debate whether or not restaurants should be listing caloric information. We are here today to debate if this specific, 400-page rule is workable. And its not.
Like many other regulations, good intentions dont always add up to practical policy. This regulation tries a cookie cutter approachtreating grocers, convenience stores, and pizzerias, with endless combination possibilities, the same way as restaurants with constant, simpler menu items.
Requiring pizza franchisees to post in their stores every potential topping combinationmore than 34 million possible outcomeswhen more than 90% of their orders take place over the phone or internet, just doesnt make sense.
That is why I introduced the bill we are marking up today. This commonsense legislation provides access to caloric information to consumers in a practical and flexible manner by clarifying, not significantly altering this complicated regulation.
Click hereto view her remarks in their entirety.Andclick herefor further background information on H.R. 2107.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398650,U.S. House passes Herrera Beutler-Walden-Blumenauer proposal to help improve roads and bridges in Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House today passed a bipartisan proposal offered by Washington Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) and Oregon Reps. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      The U.S. House today passed a bipartisan proposal offered by Washington Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Camas) and Oregon Reps. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 
The proposal, which was attached to a long-term, bipartisan transportation bill in the House, ensures that projects within national scenic areas (NSA's), including the Columbia River Gorge NSA, are eligible for federal transportation grants to help them serve the needs of their local economies, residents, and visitors. 
Im pleased to join Congressman Walden in improving the transportation bill to allow the bridges within the Columbia River Gorge to compete for federal grants. These bridges are crucial to the residents and economies of Skamania and Klickitat Counties, said Herrera Beutler. In 2013, when the Bridge of the Gods was in need of repairs, one of the largest employers in Skamania County had to relocate part of their operations just to transport their goods across the river, and the safety of residents was impacted because large emergency vehicles could not cross the bridge. Though we found a short-term solution in that instance, it revealed the need to strengthen our local roads and bridges for years to come.
""While scenic areas like the Columbia Gorge provide tourist opportunities to thousands of visiting Americans from all across the country, this unique federal involvement provides distinct challenges in promoting growth of the local economy while conserving the natural beauty of the lands within the Gorge. Transportation infrastructure is an essential component to efficiently serve the interests of both local residents and visitors to the Scenic Area, and there is a strong need for regional transportation planning and improvement to major transportation elements, Walden said during debate on the House floor. 
This includes bridges like the Hood River Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods. While approximately 5.2 million vehicles and $110 million in goods travel across these bridges each year, they are in need of major improvements. Clarifying the eligibility of Scenic Areas throughout the nation for transportation grant funding would help ensure these areas are eligible for meaningful funding opportunities to enhance infrastructure within these unique federally managed areas.
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the great places in America. Its beauty shouldnt obscure its critical role in the economic vitality of the Pacific Northwest  a key freight corridor for goods moving by rail, barge, and truck, said Blumenauer. Our bipartisan amendment recognizes that done right, freight projects in National Scenic Areas should be eligible for much needed federal funding. There are currently 12 NSA's in eight states across the nation, including the Columbia Gorge NSAthe largest in the country. The Columbia River Gorge NSA consists of 292,500 acres along 85 miles of the Columbia River. Ninety percent of the total NSA is subject to strict land use and development restrictions, which has posed a distinct challenge to promoting the local economy, while providing opportunities for tourists to visit from around the country, and conserving the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge. 
The amendment was included in Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act (H.R. 3763), a bipartisan, long-term surface transportation bill to reauthorize and reform federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/new-beginnings/,New Beginnings,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"when the power of the people  We the People  is returned, every man, woman, and child in this country will have a greater opportunity to pursue their version of the American Dream.
Click to Play
Republican Leadership Press Conference:  
November 3, 2015
Participants:  
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI)  
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)  
Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)  
Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)  
Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA)
Chair McMorris Rodgers, Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:  
This week marks two significant moments for the House Republicans.
Yesterday marked five years since the Republicans won back control of the House. And of course last week we welcomed the leadership of our new Speaker, Paul Ryan.
The United States is the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known. And as we move forward, we must ask ourselves: How do we make this place work more effectively on behalf of the American people?
It starts by rebuilding trust in our ability to do the Peoples work.
With a judicial branch legislating from the bench, and an executive branch passing its own rules and regulations without a vote of the people, Americans have a right to be concerned.
And they are.
The House of Representatives is, by design, the body closest to the people. We are the most accountable, and we must be the most transparent. We need to rethink government from the top down, and restore the representative power of Congress.
Because when the power of the people  We the People  is returned, every man, woman, and child in this country will have a greater opportunity to pursue their version of the American Dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-congratulates-newly-elected-speaker-paul-d-ryan,Rep. Reichert Congratulates Newly-Elected Speaker Paul D. Ryan,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Reichert Congratulates Newly-Elected Speaker Paul D. Ryan                                             
              Oct 29, 2015      		        	    
      	            
                    
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    Washington, DC  Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement regarding the election of Congressman Paul D. Ryan as Speaker of the House.
Last month, Congress was given the opportunity to elect new leadership with a positive message that unites the Conference and gives Americans hope about the future of this country. At that point, we did not know who that leader was or would be, but today we stood together and elected a new Speaker. A Speaker I have had the pleasure of serving with on the Ways and Means Committee for over the past six years.""
I know Speaker Ryan to be a man deeply committed to defending our freedoms and improving the lives of hardworking Americans throughout this country. Under his unifying leadership, I am confident that we are in a strong position to do just that.
As we enter into this next chapter, we cannot forget the countless sacrifices made by former Speaker Boehner and the important work he has done on behalf of this country throughout his 25 years in Congress. He has served his constituents with honor and distinction and I wish him the best in his retirement.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398639,"Congresswomen Herrera Beutler, Roybal-Allard Create New Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care",2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) announced the formation of a new, bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care in the U.S. House of Representatives.Each year, approximately 4,000,000 women give birth in this country.  The U.S. spends significantly more per capita on childbirth than any other industrialized nation.  However, despite this investment, America continues to rank far behind almost all other developed countries in birth outcomes for both mothers and babies. The goal of the Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care is to raise awareness about important and timely maternity care-related issues, and highlight challenges facing Americas maternity care system. Caucus members will promote cost-effective and optimal outcomes for both high- and low-risk pregnancies by highlighting bipartisan policy solutions based on the best available evidence. Women are 51% of our countrys population  the majority of whom are the age where theyre having kids, or they are already caring for children or grandchildren, said Congresswoman Herrera Beutler. Working to improve health outcomes and research for moms and babies is just one important way we can help support the millions of women who do so much to support all the people in their lives. Its unacceptable that the United States is lagging behind other countries in maternal health care. I look forward to using this new platform with Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and our colleagues from both parties to advance awareness, education and solutions to improve life for mothers and their children. We cannot continue to afford or accept a maternity care system in which childbirth carries significant risks for both mothers and babies, especially in communities of color, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.  Our Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care will explore the best evidence about safe and effective maternity care for all women and babies, and work to make this issue a national priority.  I invite my colleagues to join me and Congresswoman Herrera Beutler in this caucus.  Working together, we can develop bipartisan policy solutions which will make Americas maternity care system the best it can be.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/the-peoples-speaker-paul-d-ryan/,"The Peoples Speaker, Paul D. Ryan",2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"This new beginning gives usa chance to deliver real results for every American.
Click to Play

Washington, D.C.  Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) celebrated the election of Paul Ryan as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. As Chair of the House Republican Conference, McMorris Rodgers nominated Ryan as the majority partys candidate for Speaker. Mister Speaker, today, in the Peoples House, it gives me great pleasure to nominate the Peoples Speaker, McMorris Rodgers said. Click here to view her speech.
She released the following statement:
I am confident Paul Ryan will provide the visionary leadership our Conference; this institution; and the entire country desperately need at this moment. We cannot settle for the way Washington, D.C. works. This new beginning gives us a chance to deliver real results for every American.
The House of Representatives is by design the closest to the people. We are the most accountable, and we must be the most transparent.
Paul understands that we need to rethink government and reestablish the rightful role of the Peoples House. The demands on families, businesses, and institutions have changed, and now Congress and Washington, D.C. must change too. I look forward to working with Paul to transform the House and all of governments outdated models. Top-down government programs threaten to limit the freedom and opportunity that made this country great. Now  more than ever  its essential that Congress works more effectively on behalf of the American people so they can pursue their own dreams.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-supports-paul-ryan-speaker-house,Newhouse Supports Paul Ryan for Speaker of the House,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement after voting in favor of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) as Speaker of the House of Representatives:
I was proud to support the Republican conference nominee, Paul Ryan, for Speaker. Pauls election presents a fresh opportunity to move our conservative agenda forward on behalf of the American people. I look forward to starting with a clean slate with an effective new Speaker.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398612,Jaime Herrera Beutler Opposes Budget Vote that Raises Debt Ceiling Without Commitment to Reducing Deficit,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement regarding her vote against a budget measure that raises the debt ceiling without a commitment to reducing the federal deficit.
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement regarding her vote against a budget measure that raises the debt ceiling without a commitment to reducing the federal deficit:
Since taking this office, Ive consistently required a significant commitment to reducing our nations crippling deficit to accompany any vote to raise the borrowing limit  and todays deal falls short of that requirement.  My top three priorities have been stopping out of control government spending, growing jobs in Southwest Washington, and strengthening our regions economy, and we must do the first in order to accomplish the latter. In the last few years, we have seen the economies of nations collapse under the weight of crushing debt  and the livelihoods, retirements and economic prospects of their citizens collapse with them.
I am proud of the $2.1 trillion weve been able to save in the last four and a half years; thats the most significant deficit reduction in our nations history. Weve had to make tough decisions, cut away redundancies and waste, and force every part of the government to tighten its budget. We simply cant afford to let an opportunity to reduce our $18.4 trillion debt pass by without continuing to lower the burden of debt on taxpayers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-murray-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-call-trade-settlement-china-us,"Newhouse, Murray Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Call for Trade Settlement with China on U.S. Polysilicon",2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), joined by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) wrote today to Ambassador Cui Tiankai of China to express deep concern over the still-unresolved trade dispute between the U.S. and the Peoples Republic of China involving Chinese-produced photovoltaic solar cells and modules and U.S.-produced polysilicon. The Members urged a prompt, mutually-agreeable settlement of the trade dispute to restore meaningful market access for U.S. polysilicon manufacturers exporting their products to Chinese customers.
The lack of progress toward a resolution for U.S. polysilicon that restores meaningful market access to China for U.S. polysilicon producers jeopardizes a potential resolution for Chinese solar panel producers, the Members wrote. The [United States Trade Representative] Ambassador Michael Froman has repeatedly expressed to [the China Ministry of Commerce Minister] Gao Hucheng that the U.S. government will not agree to a settlement for Chinese solar panel manufacturers without a simultaneous settlement for U.S. polysilicon. In other words, as both Minister Gao and Ambassador Froman have agreed, there must be a package deal or there will be no deal at all. We stand firmly behind Ambassador Fromans continuing efforts to resolve this issue.
The Members continued in the letter:
We believe the [China Ministry of Commerce Minister] and USTR have the ability to reach a mutually-agreeable settlement that reduces market distortions and restores predictability in trading conditions between industries in our two countries. We are concerned that if the two sides do not achieve a settlement soon, market conditions will change yet again, and a settlement will remain elusive. We urge you to ensure MOFCOM works quickly and cooperatively to reach a final negotiated settlement of both the solar panel and polysilicon matters.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Bob Corker (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Reps. Scott DesJarlais (R-LA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), John Moolenaar (R-MI), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).
See below or click here for the text of the letter.

October 28, 2015

The Honorable Cui Tiankai
Ambassador
Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China
3505 International Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008

Dear Ambassador Cui,
We write today to express our deep concern over the still unresolved trade dispute between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China involving Chinese-produced photovoltaic solar cells and modules and U.S.-produced polysilicon. It is troubling that this significant trade irritant affecting the solar industry, which is so important to both the U.S. and China, remains unresolved, despite significant efforts by solar panel producers in both countries, U.S. polysilicon producers, the China Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The lack of progress toward a resolution for U.S. polysilicon that restores meaningful market access to China for U.S. polysilicon producers jeopardizes a potential resolution for Chinese solar panel producers. The USTR Ambassador Michael Froman has repeatedly expressed to MOFCOM Minister Gao Hucheng that the U.S. government will not agree to a settlement for Chinese solar panel manufacturers without a simultaneous settlement for U.S. polysilicon. In other words, as both Minister Gao and Ambassador Froman have agreed, there must be a package deal or there will be no deal at all. We stand firmly behind Ambassador Fromans continuing efforts to resolve this issue.
Industries in both countries stand to benefit greatly from a mutually-agreeable settlement of this trade dispute that restores meaningful market access both for Chinese solar panel manufacturers exporting their products to the U.S. and for U.S. polysilicon manufacturers exporting their products to their Chinese customers. Indeed, a prompt settlement of this dispute will repair and deepen economic ties between our two nations in a global industry that is playing a critical role developing clean, renewable energy sources.
We believe the MOFCOM and USTR have the ability to reach a mutually-agreeable settlement that reduces market distortions and restores predictability in trading conditions between industries in our two countries. We are concerned that if the two sides do not achieve a settlement soon, market conditions will change yet again, and a settlement will remain elusive. We urge you to ensure MOFCOM works quickly and cooperatively to reach a final negotiated settlement of both the solar panel and polysilicon matters.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-budget-deal-vote,Newhouse Statement on Budget Deal Vote,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement after voting against the two-year federal budget deal:
On process, policy, and priorities, this budget takes several steps in the wrong direction. Instead of promoting fiscal responsibility and careful planning, this budget is a result of waiting until the last-minute threat of a debt default. Washingtonians are frustrated with the way their federal government has operated, simply delaying crises until there are no good choices. Not only does this agreement fail to rein in the federal budget by authorizing billions in additional spending beyond limits set by the Budget Control Act, but it simultaneously harms farmers and rural communities. In order to fund additional spending increases elsewhere, this budget guts crop insurance that was already cut in last years Farm Bill, threatening protections for farmers and agriculture producers. This budget contains provisions requiring site-neutrality for reimbursements to hospitalswith real consequences for small rural communities access to vital medical services. Fiscal responsibility and common sense demand better, as do American taxpayers, farmers and rural communities, which is why I could not support this deal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-applauds-house-vote-reauthorize-export-import-bank,Rep. Reichert Applauds House Vote to Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) spoke on the House floor about the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Shortly after he spoke, the House passed a bill to reauthorize the Bank with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 313-118. Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bills passage.
I am proud to have cast a vote today in support of the 230 businesses and countless jobs in our region that have relied on Ex-Im, said Rep. Reichert. This invaluable resource has helped local businesses generate over $140 billion in exports for Washington State  and if they can have Ex-Ims continued support, this number will only keep growing.
Rep. Reichert continued, I am committed to seeing this legislation signed into law for our nations greatest job creators, and so that our businesses can continue growing, expanding to new markets, and creating more American jobs.
Background:
Prior to this afternoons vote, Rep. Reichert joined with over 40 Republicans in signing a petition to bring a bill to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank to the House floor. The Houses vote today to reauthorize Ex-Im was a result of that effort.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/accomplishments-of-the-gop-house/,Accomplishments of the GOP House,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Im proud of the work weve accomplished since taking the reins, and thankful for Speaker Boehners leadership in making it possible.
Click to Play
Republican Leadership Press Conference:  
October 27, 2015
Participants:  
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)  
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)  
Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)  
Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Chair McMorris Rodgers, Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:
Good morning, everyone.
Next week marks five years since the Republicans took control of the House, under the leadership of Speaker Boehner. After years of out-of-control spending and blatant disregard for budgets, the House Republicans made the countrys economic health a priority.
In those five years we enacted the first real entitlement reform in nearly two decades.
We cut spending by more than $2.1 trillion, which is the most significant spending reduction in modern history. And we passed the first 10-year House-Senate balanced budget plan since 2001.
Im proud of the work weve accomplished since taking the reins, and thankful for Speaker Boehners leadership in making it possible. Later this week we will vote to elect our next Speaker. We will continue to make the American peoples priorities our priorities.
We are more determined than ever to expand opportunities, empower our innovators, and make the American dream an attainable goal for everyone in this country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/reformed-export-import-financing/,Reformed Export-Import Financing,2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"I will vote to support a significantly reformed Export-Import Bank as part of our strategy to keep Eastern Washington competitive and America secure.
Washington, D.C.  Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to reauthorize and reform the Export-Import Bank. The House passed the bill with a bipartisan vote of 313-118. Here is the statement she released in advance of the vote, pledging her support:
I will vote to support a significantly reformed Export-Import Bank as part of our strategy to keep Eastern Washington competitive and America secure when it comes to the House floor for passage. Immediately eliminating this tool would put winemakers in Walla Walla; manufacturers in Spokane; and farmers across our region at a serious disadvantage by limiting their products from being sold around the world.
This New Deal era institution is far from perfect, so we should change it to fit our 21st Century marketplace. Although I would have preferred to address this through the normal committee process, the reforms in this bill protect taxpayers from corruption and cronyism while moving toward the elimination of government export-financing programs altogether.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-quigley-applaud-house-passage-bipartisan-surface-transportation,"Newhouse, Quigley Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Surface Transportation Bill Extending PTC Deadline",2015-10-27,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations subcommittee, today applauded bipartisan passage of H.R. 3819, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015. The legislation funds and extends the authorization for federal highway and transit programs through November 20, 2015. H.R. 3819 also includes a provision to extend the upcoming deadline for implementing positive train control (PTC) safety technology until 2018, preventing a shutdown of the nations passenger and freight rail system. The Congressmen released the following joint statement:
We commend Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Ranking Member Peter DeFazio for their hard work on this bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed certainty for road and rail projects nationwide. Instead of waiting until the last minute, the inclusion of a deadline extension for the full implementation of positive train control (PTC) safety technology addresses the national economic threat of a rail shut down of our countrys freight and commuter network. This legislation requires a clear timeline for reasonable implementation of this vital safety technology while protecting the economy from the needless shock of a major rail disruption.
In September, Reps. Newhouse and Quigley sent a bipartisan letter to House leadership signed by over 160 Members of Congress urging Congress to extend the upcoming deadline for implementing PTC, showing the overwhelming support for action.
When Congress mandated PTC implementation by 2015 in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, there was no off-the-shelf technology available to achieve these safety objectives for all railroads. Our nations railroads have had to develop it, and theyve had to do that with little help from the federal government. 71 percent of commuter railroads will not achieve full PTC implementation before the statutory deadline of December 2015. Half of the countrys commuter railroads are being forced to defer other safety and capital improvements in order to afford the costs of PTC.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/congressman-reicherts-statement-presidents-veto-ndaa,Congressman Reichert's Statement on President's Veto of the NDAA,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement regarding President Obamas veto of this years National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
In an a show of bipartisanship, this week Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle worked together to put a bill on the Presidents desk that would fulfill the promises we made to our servicemembers and keep America safe, said Rep. Reichert. However, with the stroke of a pen, President Obama prioritized his own political agenda over our troops and our national security. Since it was first passed over 50 years ago, the NDAA has only been vetoed four times, and this is the first time its being struck down for something purely political.
Rep. Reichert continued, At a time when America faces serious threats both on the homeland and abroad, we must ensure that our troops are provided with the resources they need to fulfill their critical mission and are fairly compensated for the incredible sacrifices they make each day. We must never forget that the Commander-in-Chiefs first and foremost job is to protect this nation, and yesterday, President Obama failed to do that.
At the moment, the House is scheduled to hold a vote to override the Presidents veto of the NDAA on November 5th. In order to nullify the veto, a two-thirds majority of the House must vote against it  the Senate needs a majority of 67.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/breast-cancer-awareness-event/,Breast Cancer Awareness Event,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R- WA) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D- CA) will host a breast cancer awareness event to celebrate women who fought breast cancer. ABC News Cokie Roberts will be honored.
PARTICIPANTS:  
House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)  
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (R-CA)  
Cokie Roberts, ABC News  
Myra Biblowit, CEO, Breast Cancer Research Foundation  
Stacy Lewis, Chief Programs Officer of the Young Survival Coalition
DATE:  
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
TIME:  
3:00 PM  
LOCATION:  
U.S. Capitol  
HC-8",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/empowering-patients-one-solution-at-a-time/,"Empowering Patients, One Solution at a Time",2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"If we want to offer the best possible health care to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible cost, we need solutions that give Americans control over their health care decisions.
Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act:
Access to world-class care with 21st Century cures and treatments is possible, but it wont come with top-down government-knows-best policies. If we want to offer the best possible health care to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible cost, we need solutions that give Americans control over their health care decisions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/strategic-and-critical-minerals/,Strategic and Critical Minerals,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Slow and burdensome processes should not obstruct responsible projects.
Washington, D.C.  Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the passage of H.R. 1937, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015. This bill requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service to simplify the process for obtaining permits to extract minerals on federal lands.
Delays in the permitting of American mining projects wipe out high-paying jobs in rural communities. Communities in Northeastern Washington depend on these jobs.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:
Minerals are key to agriculture, health care, technology, national defense, and almost every facet of our modern world. The federal governments broken regulatory system drives mining operations into other countrieseliminating good-paying jobs and relaxing standards of the minerals extracted. Families in Eastern Washington communities like Republic, Metaline Falls, and Northport are hurt when jobs are jeopardized by bureaucratic dysfunction.
We should have systems in place that block bad projects and allow good projects to move forward. Slow and burdensome processes should not obstruct responsible projects that will put Americans back to work.
H.R. 1937 reduces lengthy timelines and delays while protecting important environmental standards.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/the-presidents-ndaa-veto-is-unacceptable/,The Presidents NDAA Veto is Unacceptable,2015-10-23,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"The President must stop playing politics; support our troops; and keep America safe.
Washington, D.C.  Today Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) spoke on the House floor about President Obamas decision to veto the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act. Below are her remarks:
Defending the American people is the chief responsibility of our government, and its a constitutional obligation that the House and the Senate take seriously.
This week Congress put the National Defense Authorization Act on the Presidents Desk. Its an important example of how Congress should work together to get the job done for the American people.
This is bipartisan. We do it every year to fund our military.
For 53 years, Congresses passed, Presidents signed this legislation.
Later today, President Obama will veto.
My district is home to Fairchild Air Force base, and I know firsthand the importance of our defense funding.
The National Defense Authorization Act funds vital military operations and equipment. Military families rely on it for salaries, medical care, and transitional resources.
Our nation was built on service before self. We have an obligationand the Commander-in-Chief has an obligationto ensure military and defense remains our top priority.
Mr. Speaker, the President must stop playing politics; support our troops; and keep America safe.
Click here to view her speech on the House floor. Click here to view remarks McMorris Rodgers delivered at a press conference yesterday regarding the importance of this legislation for military families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/congressman-reichert-launches-congressional-freight-caucus,Congressman Reichert Launches Congressional Freight Caucus,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  This week, U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) launched the Congressional Freight Caucus in an effort to raise awareness about the need to expand our nations freight infrastructure.
Ensuring that we have a strong freight infrastructure is critical to maintaining the free flow of goods and people and protecting Americas prominence in the global economy. This issue is especially important to Washington State, where freight systems support 1.5 million jobs and produce $129 billion in annual revenue, said Congressman Reichert.
However, the reality is that U.S. freight volumes are estimated to grow by 45 percent by the year 2045 and we do not currently have the capacity to accommodate this growth. We must adequately prepare for increasing cargo volumes by making the necessary investments now to keep our industries competitive, our economy growing, and our roads safe, Rep. Reichert continued. I am hopeful that this caucus can bring together Members from all regions and all sides of the aisle to discuss actionable policy solutions to strengthen Americas freight transportation system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398609,Jaime Herrera Beutler Introduces Legislation to Prevent Misleading Seafood Labeling,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,herrerabeutler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to change the market name of Alaska pollock to pollock. 
          share:
          f 
          t 
        
      
      Today, Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to change the market name of Alaska pollock to pollock.This amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is necessary to eliminate confusion for consumers, and to stem the flood of mislabeled fish from less sustainable fisheries that harms U.S. pollock fishermen and the businesses they support. 
Under current FDA labeling standards, pollock caught in any part of the world can be labeled as Alaska pollock. Approximately 40% of the fish labeled Alaska pollock available to American consumers is caught in the Russian pollock fishery.  Americans want to know where their food is coming from. This bill will give American consumers more transparency by closing this FDA loophole that allows Russian pollock from Chinese processors to flood our markets under the label Alaska pollock, said Jaime. If a mom in Vancouver wants to purchase fish caught sustainably and packaged truthfully, she should have that choice. With this legislative fix, were also ensuring that pollock fishing and processing businesses located in Southwest Washington and throughout the U.S. arent having to compete with deceptively labeled products from far less sustainable fisheries.
The U.S. fishing industry and the American consumer deserve this commonsense change to the pollock name, said Congressman Don Young. Theres no reason why foreign caught pollock should be disguised as Alaskan, especially given the significant management efforts weve taken in the North Pacific to create the most sustainable fishery in the world. No other nation can replicate the quality and care we put into Alaskan seafood and the FDAs labeling standards should reflect that. Unfortunately, an Act of Congress is the only immediate way to keep foreign caught pollock from degrading our U.S. seafood markets.
A consumer survey conducted by GMA Research revealed that:
 77% of participants said that if they saw seafood labeled as Alaska Pollock, they would think the sea food is harvested in Alaska. 
 81% of participants said they would feel misled if they purchased seafood labeled as Alaska pollock and found out it was harvested from somewhere else. 
The Alaska pollock fishery is the nation's largest food fishery in the United States, producing 1.3 million tons annually and accounting for 11 percent of American fresh and frozen fish intake. The Alaskan pollock fishery is carefully managed for sustainability, safety and environmental impact. 
The companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-newhouse-statement-president-obama-s-veto-national-defense,Rep. Newhouse Statement on President Obamas Veto of National Defense Authorization Act,2015-10-22,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released a statement following President Obamas veto of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
The American people understand exactly what this is: the President is playing politics with defense by holding the national defense authorization bill hostage to advance his own big-spending domestic agenda. Providing for the common defense is the foremost constitutional duty of the federal government. This bill gives the men and women of our Armed Forces the resources they need at the levels requested by the President. Pitting increased domestic spending against resources for our men and women overseas in harms way is wrong. Congress must override the Presidents veto to ensure our national security.
In May, Rep. Newhouse voted in favor of H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In addition to providing for our national defense and overseas operations, the NDAA authorizes funding for the Richland Operations Office (RL) and for the Office of River Protection (ORP) to continue cleanup at Hanford.
In April, Rep. Newhouse successfully led a request to the House Armed Services Committee for strong support for Hanford cleanup in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was provided in this NDAA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/congressman-reicherts-statement-wildfire-disaster-funding,Congressman Reichert's Statement on Wildfire Disaster Funding,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) welcomed the recent announcement that Washingtons request for federal disaster relief assistance in counties affected by wildfires this summer was approved. Specifically, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Public Assistance Program will be given to eight counties, including Chelan County, to compensate for the damages incurred by the years record wildfire season as the state prepares to repair damaged infrastructure that occurred from the catastrophic fire season.
This news comes as a great relief to the many communities that were victims of the wildfires that swept across the eastern part of our state this summer, said Congressman Reichert. These relentless fires burned over one million acres throughout the state, destroying 146 homes that stood in their path, and displacing many families throughout our region. Chelan alone lost 122,845 acres, costing the county over $4.7 million in damages.
Although no sum of money can ever replace the lives that were lost and the priceless items that perished in the flames, these emergency funds will help rebuild some of the communities that were hit the hardest, continued Reichert. The people of Central and Eastern Washington are resilient, and I know we will get through this and continue to rebuild.
Earlier this year, Rep. Reichert joined Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell and U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Dan Newhouse in sending multiple letters to the President urging him to approve the states federal emergency disaster declaration.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/gop-leaders-push-for-strong-national-defense/,GOP Leaders Push for Strong National Defense,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Caring for our troops and their families is the cornerstone of military readiness.

Click to Play  
Republican Leadership Press Conference:  
October 21, 2015
Participants:  
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)  
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)  
Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA)  
Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)  
Vice Conference Chair Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)  
Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
Chair McMorris Rodgers, Remarks As Prepared For Delivery:
  
This week the House and Senate sent our Defense Authorization bill to the Presidents desk.
It is bipartisan. We do this every year to fund our military.
This legislation is essential to providing a strong national defense that keeps us safe, equips those serving in harms way, and supports their families here at home.
For the men and women at Fairchild Air Force Base in Eastern Washington and at other bases around the world, our priority should be to give our service members and their families the equipment and resources they need.
As a co-chair of the Military Families Caucus, I hear story after story of families struggling to pay the bills at the end of the month and juggling the demands of being a single parent while their spouse is serving elsewhere.
When someone joins the military, its not just a job  its a family commitment to our country. They all serve and make sacrifices for our country, and they have earned our support.
Military families rely on programs in the National Defense Authorization Act. It includes a pay raise for our military, funding for commissaries, flights for family to visit deployed service members, and access to urgent care.
Caring for our troops and their families is the cornerstone of military readiness. Our troops need to be focused on their mission, we should not make them worry about whats happening to their families back at home.
We have an obligation  and the Commander-in-Chief has an obligation  to ensure military and defense remain our top priorities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/house-republican-conference-chair-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-applauds-passage-of-judicial-redress-act-4/,Applauding the Judicial Redress Act,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday the House unanimously passed H.R. 1428 Judicial Redress Act. House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement:
Im glad to see the House unanimously pass H.R. 1428 The Judicial Redress Act. Its an important step towards helping rebuild the trust of citizens worldwide with the U.S. government and our technology companies. The European Unions recent decision to invalidate the U.S.-E.U. Safe Harbor agreement exposes a clear lack of trust. The passage of this bill serves as a necessary first step in improving dialogue with the E.U, highlighting Americas commitment towards user privacy, and enhancing the ability for the U.S. technology sector to expand in Europe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-questions-field-experts-on-medicare-part-d-medication-therapy-management-program/,Medications for our Seniors,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"In building a 21st Century health care system, we need a cost effective approach-one that is a win-win for everyone: patients, pharmacists, and health care providerseveryone who relies on the Medicare system.
Washington, D.C.  House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) questioned Jesse McCullough, the Rite Aid Corporations Director of Field Clinical Services, today during a House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health hearing Examining the Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management Program. 
Click here to view the exchange
Regarding the program, McMorris Rodgers released the following statement:  
We know that when patients do a better job adhering to their medications, they are healthier and happierand so is the Medicare system. Unfortunately, Medicare can be difficult to navigate, tangling our seniors in red tape when it should be user-friendly.
In building a 21st Century health care system, we need a cost effective approach-one that is a win-win for everyone: patients, pharmacists, and health care providerseveryone who relies on the Medicare system.
To do this, I am working on legislation that will improve patient outcomes and reduce overall health care costs, especially among those who have chronic diseases like diabetes.  
The first step is increasing access. Next, is testing out new models for helping seniors adhere to their medsmodels that forward looking pharmacists and insurance plans have been working on for years.  
Going forward, it is critical that we continue to gather input from pharmacies, insurance plans, patient groups, and pharmaceutical companies, because everyone has a role to play in keeping patients healthier and helping Medicare remain solvent.
In my role, Im committed to bringing these issues to the forefront in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-quigley-lipinski-and-rail-industry-leaders-urge-immediate,"Newhouse, Quigley, Lipinski and Rail Industry Leaders Urge Immediate Action to Extend PTC Deadline",2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations subcommittee, and Dan Lipinski (IL-03), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, along with leaders of the rail industry and shippers urged Congress to act immediately to extend the upcoming deadline for implementing positive train control (PTC) safety technology and prevent a shutdown of the nations passenger and freight rail system.
The economic damage caused by a shutdown of our nations rail network would be as grave as it would be unnecessary. Food prices would spike sharply as impacted farmers would be prevented from effectively transporting products to market. Farmers would face increased costs procuring necessary fertilizers and pesticides, said Rep. Newhouse. Positive Train Control is a vital safety technology, and our nations rail networks require a clear timeline for reasonable implementation. Failure to extend this deadline within the next few weeks will have devastating impacts on all Americans who rely on our nations rail networks. I urge my colleagues in Congress to act on this commonsense measure to extend the deadline to implement PTC.
The consequences for inaction on positive train control are too great. The time Congress has to avert an economic disaster is too short, said Rep. Quigley. While the deadline for PTC implementation is December 31, preventing a major disruption of rail service requires Congress to act much sooner. Shutting down the nations rail network involves more than simply flipping a switch  it involves complex logistics and will take weeks to complete. Therefore, Congress cannot afford to wait until the last minute to act and should explore all legislative options to get the job done as soon as possible.
Im pleased that House and Senate negotiators have come to an agreement on an extension of the Positive Train Control (PTC) mandate that sets the bar high for safety and holds the railroads feet to the fire, said Rep. Lipinski. This extension would provide an additional three years for railroads to install the technology and obtain bandwidth, but for any further extensions the railroads must meet benchmarks that demonstrate serious progress and investment. Congress must closely track the progress of the railroads to ensure that they are making sufficient investments in PTC so that they will complete installation as quickly as possible. Now that we have an agreement, we need Congress to pass this extension without delay.
(From left to right) Kirk Dillard, Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA); Chris Jahn, President of The Fertilizer Institute; Edward Hamberger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of American Railroads, Rep. Mike Quigley, Rep. Dan Lipinski, Rep. Dan Newhouse; Rep. Bill Foster; Rep. Brad Ashford; Martin Oberman, Chairman of Metra; Don Orseno, President and CEO of Metra; Rep. Bob Dold
The event was also attended by Edward Hamberger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of American Railroads; Martin Oberman, Chairman of Metra (Chicago commuter railroad); and Chris Jahn, President of The Fertilizer Institute, as well as members who signed the bipartisan letter led by Reps. Quigley and Newhouse to House leadership urging an extension of the PTC implementation deadline.
Nitrogen fertilizer is fuel for agricultures high performance engine and makes it possible for our nations farmers to produce $225 billion worth of crops annually, said The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President Chris Jahn. Without speedy action to extend the PTC implementation deadline, growers will be denied reliable access to an essential tool of food production.
Today, the members and rail industry leaders explained that despite the investment of billions of dollars by passenger and freight railroads towards PTC implementation, implementing PTC nationwide by the statutory deadline at the end of this year is simply impossible. Without congressional action, hundreds of thousands of passengers who rely on commuter rail to get to work every day will have to find alternate means of travel, crowding already congested roads, increasing costs to local communities, and disproportionately affecting low income Americans. Shutting down the countrys freight network would also have devastating consequences to the nations economy, affecting thousands of businesses across a wide spectrum of industries and producing shortages of essential goods.
Earlier this month, Reps. Newhouse and Quigley sent a bipartisan letter to House leadership signed by over 160 Members of Congress urging Congress to extend the upcoming deadline for implementing PTC, showing the overwhelming support for action.
When Congress mandated PTC implementation by 2015 in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, there was no off-the-shelf technology available to achieve these safety objectives for all railroads. Our nations railroads have had to develop it, and theyve had to do that with little help from the federal government. 71 percent of commuter railroads will not achieve full PTC implementation before the statutory deadline of December 2015. Half of the countrys commuter railroads are being forced to defer other safety and capital improvements in order to afford the costs of PTC.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-president-s-approval-federal-disaster-public,Newhouse Statement on Presidents Approval of Federal Disaster Public Assistance for WA Wildfires,2015-10-21,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the announcement that the federal government approved Governor Jay Inslees request on October 7, 2015 for federal disaster assistance for emergency work related to this summers devastating wildfires:
I am glad that the Administration complied with the request for a major disaster declaration, approving financial federal assistance for wildfire-devastated areas across Washington, said Rep. Newhouse. This assistance allows critical support for emergency work and repair of facilities damaged by the record-setting wildfires this summer. While this emergency support is a much-needed step in the right direction, the request for Individual Assistance, which would provide impacted homeowners and businesses with relief, must be approved as quickly as possible to meet the needs of impacted residents. On behalf of affected communities in Central Washington, I am grateful for the response thus far and continue to urge the President to grant vital individual assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Public Assistance Program provides assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities as well as Hazard Mitigation Grant programs. The approval of public assistance covers Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Earlier this month, Rep. Newhouse joined members of the federal delegation representing areas in Washington State impacted bythis summer'shistoric wildfires to urge President Obama to grant the Governors request forfederal disaster assistance. In August, Rep. Newhouse urged prompt approval of Governor Inslees request for a federal emergency disaster declaration,which was granted by FEMA. However, withmore than one million acres burned and 146 homes destroyed and another 476 damaged, more federal assistance is necessaryto respond adequately to the affected communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-syrian-refugee-crisis-requires-cautious-compassion,COLUMN: Syrian Refugee Crisis Requires Cautious Compassion,2015-10-19,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hardly a day goes by without Americans seeing horrific news stories on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The unstable security situation due to terrorism and civil war has destabilized the region and created a tide of refugees sweeping from the Middle East and Africa into Europe. The U.S. should respond to the refugee crisis deliberately and with great caution, taking every safeguard measure and keeping the security of our homeland as our foremost priority.
Migrants and refugees have overwhelmed the capacity of many European nations to screen applicants for asylum. More than 4 million Syrians have been displaced by the conflict. According to one estimate, this year almost 700,000 migrants have crossed borders into the European Union. And those are only the numbers for known crossings. The largest numbers are asylum claimants from Syria, but many thousands are also from Pakistan, Eritrea, and Afghanistan.
Concerns that terror groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) plan to take advantage of asylum policies to infiltrate the West are well-founded. The Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, told Congress in September that, We dont obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugeesThat is a huge concern of ours.Every Americanespecially we in Congressshould take those concerns very seriously.
The Obama Administration recently increased the number of refugees the U.S. will take in worldwide from 70,000 in 2015, to 85,000 in 2016 to 100,000 in 2017. The Administrations plan includes allowing 10,000 Syrians refugees next year and perhaps even more in 2017. Under current law, the Administration sets the overall number of refugees to be taken in from around the world with little input from Congress. But such a vital domestic national security issue should require greater oversight from the American peoples representatives in Congress. I cosponsored the Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act to require the Administration to receive affirmative approval from Congress through the enactment of a joint resolution before any additional refugees may be admitted into the U.S.
The bill will provide proper Congressional oversight, allowing Congress to ensure that any refugee resettlement plan put forward by the Administration adequately addresses these security concerns. The legislation would also require the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and Federal Bureau of Investigation, to provide new security assurances before admitting refugees into the country, and for the Government Accountability Office to conduct an extensive review of security gaps in the current refugee screening process.
I share the concerns I have heard from many constituents expressing unease over the security screening procedures for refugees seeking entry into the U.S. The American people are already responding with compassion to assist refugees through billions of dollars in aid. It is imperative that Congress keep the Obama Administration accountable for providing a concrete homeland security strategy to ensure anyone seeking asylum in our country is who they say they are and do not have an affiliation to any foreign terror groups.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/terror-against-israeli-civilians-serves-no-one/,Terror against Israeli civilians serves no one,2015-10-15,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement in response to the recent spike in violence across Israel and the Palestinian territories:
Once again Israel is confronting terrorism from those who cannot let the Jewish people live in peace. This past month, eight Israelis have been killed in brutal terrorist attacks, with even innocent children falling victim to politically-motivated stabbings.
This terror against Israeli civilians must stop. It tears at the fragile bonds of civility that exist between Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Jerusalem, the holiest of cities. It serves no one.
Our country stands firmly by Israel and supports all its efforts to build a peaceful, modern society in Jerusalem and all of Israel. Our prayers go out to all the families who have suffered loss at the hands of senseless violence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/cantwell-mcmorris-rodgers-hold-fire-roundtable-to-identify-solutions-for-rural-communities/,Fire Roundtable Identifies Solutions,2015-10-14,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"SPOKANE, WA  Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) convened a roundtable of local stakeholders in Spokane to discuss lessons learned from this summers wildland fires in Washington State.
With the end of the worst wildfire seasons in Washington State history and more than 1 million acres burned, the senator and congresswoman discussed strategies for combating and preventing wildland fires in the bipartisan roundtable. Local community leaders, firefighters, first responders, elected officials, and business owners participated in the bipartisan roundtable.
The discussion included ways to increase collaboration between county, state and federal agencies; the immediate needs of communities; how to improve the underlying health of forests; and long-term goals for fire preparation, prevention and suppression.
We want our citizens here in Eastern Washington to know we are all partners, working together to make sure that when the next fire season comes around, we are going to be better prepared to fight these fires, Sen. Cantwell said. We certainly want to stop fire borrowing, but we want to make sure we are doing the work in advance  the fuel reduction and modernizations that will help us be better prepared for the future.
This summer was the one we feared. We experienced huge loss and damage across Eastern Washington, and we will be working for years to recover, McMorris Rodgers said. Unfortunately, 13 of the last 15 years have been the most extensive wildfires in our countrys history. We must act now to do all we can to prevent this from happening again next summer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/cantwell-mcmorris-rodgers-hold-fire-roundtable/,"Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Hold Fire Roundtable",2015-10-13,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Senator Maria Cantwell (WA) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will host a joint roundtable discussion with a wide range of experts who were on the ground during recent fires. Across Eastern Washington communities were hit by the worst fire season on record. Cantwell and McMorris Rodgers will hear from elected leaders and first responders from cities and counties affected by these firesfrom Asotin County to Ferry Countyas well as business and community leaders involved in firefighting efforts.
If you are interested in covering this event, please RSVP to Ian Field(ian.field@mail.house.gov)
Wednesday, October 14
12:00  1:45pm FIRE ROUNDTABLE: Greater Spokane Incorporated
12:00pm: Roundtable Convenes
12:05pm: Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers Delivers Opening Remarks (5 minutes)
12:10pm: Senator Maria Cantwell Delivers Opening Remarks (5 minutes)
12:15pm: Informal Discussion
Topics:
 
Collaboration Between County/State/Federal Agencies
Immediate Needs of our Communities
Long-Term Goals
Additional Questions and Comments
 
1:30pm: Media Availability
1:45pm: Roundtable concludes

Location:
Greater Spokane Incorporated Conference Room
801 W Riverside Ave #100, Spokane, WA 99201

*Please RSVP to Ian Field (ian.field@mail.house.gov)*",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-joins-fortune-most-powerful-women-summit/,Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit,2015-10-13,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) will speak at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit today at 1:00 PM EDT.
The MPW Summit is the worlds premier annual gathering of preeminent women in business, along with select leaders in government, philanthropy, education, sports, and the arts. Other speakers include Mary Barra of General Motors, Fox News Anchor Megyn Kelly, and Gates Foundation CEO Susan Desmond-Hellmann. The theme for the 2015 gathering is Leading with Purpose.
This is a profound opportunity to hear and learn from leading women in a wide variety of industries, said McMorris Rodgers. Their courage, leadership, and vision show us that anything is possible. Im honored to take part in this years summit.
Click here to learn more about the Summit. During the event, a livestream will be available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-talks-leadership-future-of-congress-at-fortune-most-powerful-women-summit/,Leadership and the Future of Congress,2015-10-13,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"CLICK TO PLAY
We need positive disruption on Capitol Hill. We need to rethink the way that Congress does business.
Washington, D.C.  Today House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) sat down with Fortune Magazines Nina Easton during the annual Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.
The highest ranking Republican woman in Congress, McMorris Rodgers spoke of her role in leadership, the need for honest conversation within the party, and how she envisions Congress adapting to the changing environments both inside and outside its halls.
Some highlights:
You have to be the right person at the right time I really believe the best place for me to be right now is to play a role in building trust internally, and it starts with communication.
I believe it is very important, first and foremost, that we figure out how to build the trust internally. I am hopeful that through [the leadership elections] were are actually going to have those conversations on how we work more effectively internally, not just among Republicans, but with our Senate colleagues, with the Democrats, so that ultimately we can restore trust with every person in this country.
A lot is still top-down. Most decisions are made by leadership or committee chairmen. But there is this desire by the Members to have more of a bottom-up approach and to really look at the processes and structure of Congress to change it in a way that empowers2/3 of the House Republicans were elected within the past five years. Theyve come here to do big things. They would like to be contributors and to be involved in our vision and how to communicate to everybody in this country  
We need to be thinking about what is the Congress of tomorrow. How do we function in 2015? The way Congress is currently structured, the rules that we have in placethat all needs to be looked at. Thats what Im currently leading.
To view the interview in its entirety, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/congressman-reicherts-statement-ex-im-bank-discharge-petition,Congressman Reichert's Statement on Ex-Im Bank Discharge Petition,2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert joined over 218 of his House colleagues in signing a discharge petition to bring a vote to reauthorize the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States to the House floor. The petition reached the minimum number of signatures, 218, to force a vote on the Banks reauthorization.
When Washington State businesses operate on a level playing field with foreign businesses, they win, and hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs are created here in our state, said Congressman Reichert. But when Congress failed to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank this past summer, we put over 230 of our states exporters that have relied on Ex-Im and the jobs they support here at home at risk. Too much is on the line, which is why I joined my colleagues in taking this step to force action on this critical resource for our nations job creators.""

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/wa-wildfires-murray-cantwell-reichert-mcmorris-rodgers-herrera-beutler-newhouse-urge-additional-federal-disaster-assistance-for-washington-state-4/,Urging Disaster Assistance for Washington State,2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  The federal delegation representing areas in Washington state impacted by this summers historic wildfires sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to grant Governor Jay Inslees request for federal disaster assistance. On Wednesday, Governor Inslee requested assistance for both wildfires and the massive windstorm in late August. The letter was sent by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (WA-8), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3), and Dan Newhouse (WA-4).
In the letter, the members said, We fully support Governor Inslees request for a major disaster declaration that includes hazard mitigation, public assistance, and individual assistance. The public assistance requested by Governor Inslee is vital to restoring public infrastructure damaged by the wildfires. Further, individual assistance with housing support, disaster crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, and other supports will help meet the needs of the families, business owners, and other community members who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster. We therefore urge you to grant Governor Inslees request in its entirety and as soon as possible.
In August, members expressed support of Governor Inslees request for a federal emergency disaster declaration, which was granted by FEMA. However, with more than one million acres burned and 146 homes destroyed and another 476 damaged, more federal assistance is necessary to respond adequately to the affected communities.
The full text of the letter is below:  
October 8, 2015
The Honorable Barack Obama  
President of the United States  
The White House  
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest  
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We write to urge you to swiftly approve the federal major disaster declaration requested on October 7, 2015 by Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
We are grateful for your quick approval on August 21, 2015, of Governor Inslees request for a federal emergency disaster declaration (FEMA-3372-EM). As the magnitude of these wildfires has grown, however, so too have the long-term personal and economic effects on small, rural communities in Washington state. The emergency declaration, while vital in supporting the immediate efforts to save lives and property, is inadequate to support the long-term needs of the regions individual families and public entities.
As you know, Washington state is experiencing a historically intense wildfire season. Wildfires burning in counties throughout Central and Eastern Washington have stretched our states wildfire-fighting resources thin and have further devastated communities still recovering from last years fires. The Okanogan Complex fire of 2015 was the largest wildfire in Washington states history, more than doubling the acres burned by the previous record fire, the Carlton Complex fire of 2014. Over $319 million has been spent fighting wildfires in Washington state since June 1, supporting 11,450 firefighting and support personnel and 1,569 Washington National Guard soldiers at peak activity.
Taken together, wildfires in Washington state this season have burned over one million acres and destroyed 146 homes  92 of which were uninsured  across 13 counties and four Federally-recognized tribes: Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties; and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
For the second year in a row, Okanogan County has been particularly hard hit by wildfire. Over 50 percent of the states total home loss was sustained by Okanogan County, which has historically been characterized by low housing vacancy rates and has been struggling to cope with the destruction of over 300 homes last year by wildfire. The Okanogan Complex and other wildfires have thrust a previously stressed region towards an increasingly dire housing situation. While local hotels are normally relied upon to address housing shortages triggered by disasters, the Countys ongoing and economically vital tourist season has significantly diminished the number of rooms available to displaced households. This is not a matter of affordability: there are simply no empty homes or rooms to accommodate displaced families. Federal assistance is needed immediately to confront this housing shortage before it grows into a crisis.
The regions public infrastructure has sustained enormous damage due to the wildfires. Wildfires this year have inflicted more than $42 million in Public Assistance-eligible damage across the affected 13 counties. In Okanogan and Pend Oreille Counties, Public Assistance burden per capita exceeds $500. The Chelan and Okanogan Public Utility Districts (PUDs) reported over 232 miles of power lines and fiber optic cable and 983 poles impacted by wildfire. At the fires peak, more than 15,500 customers in the PUDs service areas were without power due to fire damage. Three radio communications sites powered by Slide Ridge in Chelan County remain without power, are currently seeking temporary power solutions, and it may require up to two years to restore full functionality. Slide Ridge serves the United States Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service, as well as passenger boat operators on Lake Chelan. Rebuilding these public utilities will take significant amounts of time and funding and federal assistance is seriously needed.
We are proud that Washington state is home to a strong agricultural sector, with farmers, ranchers, and agriculture businesses located throughout our state. As of 2012, Okanogan County alone supported more than 1,440 farms and its production of apples, cherries, pears, forage, wheat, and cattle resulted in $287 million in sales. Of the estimated 41,000 Washingtonians living in Okanogan County, approximately 45 percent of the total workforce is tied to the agriculture sector. Thirty-five percent of Okanogan Countys 11,000 head of cattle were lost as wildfires swept through the area. An additional 12 percent are expected to be lost to starvation if adequate feeding solutions are not put into place, which would push aggregate cattle losses to $10.5 million. Furthermore, the regions fence line and grazing land has almost been completely destroyed for a second year in a row. The Washington Department of Natural Resources and the USFS estimate that they lost 95 and 80 percent of grazing land, respectively. With so much of the regions workforce tied to the agricultural industry, the losses suffered have resulted in significant hardship for the local economy and residents of Central and Eastern Washington.
Several Washington tribes are heavily dependent upon the natural resources of their reservations to support annual operating budgets and provide benefits and employment to tribal members. Timber resources are critically important and can take decades to reach economic viability. An estimated one-fifth of the timber resources on the Colville Reservation have been lost during the 2015 wildfire season, and the North Star and Tunk Block wildfires collectively burned more than 250,000 acres on the Colville Reservation. Many of these reservation communities are plagued by high unemployment and lack of local employment opportunities, and therefore natural resources provide both essential operating funds and gainful employment. The federal governments tribal trust responsibility needs to be upheld as we work collaboratively to recover from this devastating wildfire season. We encourage you to consider all options to support the recovery of all communities in Central and Eastern Washington, including those on reservations.
In recent weeks, we have heard from constituents throughout Central and Eastern Washington who have had their lives upended once more by wildfires. But we also have heard stories of bravery and generosity, of the grit and grace that have defined these communities for generations. The citizens of Central and Eastern Washington are fiercely independent people with a proud history of taking care of their own. Through their determination and hard work, these communities began to pull themselves out of the ashes of 2014s fires. Today, not even a year removed, they face the harrowing prospect of starting over yet again. With this in mind, we find their calls for help all the more meaningful.
We are grateful of the thousands of firefighters, volunteers, and service members from multiple local, state, and federal agencies who have responded heroically to this disaster. We are grateful for all those who have traveled from Colorado, Mississippi, Montana, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other jurisdictions to lend their assistance in firefighting. We are also deeply appreciative of the commitment of the many citizens, volunteers, charities, businesses, and local elected and appointed officials who have risen to serve their neighbors during this very difficult time. Lastly, we continue to mourn the three firefighters  Richard Wheeler, Andrew Zajac, and Tom Zbyszewski  who lost their lives combating the Twisp wildfire on August 19, 2015.
Considering the disaster burden that the region and the state have experienced over the last 18 months, we feel that federal assistance is critical to the long-term health and safety of affected communities. Since March 2014, Washington state has had to grapple with two major disaster declarations, three emergency declarations, and 20 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs). Forty percent of FMAGs issued this year nationwide have been in response to Washington state wildfires. Concurrent with this major disaster request, Governor Inslee is requesting that a major disaster be declared for counties impacted by the worst summer windstorm in Washington state history, which occurred on August 29, 2015. While they have responded admirably, a disaster of this magnitude has exhausted the already-strained capacities of local communities and state agencies.
Therefore, we fully support Governor Inslees request for a major disaster declaration that includes hazard mitigation, public assistance, and individual assistance. The public assistance requested by Governor Inslee is vital to restoring public infrastructure damaged by the wildfires. Further, individual assistance with housing support, disaster crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, and other supports will help meet the needs of the families, business owners, and other community members who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster.
We therefore urge you to grant Governor Inslees request in its entirety and as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray Maria Cantwell  
United States Senator United States Senator
Dave Reichert Cathy McMorris Rodgers  
Member of Congress Member of Congress
Jaime Herrera Beutler Dan Newhouse  
Member of Congress Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wa-wildfires-newhouse-murray-cantwell-reichert-mcmorris-rodgers-herrera,"WA WILDFIRES: Newhouse, Murray, Cantwell, Reichert, McMorris Rodgers, Herrera Beutler Urge Additional Federal Disaster Assistance for Washington State",2015-10-09,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  The federal delegation representing areas in Washington state impacted bythis summer'shistoric wildfires sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to grant Governor Jay Inslee's request forfederal disaster assistance. On Wednesday,Governor Inslee requested assistance for both wildfires and the massive windstorm in late August. The letter was sent by U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-4), U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Reps. Dave Reichert (WA-8), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3).
In the letter, the members said, We fully support Governor Inslees request for a major disaster declaration that includes hazard mitigation, public assistance, and individual assistance. The public assistance requested by Governor Inslee is vital to restoring public infrastructure damaged by the wildfires. Further, individual assistance with housing support, disaster crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, and other supports will help meet the needs of the families, business owners, and other community members who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster. We therefore urge you to grant Governor Inslees request in its entirety and as soon as possible.
In August, members expressed support of Governor Inslees request for a federal emergency disaster declaration,which was granted by FEMA. However, withmore than one million acres burned and 146 homes destroyed and another 476 damaged, more federal assistance is necessaryto respond adequately to the affected communities.
The full text of the letter is below:
October 8, 2015

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, DC 20500


Dear Mr. President:
We write to urge you to swiftly approve the federal major disaster declaration requested on October 7, 2015 by Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
We are grateful for your quick approval on August 21, 2015, of Governor Inslees request for a federal emergency disaster declaration (FEMA-3372-EM). As the magnitude of these wildfires has grown, however, so too have the long-term personal and economic effects on small, rural communities in Washington state. The emergency declaration, while vital in supporting the immediate efforts to save lives and property, is inadequate to support the long-term needs of the regions individual families and public entities.
As you know, Washington state is experiencing a historically intense wildfire season. Wildfires burning in counties throughout Central and Eastern Washington have stretched our states wildfire-fighting resources thin and have further devastated communities still recovering from last years fires. The Okanogan Complex fire of 2015 was the largest wildfire in Washington states history, more than doubling the acres burned by the previous record fire, the Carlton Complex fire of 2014. Over $319 million has been spent fighting wildfires in Washington state since June 1, supporting 11,450 firefighting and support personnel and 1,569 Washington National Guard soldiers at peak activity.
Taken together, wildfires in Washington state this season have burned over one million acres and destroyed 146 homes  92 of which were uninsured  across 13 counties and four Federally-recognized tribes: Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties; and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
For the second year in a row, Okanogan County has been particularly hard hit by wildfire. Over 50 percent of the states total home loss was sustained by Okanogan County, which has historically been characterized by low housing vacancy rates and has been struggling to cope with the destruction of over 300 homes last year by wildfire. The Okanogan Complex and other wildfires have thrust a previously stressed region towards an increasingly dire housing situation. While local hotels are normally relied upon to address housing shortages triggered by disasters, the Countys ongoing and economically vital tourist season has significantly diminished the number of rooms available to displaced households. This is not a matter of affordability: there are simply no empty homes or rooms to accommodate displaced families. Federal assistance is needed immediately to confront this housing shortage before it grows into a crisis.
The regions public infrastructure has sustained enormous damage due to the wildfires. Wildfires this year have inflicted more than $42 million in Public Assistance-eligible damage across the affected 13 counties. In Okanogan and Pend Oreille Counties, Public Assistance burden per capita exceeds $500. The Chelan and Okanogan Public Utility Districts (PUDs) reported over 232 miles of power lines and fiber optic cable and 983 poles impacted by wildfire. At the fires peak, more than 15,500 customers in the PUDs service areas were without power due to fire damage. Three radio communications sites powered by Slide Ridge in Chelan County remain without power, are currently seeking temporary power solutions, and it may require up to two years to restore full functionality. Slide Ridge serves the United States Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service, as well as passenger boat operators on Lake Chelan. Rebuilding these public utilities will take significant amounts of time and funding and federal assistance is seriously needed.
We are proud that Washington state is home to a strong agricultural sector, with farmers, ranchers, and agriculture businesses located throughout our state. As of 2012, Okanogan County alone supported more than 1,440 farms and its production of apples, cherries, pears, forage, wheat, and cattle resulted in $287 million in sales. Of the estimated 41,000 Washingtonians living in Okanogan County, approximately 45 percent of the total workforce is tied to the agriculture sector. Thirty-five percent of Okanogan Countys 11,000 head of cattle were lost as wildfires swept through the area. An additional 12 percent are expected to be lost to starvation if adequate feeding solutions are not put into place, which would push aggregate cattle losses to $10.5 million. Furthermore, the regions fence line and grazing land has almost been completely destroyed for a second year in a row. The Washington Department of Natural Resources and the USFS estimate that they lost 95 and 80 percent of grazing land, respectively. With so much of the regions workforce tied to the agricultural industry, the losses suffered have resulted in significant hardship for the local economy and residents of Central and Eastern Washington.
Several Washington tribes are heavily dependent upon the natural resources of their reservations to support annual operating budgets and provide benefits and employment to tribal members. Timber resources are critically important and can take decades to reach economic viability. An estimated one-fifth of the timber resources on the Colville Reservation have been lost during the 2015 wildfire season, and the North Star and Tunk Block wildfires collectively burned more than 250,000 acres on the Colville Reservation. Many of these reservation communities are plagued by high unemployment and lack of local employment opportunities, and therefore natural resources provide both essential operating funds and gainful employment. The federal governments tribal trust responsibility needs to be upheld as we work collaboratively to recover from this devastating wildfire season. We encourage you to consider all options to support the recovery of all communities in Central and Eastern Washington, including those on reservations.
In recent weeks, we have heard from constituents throughout Central and Eastern Washington who have had their lives upended once more by wildfires. But we also have heard stories of bravery and generosity, of the grit and grace that have defined these communities for generations. The citizens of Central and Eastern Washington are fiercely independent people with a proud history of taking care of their own. Through their determination and hard work, these communities began to pull themselves out of the ashes of 2014s fires. Today, not even a year removed, they face the harrowing prospect of starting over yet again. With this in mind, we find their calls for help all the more meaningful.
We are grateful of the thousands of firefighters, volunteers, and servicemembers from multiple local, state, and federal agencies who have responded heroically to this disaster. We are grateful for all those who have traveled from Colorado, Mississippi, Montana, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other jurisdictions to lend their assistance in firefighting. We are also deeply appreciative of the commitment of the many citizens, volunteers, charities, businesses, and local elected and appointed officials who have risen to serve their neighbors during this very difficult time. Lastly, we continue to mourn the three firefighters  Richard Wheeler, Andrew Zajac, and Tom Zbyszewski  who lost their lives combating the Twisp wildfire on August 19, 2015.
Considering the disaster burden that the region and the state have experienced over the last 18 months, we feel that federal assistance is critical to the long-term health and safety of affected communities. Since March 2014, Washington state has had to grapple with two major disaster declarations, three emergency declarations, and 20 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs). Forty percent of FMAGs issued this year nationwide have been in response to Washington state wildfires. Concurrent with this major disaster request, Governor Inslee is requesting that a major disaster be declared for counties impacted by the worst summer windstorm in Washington state history, which occurred on August 29, 2015. While they have responded admirably, a disaster of this magnitude has exhausted the already-strained capacities of local communities and state agencies.
Therefore, we fully support Governor Inslees request for a major disaster declaration that includes hazard mitigation, public assistance, and individual assistance. The public assistance requested by Governor Inslee is vital to restoring public infrastructure damaged by the wildfires. Further, individual assistance with housing support, disaster crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, and other supports will help meet the needs of the families, business owners, and other community members who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster.
We therefore urge you to grant Governor Inslees request in its entirety and as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-coalition-introduces-legislation-save-lives-mothers-and-children,Bipartisan Coalition Introduces Legislation to Save Lives of Mothers and Children,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, a bipartisan team introduced the Reach Every Mother and Child Act, a bold, bipartisan legislative initiative to accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and childhood deaths worldwide.
The measure was introduced by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX).
Every day, 16,000 children die tragic, preventable deaths before they reach the age of 5, said Congressman Reichert, the Co-Chair of the Global Health Caucus. While infant mortality rates have decreased significantly over the past 25 years with the United States leadership, these numbers are still heart breaking and unacceptable. With better access to care and services for mothers and children, the Reach Act will not only help families rise out of poverty, but will further efforts to decrease infant mortality, and foster stability and security around the world.
""Improving access to quality health services for mothers, children and newborns around the world must be a United States priority. The Reach Act builds on the remarkable progress the United States has already made to ensure more mothers survive child birth and that more children live to celebrate their 5th birthday, said Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Co-Chair of the Global Health Caucus. By implementing new and cost-effective strategies, better using technology, and coordinating resources, we can reach even more families and achieve our shared global goal of ending preventable maternal and child deaths within a generation. I am pleased to partner with Rep. Dave Reichert and Rep. Barbara Lee on this critical issue.""
In the past fifteen years, the international community has halved the maternal and child mortality rate. This stands as a testament to the power of global cooperation and international development, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a member of the international assistance funding subcommittee and one of the Congressional representatives to the 70th UN General Assembly. Yet, our work is far from over. Each year, more than 1 million babies die on their very first day of life, many from preventable causes. We can and must do more to stop these unnecessary deaths. The Reach Act will save lives while creating a better world for millions.
It is astonishing to see how much progress has been made thus far in reducing the number of preventable deaths in some of the worlds most impoverished countries. However, there is still much work that needs to be done, said Congressman Michael McCaul. I am proud to be the cosponsor of legislation that will accelerate current efforts to eliminate maternal and child deaths within a generation. By developing a strategic, evidence-based approach that effectively utilizes resources, this bill will help save the lives of millions.
This legislation has already won the support of more than 20 non-governmental organizations (NGO) including RESULTS, World Vision and Save the Children Action Network.
The introduction of the Reach Act today is an important step toward a goal we now know is possible: the end of preventable child and maternal deaths, said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. Last year USAID embraced a set of reforms so that they can support countries to save even more lives, and with congressional support and oversight, they can go even further. We know that this ambitious goal is possible. With the Reach Act, Congress can help make it a reality.
The Reach Every Mother and Child Act provides a critical opportunity for the US Government to strengthen its commitment in serving the global poor, added World Vision CEO Rich Stearns. This legislation will ensure that proven cost-effective and life-saving health interventions will be scaled up in the developing world, in order to end preventable maternal and child deaths in our lifetime.
We can end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths within a generation, and this bill will help us do it, said Save the Children Action Network President Mark Shriver. I would like to thank Representatives Reichert, Lee, McCaul and McCollum for their leadership and Senators Susan Collins and Chris Coons for introducing a similar bill in the Senate. Every day, 16,000 children under the age of 5 die from preventable causes, like pneumonia and diarrhea. The Reach Act can change this sobering fact by investing in and scaling up proven and inexpensive solutions that save millions of lives.
Background:
According to experts, nearly 300,000 women die annually from pregnancy and childbirth complications. Furthermore, malnutrition contributes to approximately 45 percent of deaths among children under the age of five, totaling more than 3 million mostly preventable deaths each year.
The Reach Act is the House companion bill to the Reach Every Mother and Child Act (S. 1911) introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Christopher Coons (D-DE.)
The legislation would:
 Coordinate U.S. government strategy to end preventable maternal, newborn, and childhood deaths globally within a generation;
	Require targets to be set, tracked, and reported;
	Focus on the poorest and most vulnerable populations while recognizing the unique needs within different countries and communities;
	Improve coordination amongst agencies and foreign governments, civil society, and international organizations;
	Encourage innovative, public-private financing mechanisms; and
	Accelerate partner country progress toward self-sustainability.
 Press Contacts:
Breanna Deutsch (Rep. Reichert)  202.225-7761 - Breanna.Deutsch@mail.house.gov  
	Sam McCullough (Rep. McCollum)  202.225.6631  sam.mccollough@mail.house.gov  
	James Lewis (Rep. Lee)  202.225.2661  james.c.lewis@mail.house.gov  
	Brandon Batch (Rep. McCaul)  202.225.2401  Brandon.batch@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/congressman-reicherts-statement-speaker-election,Congressman Reichert's Statement on Speaker Election,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Reichert's Statement on Speaker Election                                           
              Oct 8, 2015      		        	    
      	            
                    
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    Washington, DC  U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released the following statement after the Republican Conference Election for Speaker of the House was postponed:
When Speaker Boehner announced his plans to resign from Congress this past September, House Republicans were given an opportunity to elect fresh leadership, with a positive message that unites the Conference and gives Americans hope about the future of this country. Today, we do not know who that leader is, or will be. However, I am confident that our Conference will continue working over these next several weeks to find a strong leader who will listen to the will of the American people and help put this country on the path of growth and opportunity. This is what the American people deserve and we cannot fail them.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-supporting-native-american-energy/,Supporting Native American Energy,2015-10-08,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"CLICK TO PLAY
When we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source.
Washington, D.C. Today Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the bipartisan vote in favor of H.R. 538, the Native American Energy Act. This legislation would enable Native Americans like the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, in Eastern Washington, to utilize biomass as a stable energy source. It also makes our region healthier and safer.
When we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source, McMorris Rodgers said.
It passed the U.S. House with a vote of 254-173.
McMorris Rodgers spoke in support on the House floor:
Emerging from another devastating wildfire season, the issue of forest health needs to be addressed. Fallen trees, overgrowth and general mismanagement have led to worsening fires each year. 
When we use excess forest products for biomass production, we reduce forest fire risk by keeping our lands healthier and we create a stable energy source. 
This legislation allows a pilot program to encourage greater biomass production on tribal forest land. 
In my Eastern Washington district, it would provide the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservationwho already play an active role in forest managementnew tools at their disposal to maintain the health of the adjacent forests, develop energy, and most importantly protect their homeland.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/photo-gallery/photo-gallery,Photos of Congressman Reichert,2015-10-07,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,WA,Dave Reichert,R000578,reichert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wenatchee Office  
      5 South Wenatchee Ave, Suite 315        Wenatchee, WA 98801        Phone: (509)885-6615",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z