url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-cash-act-vote/,McMorris Rodgers Statement on CASH Act Vote,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after voting on the CASH Act. This year, I have supported trillions in emergency relief and assistance for those hurt by the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic shutdowns. That includes this month's bipartisan agreement with increased unemployment assistance, aid to farmers and ranchers, reimbursements for our health care providers, support for small businesses and their employees, and additional direct payments to Eastern Washington families, said McMorris Rodgers. Unfortunately, the CASH Act would add $464 billion to our national debt. I believe assistance should be more targeted. In addition, this bill failed to include the spending reductions that President Trump called for. As I've repeatedly urged Governor Inslee to do, the best and most effective way to help families and restore our way of life is to reopen our economy and safely get people back to work. That's what I am committed to. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-reduce-methane-emissions-cow-burps,Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Reduce Methane Emissions in Cow Burps,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) has introduced the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act. This bill will provide funds to study innovative methods to reduce methane emissions in livestock, including through feed additives such as seaweed. ""We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis and it falls on all of us to find creative solutions to this pressing problem,"" said Rep. Schrier. ""Our farmers are the leading stewards of our land and on the front lines fighting climate change. While they are already innovating with solutions like no-till farming and increased cover crop adoption, we must provide more federal research support and ensure any game-changing products are accessible to our farmers and ranchers. As the only member on the Agriculture Committee from the Pacific Northwest, I will continue to work on common sense solutions that support our farmers while helping to address climate change."" According to EPA's 2018 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, enteric fermentation, the digestive process by which cows and other ruminants produce methane, was the largest human-caused source of methane in the United States, representing 28% of domestic methane emissions. Ruminants, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, have the highest methane emissions per unit of body mass among all animal types. The amount of methane from livestock production alone is about the equivalent of the emissions from about 650 million cars. The Reduce Agricultural Methane Act will enable further research in promising methods to reduce agricultural methane emissions including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050,Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. These energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future. Details on Herrera Beutler's legislation: Grid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428. Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on: Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid BEST Act, H.R. 2986. Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-names-senior-staff-for-energy-and-commerce-committee/,McMorris Rodgers Names Senior Staff for Energy and Commerce Committee,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), incoming Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced senior staff for the Committee. Additional staff announcements will be made in the coming days. The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the very center of our mission for America to win the future. I'm excited to announce members of my senior staff who are uniquely qualified to support this mission, said McMorris Rodgers. They are top-notch talents who have invaluable expertise. I'm grateful for their service and commitment to embracing value-based leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee so every member shines and delivers results to restore, rebuild, and renew the American Dream. On the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the following staff will serve under Republican Staff Director Nate Hodson. Sarah Rogers Burke Deputy Staff Director Sarah Rogers Burke is returning to the McMorris Rodgers team after serving as Rep. Jason Smith's Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. She previously served under McMorris Rodgers as the Director of Member Services during her tenure as House Republican Conference Chair. Burke's experience also includes working for multiple Members of Congress, in the private sector, and on the Romney Ryan 2012 Presidential Campaign. Michael Taggart Policy Director Michael Taggart has served as McMorris Rodgers's Legislative Director since 2019. As Policy Director, he will be a senior advisor on policy and strategy, manage the subcommittees, and develop the legislative agenda for Energy and Commerce Republicans. Taggart previously served as Legislative Director to former E&C member Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ). Olivia Hnat Communications Director Olivia Hnat has served as McMorris Rodgers's Deputy Chief of Staff since 2019. Hnat was National Press Secretary for McMorris Rodgers when she chaired the House Republican Conference. She is a former spokesperson for Speaker John Boehner and Communications Director for Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH). Emily King Director of Member Services Emily King will continue serving McMorris Rodgers as Director of Member Services for the Committee. King started her career in the House with McMorris Rodgers five years ago and most recently served as Director of Operations. Peter Kielty General Counsel Peter Kielty is a 20-year veteran of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He has served as Minority General Counsel since 2019 and previously as the Deputy General Counsel. Kielty has advised on parliamentary and jurisdictional matters before the Committee. Bijan (BJ) Koohmaraie Chief Counsel BJ Koohmaraie will serve as Chief Counsel of the Committee, which will include advising McMorris Rodgers on all technology related policy matters across E&C's jurisdiction. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief Counsel to the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee and the Director of Coalitions. Prior to joining the Committee in 2017, Koohmaraie served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Nebraska Attorney General's Office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048,Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. With Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. Folks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049,Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. Herrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region. The Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler. The Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama. ""Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). The Columbia River is the largest wheat export gateway in the nation, second in the nation for soybeans, and the third largest gateway in the world. The channel supports over 50 million tons of cargo valued at $24 billion each year, and over 40,000 local jobs are dependent on commerce that runs through the Columbia River. Traffic is expected to grow, increasing the need for additional locations for large, deep-draft vessels to safely turn and park on the lower river. Background on Columbia River Turning Basins: Turning basins along the Columbia River allow large, deep-drafting ships to turn around in the event of severe weather or emergencies. Currently, there are a limited number of areas for vessels to safely turn on the Columbia River. Frequently, several ships will form a caravan spaced approximately two to three miles apart. There can be upwards of four or five ships in the caravan ranging from 750 to 1000 feet in length, carrying a wide variety of product, and loaded as deeply as possible to maximize the 43-foot channel. Additionally, intense storms from autumn through spring necessitate closures on the Columbia River Bar which can require the caravans to turn around and return to an anchorage location as far as the Vancouver/Portland area. With very few places on the lower Columbia River to safely turn vessels of this size, it is vital another federal turning basin be established at the Lower Martin Bar.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-provide-automatic-rental-assistance-families-response,Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. ""When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress,"" said Congressman Adam Smith. ""As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis."" Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the bill here and the full bill text here. Statements of Support: ""One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster,"" said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King County Housing Authority. ""The speed at which aid can be provided is critical. Representative Smith's bill is a common sense approach that lays the groundwork, before a crisis, for the government to respond quickly. He should be commended for paying attention to a nuts and bolts issue in federal policy that will make a real difference in people's lives when assistance is needed."" ""Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,"" said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. ""If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance - helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C6B2B21-E42D-46EE-A400-F9AF5867FF5B,Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress, said Congressman Adam Smith. As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the billhere and the full bill texthere. Statements of Support: One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster, said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King County Housing Authority. The speed at which aid can be provided is critical. Representative Smith's bill is a common sense approach that lays the groundwork, before a crisis, for the government to respond quickly. He should be commended for paying attention to a nuts and bolts issue in federal policy that will make a real difference in people's lives when assistance is needed. Disasters often hit the lowest income households hardest, yet these same families struggle to receive the housing assistance they need afterwards. The result is often a predictable and entirely preventable rise in eviction and homelessness rates,said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.If passed, the Crisis Housing Act would play a critical role in providing safe, accessible, and affordable homes to individuals with the greatest needs after a disaster by providing longer-term, flexible, rental assistance helping them safely recover without the fear of being rendered homeless. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2689,DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner f t # e Kirkland, WA, December 29, 2020 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge from Washington's 1st Congressional District. The winning app, called Distancing Camera, was created by Pierce Zhang, Sidharth Ganesh, and Trung Pham of Tesla STEM High School. Their app is designed to make social distancing easier by warning users if others are too close. The app uses a phone's camera to measure the distance between the phone and other people or the distance between two people in its view. The app alerts the user if social distancing is being violated in either case. A demo of Distancing Camera can be found here. As a tech leader before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative entrepreneurs, said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students from Washington's 1st Congressional District for their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work with us. This year's winner designed and created a useful tool with timely application to the current public health crisis. Congratulations on all your hard work. The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges. Distancing Camera will now go on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts. DelBene has been a Co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge since 2018. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law,Rep. Schriers VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,,,legacy,"ISSAQUAH, WA CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week, said Rep. Schrier. Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus. In addition to theVACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loansfor businesseswith more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Employee Retention Tax Credit from max $10k/employee to $40k/employee Additionally, the package increased funding to agriculture and nutrition programs. These include: $1.5 billion that can be used to carry out provisions similar to Rep Schrier'sFarmers Feeding Families Actto purchase and distribute agriculture products to individuals in need $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits Additional Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments $100 million in additional funding to support specialty crop farmers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law,Rep. Schrier’s VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. ""I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week,"" said Rep. Schrier. ""Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus."" In addition to the VACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loans for businesses with more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Employee Retention Tax Credit from max $10k/employee to $40k/employee Additionally, the package increased funding to agriculture and nutrition programs. These include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-house-passage-bill-increase-direct-cash-payments-2000,"Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. ""I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. ""Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-successful-veto-override,Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. ""Today the House reiterated - in a resounding, bipartisan way - that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. ""Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful - not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=20B09D74-4F1E-448D-B943-784FA5971061,Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. Today the House reiterated in a resounding, bipartisan way that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7E45B39F-A742-420D-875B-9FEA776E9D69,"Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2442,Larsen Votes to Override President Trump’s Veto of the National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to override President Trump’s veto of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted by proxy after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus last week. “I voted to override the president’s veto to support the women and men of the military and strengthen national security,” said Larsen. “The NDAA increases pay for servicemembers, establishes changes to rename military bases after American heroes instead of Confederate traitors, and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts.” The NDAA includes provisions that benefit Northwest Washington’s military families, installations, communities and veterans. Supporting Servicemembers, Military Families The NDAA gives servicemembers a 3 percent raise. The bill includes Larsen’s solution to ensure sailors are paid Family Separation Allowance while under orders to remain on board a ship while at home port. The NDAA also ensures all federal employees benefit from paid parental leave policies. Last year’s NDAA excluded the women and men who work at the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as other civilian employees. Protecting Communities from PFAS Larsen is committed to ensuring families living on or around Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) and the Outlying Landing Field in Coupeville have access to safe and clean drinking water. The NDAA takes steps to further protect military communities from PFAS, including $1.4 billion for environmental cleanup. Mitigating Jet Noise In communities surrounding military installations like NASWI, aviation noise is a frequent concern. Larsen secured $4 million for jet noise reduction research. Larsen also worked with Senator Maria Cantwell to ensure a 12-month extension of the ongoing real-time sound monitoring study at NASWI. Boosting Impact Aid Impact Aid is important for military students and schools that serve them, including several in Northwest Washington. Larsen successfully included $50 million for supplemental Impact Aid payments to schools that serve military students, like Oak Harbor School District on Whidbey Island. Ensuring a More Inclusive, Diverse and Representative Military The NDAA establishes the long-overdue process to remove names of Confederate traitors from Department of Defense bases and other assets. The bill also creates a Chief Diversity Officer and a Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion in each branch of military service, including the Coast Guard. Developing AI/Emerging Tech The NDAA includes Larsen’s provision requiring the Secretary of Defense identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the military’s telecommunications infrastructure. The NDAA also includes legislation to coordinate artificial intelligence (AI) research, establish national AI institutes, fund AI grants to educational institutions and support best practices and standards for AI. The bill also includes workforce recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Supporting Vietnam War-Era Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange The NDAA provides long overdue health coverage for Vietnam War-era veterans by adding Parkinson’s disease, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. This change will benefit nearly 34,000 veterans. Supporting the Coast Guard The NDAA includes the bipartisan Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020 which strengthens maritime security, improves shoreside infrastructure investment, protects the environment and supports more than 87,000 Coasties. The bill also directs the Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide recommendations on Southern Resident Killer Whale conservation in Puget Sound. Strengthening Relationships with NATO, International Allies and Partners The U.S. must continue to cooperate with its international allies and partners. Larsen championed a provision to support the Department of Defense’s research and development work by facilitating greater international cooperation on research and development with NATO and allied and friendly foreign countries. The NDAA also authorizes $2.2 billion to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. For a full summary of the NDAA, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-looking-forward-safe-and-joyous-new-year,COLUMN: Looking Forward to a Safe and Joyous New Year,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Throughout the past year, I have written a lot about how I have witnessed Central Washington come together in times of crisis. The challenges of a global pandemic are certainly unprecedented, but individuals, families, healthcare providers, and local businesses have stepped up to the plate to provide support for our communities. The resiliency of our district is inspiring, and while we still have challenges to overcome, I am confident that our nation will defeat this virus. But I hear you: Our government must be responsive to the needs of the people, and I am doing my part. Assisting Central Washingtonians who need help navigating our federal agencies is one of the most important parts of my job as a U.S. Representative. The gravity of this duty is not lost on me, especially during difficult times. This year alone, my staff and I have worked diligently to return nearly $4 million to individuals and families throughout our district and assist hundreds more with small business grants, Social Security claims, and veterans' benefits. In a normal year, I look forward to hosting events to help seniors and veterans identify resources and benefits or to connect job seekers with employers. My staff looks forward to hosting Mobile Office Hours across Central Washington to meet one-on-one and face-to-face with constituents throughout our district. Not surprisingly, the circumstances of the pandemic required us to adjust our way of doing things. While I maintain that nothing can replace in-person interactions, I am grateful for the expansion of technology that allowed us to stay connected. Telephone town halls, conference calls, and virtual meetings provided an opportunity for me to keep in touch and continue learning how I can best represent you in Congress. Stay-at-home orders and economic lockdowns have changed the way we live, work, learn, and even communicate with one another. Local businesses are hanging on by a thread, and individuals are struggling. My office received tens of thousands of letters, phone calls, and emails looking for help and urging Congress to act. Unprecedented challenges warrant an unprecedented response, which is why Congress came together to pass one of the largest economic relief bills in history. The federal government enacted historic programs to deliver aid to American families, small businesses, and workers yet we all agree that there is more to be done. With the COVID-19 vaccine being delivered to front line workers and our most vulnerable populations, we are on our way to restoring our way of life. This is great news for Central Washington, but we are not out of the woods yet. I am truly grateful, proud, and inspired by the resilience of our communities, and I am more motivated than ever to ensure that our region has the tools and resources we need to emerge from this public health and economic crisis even stronger than before. Going into 2021, I am hopeful Central Washington can maintain this momentum to rebuild our economy and reopen our society with each of us doing our part to protect our family, friends, and loved ones. I wish you all a safe and joyous New Year, and I look forward to working together to tackle this virus once and for all to restore our way of life.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwells-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-signed-into-law,"Cantwell’s Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.28.20 Cantwell's Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. Comprehensive bipartisan, bicameral aviation safety legislation written and negotiated by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders was signed into law by President Trump last night. The Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes, including strengthening the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implementing new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, requiring aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implementing new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms needed at the FAA, the safety reforms of oversight of manufacturing and the certification process, and reforms that will help us here in Congress better stay on top of the information as far as the certification process, Senator Cantwell said when the bill passed the Senate. I want to thank all of the families who helped us in communicating why these safety reforms are important and to let them know that even though we're putting a big down payment on safety reforms in the United States Congress by passing this legislation, this process does not stop with the passage of this legislation. This historic legislation is a major step to prevent the certification of substandard aircraft and avoidingfuture crashes, said Michael Stumo, whose daughter Samya died in the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crash. ET302 families across the world have worked hard to eliminate excessive delegationand to hold those who hide safety defects accountable. We are indebted to Chairman DeFazio,Ranking Member Graves, Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Cantwell for their hard work anddedication to safety and the future excellence of the US aviation industry. Key provisions of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will: Restore FAA Approval of ODA Unit Members:The FAA will be responsible for approving and removing manufacturers' engineers who act on behalf of the FAA the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) unit members, as found under the FAA's Designated Engineering Representative (DER) delegation program. The bill authorizes $3,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new appropriations for the FAA to provide staffing and resources necessary to undertake this work. Enable Direct FAA Oversight and Communication:FAA safety advisors will be assigned to manufacturers' authorized representatives so that the FAA has direct and ongoing oversight and communication with the ODA unit members responsible for certification activities, another key return to the DER program.The Joint Authorities Technical Review identified how the lack of communication and interaction between the FAA and ODA unit members hindered FAA's oversight over the manufacturer and awareness of safety issues with the 737 MAX. Require Integrated Safety Analysis of Design Changes for All New and Derivative Aircraft:The FAA must conduct a rulemaking to require proposals for new aircraft designs (type certificates) and variants of existing aircraft designs (amended type certificates) to undergo an integrated system safety analysis.The bill requires FAA to undertake an analysis of the cumulative effects of proposed design changes to the aircraft, human factors issues, and impacts on training for pilots and maintenance personnel.In the 737 MAX certification process, FAA failed to review the proposed design changes at an aircraft level, which led to FAA misunderstanding how the MCAS system would operate.This reform would help catch how new design features interact with other aircraft systems. Ensure New and Derivative Aircraft Comply With Latest Flight Crew Alerting Regulations:The FAA would be prohibited, beginning two years after enactment of the bill, from issuing a type certificate for a new airliner design unless the airplane is equipped with a centralized crew alerting system that helps a pilot differentiate, prioritize, and respond to warnings, cautions, and advisories activated on the airplane.The FAA certified the 737 MAX even though the aircraft's flight crew alerting system did not comply with the latest airworthiness standards.In response to a National Transportation Safety Board recommendation, the bill also would ensure for all future airplanes, including the 737 MAX derivatives, a manufacturer will complete a systems safety assessment on the flight deck alerting systems. Mandate Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Manufacturers:Safety management systems (SMS) provide a data-based means of managing risk and continuously monitoring hazards in order to mitigate safety risks before they materialize. The bill directs FAA to issue regulations requiring that aviation manufacturers implement SMS, as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board, Joint Authorities Technical Review, and other leading safety authorities.SMS is recognized as a key tool for improving safety culture.While the FAA has required SMS for airlines, the agency has failed to require the same of manufacturers. Require Disclosure of Safety-Critical Information: Manufactures would receive up to a $1 million fine for violating disclosure requirements for safety-critical information.This includes information regarding flight control systems and other systems whose failure or erroneous activation would present a hazardous or catastrophic risk.The FAA is also directed to revoke an airline transport pilot certificate held by an individual who fails to disclose such safety-critical information on behalf of a manufacturer. Prohibit Interference with FAA Designees: There are new civil penalties for any manufacturer supervisory employee who interferes with (e.g., harasses, berates, or threatens) an ODA unit member's performance of authorized functions on behalf of the FAA and requires all ODA unit members to promptly report any cases of interference experienced or witnessed at a company.The MAX investigations found numerous instances of managers exerting undue pressure on ODA unit members in conflict with their safety duties. Prohibit Incentives for FAA Employees Based on Industry Schedules:The bill repeals existing law allowing FAA employees to receive bonuses or other financial incentive based on meeting manufacturer-driven certification schedules or quotas. Repeal Authority for Industry to Set FAA Performance Goals: The bill repeals authority for the industry-friendly advisory panel, the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee (SOCAC), to set FAA performance goals and metrics for the agency's Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards services that do not prioritize safety in the aircraft certification process.Safety must come first, not accelerated approval schedules. Require Up Front Review of Design Assumptions and New and Novel Aircraft Technologies: The bill prohibits the FAA from delegating its authority to ODA unit members until the FAA reviews and validates any underlying assumptions used in critical system design features. It also requires the FAA Administrator to establish an integrated project team of experts from the FAA and federal agencies, such as NASA and the Air Force, to advise the FAA on the certification process for aircraft with new technologies and novel systems. The integrated project teams will give an independent review and verification of the manufacturer's submissions to the FAA, and recommend studies, analyses, and reports to aid in FAA's review. Create New Safety Reporting for FAA Employees:FAA employees will have new confidential reporting channels to flag safety concerns during certification or oversight processes.The Administrator will be required to review submitted safety reports, identify the root cause of any safety issue, and take appropriate action to rectify any errors.In a recent FAA internal survey, certification engineers questioned their ability to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal and FAA leadership's commitment to safety.This provision will provide a channel for FAA employees to report concerns without fear of retribution.The FAA must provide yearly report to Congress on the effectiveness of the safety reporting program. Repeal Authority Permitting Self-Certification by Industry:The bill repeals the certified design and production (CDPO) authority and makes clear that aviation manufacturers will not be able to self-certify their own aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers.Congress first granted this CPDO authority in the 2003 FAA Reauthorization and expanded it in the 2012 Reauthorization.While the FAA has not yet implemented this authority, this bill would remove this authority and prevent FAA from further removing itself from the certification process. Repeal Authority for Automatic Delegation of Certain Functions: The bill repeals the requirement that the FAA must fully delegate all eligible tasks to an ODA, and repeals the requirement that the FAA must delegate all functions which are deemed by the FAA to be low and medium risk. Without these repeals, FAA would only be able to revoke a task delegated to an ODA if, after an investigation or inspection, FAA determined it was in the public interest. The bill ensures that FAA is in charge of making delegation decisions. Provide Expert Project Teams to Advise on Certification:The FAA will be assisted by an integrated project teammade up of technical experts from the FAA and federal agencies such as NASA and the Air Forcefor certification of proposed large commercial aircraft.Throughout the process, the team will advise FAA on the plans, analysis, assessments, and reports necessary to properly evaluate these designs and technologies as well as advise FAA whether a request for an exemption or exception from the latest airworthiness standards is warranted.This team will provide more scrutiny of manufacturers' designs, assumptions, and system safety assessments starting at the beginning of the certification process, providing more transparency to the certification process.The FAA must respond to the team's recommendations in writing and include this in the certification project records. Strengthen International Standards:The bill authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to enable the FAA to provide increased technical assistance to foreign civil aviation authorities.This is an increase from the $3 million the FAA spends on this work annually.The bill also authorizes $2 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding to support FAA's efforts to develop international requirements, issued by International Civil Aviation Organization, for training programs and operational policies on pilot training, automation and human-machine interface. Require FAA to Review and Verify Human Factor Assumptions:The FAA must review and verify all underlying human factors assumptions before delegating certification tasks related to safety critical design features, such as flight control systems. In the 737 MAX certification process, the FAA failed to review and verify Boeing's assumptions about pilot response time to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) activation (these assumptions turned out to be incorrect), and this bill would ensure that FAA scrutinize those assumptions more closely. Establish a National Air Grant Program:The bill establishes a National Air Grant Program that will assist Congress and the FAA with keeping peace with changing technology.The program will create opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students to closely engage with Congress and the FAA to develop policies aimed at promoting U.S.-led growth and innovation in the aerospace sector.The bill authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal year 2021 through 2025 in new funding for the fellowship program. Identify Emerging Safety Trends:A new biennial report to Congress, conducted by the Transportation Research Board, will identify emerging safety trends in air transportation.Based on accident investigation data from the National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, air operators, and foreign aviation safety authorities, the report will illuminate the latest trends impacting aviation safety, domestically and internationally, so policymakers and FAA can stay ahead of them. Require an Annual Assessment of FAA Safety Culture:The FAA is directed to conduct an annual safety culture assessment to survey aviation safety employees on the state of safety culture at the agency's divisions responsible for the certification, production approval, and continued airworthiness of aircraft.The FAA's internal survey revealed that frontline employees believe that senior leaders at the agency are overly concerned with achieving the business-oriented outcomes of industry stakeholders and are not held accountable for safety-related decisions. This assessment will inform the biennial emerging trends report to Congress. Build FAA Expertise for Emerging Technologies:The FAA is required to examine and address any shortfall in the agency's expertise regarding innovative aviation technologies, including future technologies.The bill authorizes $27,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for the FAA to recruit and retain engineers, safety inspectors, human factors specialists, software and cybersecurity experts, and other qualified technical experts who perform certification duties.Building the agency's technical expertise will ensure that safety regulators can keep pace with ongoing technological advancements in the aviation industry. Facilitate Continuing Education of FAA Certification Employees:FAA personnel who hold positions involving aircraft and flight standards certification will receive additional continuing education and training, including in human factors, modern flight deck systems, and automation.The bill authorizes $10 million annually in new appropriations for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for this program. Establish a New Center of Excellence (COE) on Flight Automation and Human Factors:The new COE will promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, the FAA, and aircraft and airline industry stakeholders to research automation and other technological advancements in aviation and examine issues related to human system integration and flight crew and aircraft interfaces. The bill authorizes $2 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for the new COE. Increase Funding for Research on Composites and Advanced Aviation Materials: The bill authorizes funding for the FAA's Joint Advanced Materials and Structures (JAMS) at $10 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023.Led by the University of Washington and Wichita State University, the center of excellence (COE) conducts research on advanced composites and aerospace materials for commercial aircraft to support the FAA's certification program.Funding for the COE was last authorized from fiscal years 2012 through 2015 at $500,000 per year, and the new authorization is double the approximately $5 million the FAA has funded the COE at in the last five years on average. Senator Cantwell has been a congressional leader in the push for aviation safety and certification reforms. In November, bipartisan aviation safety legislation she introduced with Chairman Wicker passed the Commerce Committee. She has introduced multiple other pieces of legislation to codify expert recommendations into law and improve technical expertise to improve aviation safety many of which have been incorporated into the final text of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. In October 2019, she introduced a bill to implement aviation safety recommendations from the NTSB, U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (DOT IG), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that seek to address challenges related to increased automation in commercial aircraft cockpits, as well as how pilots respond to flight deck alerts and uncommanded flight control inputs. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to create one-year paid aerospace policy fellowship roles for graduate and post-graduate students in Congress, at the FAA, and in other federal agencies to help build a pool of talent conversant in emerging technologies for the FAA and Congress to draw from as they make policy in the aviation sector. She also introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize the FAA to work with other countries to strengthen pilot training standards and enable ICAO to further enhance worldwide aviation safety and training standards. A summary of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, with explanations of key provisions, can be found HERE. The full text of the legislation can be found HERE, starting on page 2903. Video of Senator Cantwell's floor speech about the legislation is available HERE and audio is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-president-trumps-harmful-ndaa-veto,Smith Statement on President Trump's Harmful NDAA Veto,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. ""By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. ""The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8207C760-DF86-4430-A465-762B4B98AAAE,Smith Statement on President Trump’s Harmful NDAA Veto,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-bill-to-rename-bremerton-post-office-after-distinguished-us-navy-sailor-signed-into-law,Kilmer’s Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.20 Kilmer's Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. On December 21, Representative Derek Kilmer's legislation to rename the Bremerton Post Office in honor of John Henry Turpin, a distinguished U.S. Navy sailor, was signed into law by the President. The legislation, which passed the House and the Senate unanimously this fall, honors the lifelong resident of Bremerton, who is believed to be the first Black American to qualify as a Master Diver, in a civilian capacity, and was one of the first Black Americans to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. His thirty-year career in the U.S. Navy included service during the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. John Henry Turpin's outstanding legacy of service to our country is made even more significant by the era of prejudice and discrimination during which he served. said Rep. Kilmer. Turpin repeatedly answered the call of duty to his country, served with great distinction, and rose in rank throughout his Navy career. His life-long and selfless commitment to the defense of America, American values, and the American way of life is worthy of our recognition and praise. I'm proud that the bill passed through Congress with the support of Democrats and Republicans and I'm thrilled to see it signed into law. We are proud and incredibly honored to have our historic downtown post office named after John Henry Turpin, said City of Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. His courage and his incredible dedication to our nation and to the U.S. Navy set an example for those that served with him and would follow in his footsteps. We are pleased that we can recognize Turpin's extraordinary life and legacy in his home community of Bremerton. The renaming of the downtown Bremerton post office is an important opportunity to recognize and memorialize a man who was a trailblazer in his field. Bremerton has a very rich history and it's exciting to have this recognition of Mr. Turpin and his groundbreaking accomplishments in the Navy. The Living Arts Cultural Heritage Project is proud that his name and legacy will be further highlighted in the Bremerton community. The late Bishop Lawrence R. Robertson labored diligently for over 40 years in hopes that one day our African American leaders in Kitsap County would be recognized and honored for their contributions, labor and sacrifices. We are sad he isn't here to see it come to pass but we are so proud and greatly appreciative of Congressman Kilmer, said Karen Vargas, Founder, Living Arts Cultural Heritage Project. Chief Gunner's Mate John Henry Dick Turpin was a trailblazer. Entering in the Navy before it was integrated in 1942 was the beginning of the path he left for those that followed him. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Association (NAACP) established in 1909 considers this honor as a way to educate the public and recognize the contribution of John Henry Turpin as an African American hero, not only for his military service, but the work he did. The NAACP Unit 1134 Bremerton/Kitsap Branch established in 1943 is honored to have had Chief Gunner's Mate John Henry Turpin retire in our community and to support Congressman Kilmer in bringing this honor to the Bremerton Community is near and dear, as a Veteran of the United States Navy, I benefited from his good works, said Tracy S. Flood, ESQ, President, NAACP Unit 1134 Turpin was born in 1876 and enlisted in the Navy at age 20. During his time as a sailor, he served on USS Maine and later saw action in China during the Boxer Rebellion, before being assigned to USS Bennington. As USS Bennington was preparing to sail out of San Diego in 1905, the ship's boiler exploded. Sixty-six members of the 102-person crew were killed in the explosion, which is still regarded as one of the Navy's worst peacetime disasters. Turpin is credited with saving the lives of three officers and twelve sailors by swimming them to shore one at a time. Turpin went on to serve in World War I, before retiring in 1925 and working as a Master Rigger at Puget Sound Naval Yard. During World War II, Turpin tried to re-enlist but was denied because of his age. Instead, he volunteered to tour Navy training facilities and defense plants to make inspirational visits to Black American sailors. A lifelong resident of Bremerton, having first arrived there in 1896 and returning after his retirement, Turpin died there in 1962. There are no records of any recognition of his accomplishments at that time. Representative Kilmer's bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 602 Pacific Avenue in Bremerton, Washington, as the John Henry Turpin Post Office Building. In recognition of Turpin's achievements and service, almost sixty years after his death and nearly 120 years since his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, this bill would require that any mention in any law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States government properly reference the facility and use the new name. The legislation was co-sponsored by the entire Washington Congressional Delegation. ### Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=07DC4A12-79B0-40E6-A14C-F0B9A6E8D6A7,"Murray Strengthens Investments in Mental Health Crisis and Opioid Epidemic, Stresses Need for Action Given COVID-19 Crisis",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Appropriations bill includes nearly $4 billion to respond to the opioid epidemic, over $1 billion for mental health care Murray: Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to fight the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. The COVID-19 crisis has been incredibly hard on so many families, but especially people who were already fighting addiction or dealing with mental health issues. Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. I have not, and will not, lose sight of the mental health crisis we are facing as a country. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for this important work, and will be continuing to push for further action as well. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. The bill also includes over $1 billion to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which will expand efforts to identify and help children and youth in need of mental health care. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E69D55A-F19D-4A41-A8AC-95375179DC1F,"Senator Murray Secures Billions to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible, Will Continue Fight to Help Every Family Get Quality Child Care",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $85 million increase in funding to help states make child care more affordable and accessible in the year-end spending package. The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020, to help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $10 billion in emergency relief to support the child care sector during this crisis. While $10 billion marks an historic investment in our child care sector, significantly more funding is needed to stabilize our child sector that has been rocked by COVID-19 and ensure that every single family has access to child care going forward. We have long had a child care crisis in this countryand it has always hit families of color and working families the hardest. And now, as our economy is rocked by the impact of the coronavirus, our child care sector is struggling to even keep its doors open, leaving parents in a totally impossible situation. We absolutely cannot overlook the critical role child care will play in our nation's ability to recover from the current COVID-19 crisis. Frontline workers need access to child care to stay on the job, and families across the country need child care to return to once our economy opens up. This is a step in the right direction, but we've got a lot more to do to make sure parentsespecially women and in particular women of colordon't have to struggle even more to handle both work and family care. We not only need to make sure that we avoid mass closures of child care providers due to COVID, but we need to make access to affordable, quality child care a reality for every family going forward. I will continue to fight to expand access to quality, affordable child care, support universal access to high-quality preschool programs for every 3 and 4 year old and significantly improve compensation and training for the early childhood workforce. In May, Senator Murray introduced the Child Care is Essential Act to create a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund within the existing Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The new Child Care Stabilization Fund would provide grant funding to child care providers to stabilize the child care sector and support providers to safely reopen and operate. TheChild Care for Working Families Act(2019) would ensure that no family under 150 percent of state median income pays more than seven percent of their income on child care and that families under 75 percent of the state median income will not have to pay anything at all.The bill would also support universal access to high-quality preschool programs for all 3- and 4-yearoldsand significantly improve compensation and training for the child care workforce. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=51AA0155-88E9-4ED0-8420-1D048E674B63,Senator Murray Celebrates Senate Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray has long fought for changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which was included in the year-end funding package that the Senate passed today Senator Murray championed the inclusion of provisions that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country and address other Washington state water infrastructure priorities ICYMI: Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the Senate passage of the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The WRDA agreement was included in the year-end appropriations bill that the Senate passed today, and was passed by the House earlier this month. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad we'll be able to finally make these changes, and I look forward to the bill being signed into law. Once signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF will significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation incorporates long sought after formula changes to distributions from the HMTF and builds on a provision included in the CARES Act that allowed all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep ports competitive. Senator Murray has delivered a huge win for The Northwest Seaport Alliance by making critical changes to the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT). As a donor port to this fund, we routinely only see pennies on every dollar collected at our ports. By making the HMT more equitable, we will become a more competitive gateway, allowing us to improve our harbors and provide relief to neutralize the disparity versus ports in Canada where no HMT is charged, said Port of Tacoma Commission President and Co-Chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance John McCarthy. The Northwest Seaport Alliance thanks Senator Murray for her tireless work on behalf of our cargo gateway. These improvements to the HMT are long overdue and something our stakeholders and customers have long been waiting. Better rates and a more efficient gateway can mean more cargo, which translates into more jobs and economic growth for our region, Port of Seattle Commission President and Co-Chair of The Northwest Seaport Alliance Peter Steinbrueck said. Senator Murray successfully pushed to include language in the WRDA legislation to more equitably distribute funding to ports across the country by setting aside minimum percentages of annual HMTF allocations for donor and energy ports, Great Lakes ports, and small harbors. This means that ports across the country, including the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, would receive an increased, fairer share of annual maintenance money. Currently, imports through large ports like Tacoma and Seattle generate over 50% of the national HMT revenues, yet these ports receive only 3% in return because their naturally deep harbors require minimal maintenance dredging, the primary purpose for which HMT funds are used. To further address this,Senator Murray also successfully worked to include a rebate program that would benefit ports in Washington state by allowing U.S. ports to issue rebates to shippers for using their services, mitigating the current incentive for shippers to divert cargo to Canadian ports, which do not assess a harbor maintenance tax. In addition to securing reform to the HMTF, the 2020 WRDA bill includes several other water infrastructure priorities for Washington state, such as addressing deepening issues at both the Seattle and Tacoma Harbors, and continued progress for the construction of a fish passage facility at Howard Hanson Dam and maintenance work within the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Program (PSNERP). Additionally, the bill includes the deauthorization of a federal channel within the Port of Anacortes's Cap Sante Marina, which would ease some operation and maintenance work as well as provide some permit streamlining. The bill also authorized a feasibility study for a turning basin on the lower Columbia River. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7740DC3F-376D-43FB-A9AA-45C10B2B6156,"Murray Wins Increased Investments for Medical Research, Public Health, and Global Health Security",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for medical research, public health preparedness, and global health security which she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. This pandemic has underscored just how important it is we make sustained investments to keep our country and the world prepared for whatever public health threats may emerge. We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for programs that are critical to these efforts for the year ahead. However, the work of ensuring we are prepared for public health emergencies is never done. Public health infrastructure saves livesand the better funded and prepared our public health system is before a crisis, the more lives it will be able to save during one. That's why I'm also going to continue pushing to pass a bill that provides dedicated, annual funding to build our public health infrastructure. Senator Murray also continues to push for dedicated, annual funding to build the nation's public health infrastructure, as she outlined earlier this year when she released the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill includes the following: Medical Research: The bill provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an additional $300 million for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research, $3.12 billion in all to find treatments and cures for these devastating conditions. It also includes increases of $60 million for the next phase of the BRAIN Initiative and a funding increase of no less than 1.5 percent for every NIH Institute and Center to support investments that advance science and speed the development of new therapies, diagnostics and preventive measures, improving the health of all Americans. As in fiscal year 2020, the bill provides $225 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Non-recurring Expenses Fund to support improvements to NIH's Bethesda campus. Finally, the agreement directs NIH to require its grantees to notify it when key personnel are removed for concerns of harassment, an essential step toward addressing the findings of the 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on sexual harassment in academia. Infectious Diseases: The bill includes $596.7 million, a $35 million increase, for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support advanced efforts to develop vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and therapeutics to minimize serious threats of infectious diseases. The bill also includes $770 million, a $35 million increase, for Project Bioshield to speed the research, development, acquisition, and availability of medical countermeasures to improve preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Finally, the bill also includes $287 million, a $27 million increase, for pandemic influenza preparedness to improve the effectiveness, production, and supply of influenza vaccines and therapeutics to combat seasonal epidemics and pandemics. Immunization and Respiratory Diseases: The bill provides $201 million, a $25 million increase, for influenza planning and response to support CDC's efforts to expand vaccine effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, enhance virus characterization, increase genomic testing of influenza viruses, and increase influenza vaccine use by removing barriers to vaccination and promoting vaccination coverage. Improvements in the development and delivery of seasonal influenza vaccine are critical to the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to a potential influenza pandemic. Public Health Emergency Preparedness: The bill includes $695 million, a $20 million increase, to enhance support to State and local health departments in developing and maintaining capable, flexible, and adaptable public health systems to rapidly respond in an emergency. Global Health Security: The bill provides $193 million, a $20 million increase, for Global Health Security to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks around the globe. This funding will allow CDC to continue to build a long-term, sustainable foundation that maintains the agency's capacity to address contagious disease threats where they occur. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8757159E-F74E-4D2E-87A9-9B9FC7023001,"Senator Murray Secures Much Needed Assistance for Families and Small Business Owners in Washington State, Pushes for More COVID Relief in New Year",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The approximately $900 billion COVID-19 relief legislation passed the Senate 91-7 as part of a year-end funding bill In bipartisan package to address coronavirus pandemic, Senator Murray successfully fought to include immediate relief for families and small businesses SMALL BUSINESS: $325 billion in federal grants, loans, and assistance to support struggling small businesses RENTAL ASSISTANCE: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide assistance to those struggling to make rent Senator Murray: My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winter Senator Murray: While these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democratic appropriator and the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on her vote in support of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, long overdue legislation to provide much-needed relief to families, workers, and small business owners in Washington state and across the U.S. My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winterand then to double down in the year ahead on fighting for policies that truly reflect the depth of the crisis we're facing, and help us dig out of this pandemic and come back stronger and fairer. As I've said since the start of the pandemic in Washington state nearly a year ago, we need to be squarely focused on addressing the underlying public health crisis and on helping communities deal with the economic devastation we're seeing. I'm glad that over the next few tough months, workers' unemployment insurance will be extended and more families will be able to stay in their homes and get help putting food on the table. We have also secured more much-needed support for small businesses, schools, public health, and health care providersincluding for testing, vaccine distribution, and development and procurement of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and medical supplies, all of which are vital to fighting the virus, saving lives, and ultimately bringing this pandemic to an end. I've also said that a historic crisis like this demands bold solutionsbecause we want every worker and family to experience an economic recovery, not just those at the very top. So, while these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year: stimulus checks that reflect the depth of the crisis families are facing, universal paid leave, more investments to continue to help schools provide educational services to students, whether they are operating remotely, in-person, or a hybrid of both, and to stabilize our child care sector, support for small businesses, especially women and minority-owned small businesses, to come back from the economic crisis, student loan relief, help for state, local, and Tribal governments to support vaccine distribution and testing capacity without cutting jobs or slashing budget priorities like education and health, policies to expand quality, affordable health care and funding to strengthen our public health workso every family and community can stay safe and healthy through this crisis and others, premium pay for workers on the frontlines, help for people with disabilities to live independently at home, and more. I will continue to advocate for pandemic response efforts that reflect the disproportionate harm this virus is causing to Black and Latino communities and all communities of colorand to ensure immigrant workers, so many of whom are working on the frontlines of this crisis, are fully included in our relief efforts. This virus has shown us clearer than ever that we will be stronger, healthier, and more prosperous if we can ensure none of us are left behindthat each of us can get health care, can feed, take care of, and spend time with our loved ones, and can have the ability to live the full life we choose. The last painful year reminds us how far we are from this goalbut also how urgent and necessary the work is to achieve it. I am more committed than ever and I look forward to the work ahead with each of you. See below some highlights of several federal investments and other priorities Senator Murray helped secure in the relief package: Working Families Unemployment Insurance: $300 increase to the weekly unemployment insurance benefit and continuation of expanded eligibility for benefits to those impacted by COVID-19. Direct Payments: $600 per individual, plus $600 for each child dependent. Child Care: $10 billion to help stabilize the child care market and allow states to expand child care assistance to essential workers and working families who are in great need of child care services. Economic Support Small Businesses: $325 billion for the Small Business Administration for new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants as well as provisions to allow the hardest hit and smallest businesses to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. Also includes targeted funding for restaurants, bars, and live entertainment venues. Low Income Communities and Communities of Color: $12 billion in targeted emergency investments to help low-income communities and communities of color. Transportation: Approximately $45 billion in relief for transit agencies, airports, bus and motor coach operators, and Amtrak. Health Care Testing: $22.4billion, all sent directly to states, territories, Tribes, and localities, for testing, tracing and COVID mitigation programs. Of this total, $2.5 billion will be sent out as grants specifically targeted at needs in underserved areas, including both communities of color and rural communities. Vaccines: $8.75 billionto the CDC and states, territories, Tribes, and localities for vaccine distribution and $19.695billion to BARDA for manufacturing, production and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary supplies. PPE and Medical Supplies: $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile. Provider Relief Fund: Additional $3 billion for the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund established in CARES. Washington State Priorities Education: $54.3 billion for K-12 education and $22.7 billion for higher education, to address learning loss, implement public health protocols, and provide quality education to all students. $4.05 billion for Governor's Emergency Relief Fund to provide relief to schools and colleges hit the hardest by the crisis. Rental Assistance: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide rental and utility assistance, and an extension of the existing CDC eviction moratorium. Nutrition: $13 billion to increase individual monthly SNAP benefits by 15 percent. Expands SNAP eligibility for college students. Hanford and PNNL: Extends the CARES Act provision known as section 3610, which provides federal agencies the authority to reimburse contractors who are temporarily unable to work, due to facility closures or other restrictions, for the costs of paid leave during the COVID pandemic. Broadband: $7 billion for broadband infrastructure deployment, broadband mapping, affordable broadband programs, and digital inclusion activitiesincluding $1 billion for Tribal communities. Agriculture: $13 billion for direct payments, purchases, and loans to farmers, ranchers, and local food producers who have suffered losses due to the pandemic. Fisheries: $300 million for the NOAA fishery disaster assistance program, including $30 million for tribal fishery participants. Postal Service: Converts the $10 billion in USPS loans from the CARES Act into grants. Tribes: Extends the deadline to December 31, 2021 for tribes to expend Coronavirus Relief Funds includes in CARES Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D48676-D3FA-43B0-A5C3-F86FC8857201,"Murray, Cantwell Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following a call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes on the vacant BPA Administrator position, Senators Murray and Cantwell made clear a candidate with knowledge of the Pacific Northwest and vast experience in utility management is required to successfully run BPA In a break from norms, Department of Energy has not consulted Senators Murray and Cantwell on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries. I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, Senator Murray said. So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominating Greg Zerzan would be disastrous for the BPA and the millions of families that rely on the affordable energy and power it provides. Unlike in years past, this consideration process has lacked transparency, and I strongly urge the Department of Energy to follow its historic precedent and nominate a candidate with the experience and independence required to successfully lead BPA and ensure it remains a valuable public asset. BPA Administrator is one of the Pacific Northwest's toughest jobs. The position requires a deep knowledge of our unique grid, strong relationships with regional stakeholders, and an understanding of how to balance the needs of hydropower, agriculture, and salmon. Now more than ever we need an Administrator that can hit the ground running and ensure our region continues to receive the affordable and reliable electricity supplies that have powered our economy for decades, Senator Cantwell said. The BPA Administrator is not an appointed or political position, instead the Administrator is selected by DOE after review by a merit review board. Typically, the Administrator has substantial prior experience at BPA and Pacific Northwestern senators are consulted during the candidate interview and selection process. During the Friday call, Deputy Secretary Menezes confirmed to the Senators that the report that DOE is considering Zerzan, and three internal candidates, to fill the vacancy are true. The Senators voiced their displeasure with the fact that they had not been consulted on these candidates and urged the DOE not to move forward with someone who is unqualified and has no experience at BPA or any similar organization. The Senators also made clear that they would not support a political choice who posed a threat to the apolitical nature of the Administrator position and could lead to the privatization of BPA, something that the Senators have long opposed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A4CF44FE-70C9-4623-923B-B31308CA9F10,Murray Secures Key Investments For Families In End-of-Year Funding Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more Bill increases funding for public schools, Head Start, child care, and the maximum amount students can receive through Pell grants Agencies charged with securing workers' wages, and ensuring safe workplaces would also get funding boost Deal increases funding for workforce training and program to help struggling families pay their energy bills Full omnibus also includes bipartisan deal to end surprise billing, fund community health centers Murray: Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. Murray: While this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate AppropriationsSubcommitteeon Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement on the LHHS Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill which passed as part of the larger spending and COVID-19 relief omnibus today. Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. As our country fights COVID-19, this bill would increase investments in key global health, public health, and preparedness programs as well as medical research. Funding from this bill won't only bolster our efforts against COVID-19, but against other public health crises, like opioid addiction, the HIV epidemic, and our nation's abysmally high maternal mortality rate. This bill would also increase support to schools, students, and parents across the country after this tumultuous year. It includes increases to funding for public schools, for the Head Start program, and for child care, and also increases the maximum Pell grant award students can receive. It also helps workers and families across the country by increasing support for agencies that ensure they have a safe workplace and that they get the pay they have earned. And at a time of economic uncertainty for so many families, it increases funding for workforce training to help people searching for a new job, and for an energy assistance program that will help families struggling to make ends meet keep the heat on this winter. Of course, while this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot. We still have dramatically more we need to do to get our communities through this pandemic and build a stronger, fairer, future for everyone. Fortunately, with President Biden and Vice President Harris, we have an incoming Administration that appreciates the enormity of this moment and is already showing they are prepared to work with Congress to tackle the challenges ahead. Key Points & Highlights Medical Research The agreement provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an additional $300 million for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research, $3.12 billion in all to find treatments and cures for these devastating conditions. It also includes increases of $60 million for the next phase of the BRAIN Initiative and a funding increase of no less than 1.5 percent for every NIH Institute and Center to support investments that advance science and speed the development of new therapies, diagnostics and preventive measures, improving the health of all Americans. As in fiscal year 2020, the bill provides $225 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Non-recurring Expenses Fund to support improvements to NIH's Bethesda campus. Finally, the agreement directs NIH to require its grantees to notify it when key personnel are removed for concerns of harassment, an essential step toward addressing the findings of the 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on sexual harassment in academia. Support for Public Schools The bill includes approximately $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools. This include $16.5 billion, an increase of $227 million more than the fiscal year 2020 level, for the Title I-A grants to local educational agencies program. Title I-A grants assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement. These programs provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth. College Affordability The bill increases the Pell Grant maximum award by $150, to $6,495, when combined with mandatory funding, for roughly 7 million college students from low and middle income families. This increase builds on previous successes for students, starting with the reinstatement of Year Round Pell Grant authority in fiscal year 2017, and a total increase of $425 in the maximum award since fiscal year 2018. The President did not request an increase in the maximum award. The bill also includes roughly $60 million in additional investments in Federal Work Study, grant aid and other preparation and higher education support programs, many of which the President proposed to cut. Workforce Development and Training The bill includes $9.4 billion for DOL's Employment and Training Administration, which is a $100 million increase. The bill includes $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training formula grants to states to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers. The bill provides $185 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, an increase of $10 million, and rejects the President's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to unqualified employers to develop low wage, lower quality programs. The bill includes $45 million for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program, an increase of $5 million, to better align workforce development efforts in in-demand industries with postsecondary education. The bill also provides approximately $900 million in emergency contingency funding to help states address spikes in unemployment claims due to the ongoing pandemic. Worker Protection Programs The bill makes important investments in agencies that help workers receive the pay they earn; ensure that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions; and strengthen trading partner commitments to comply with labor rights under free trade agreements and preference programs. The agreement builds on last year's increases in key worker protections agencies, which were the largest real increases seen in a decade. The Wage and Hour division receives $246 million, an increase of $4 million more than fiscal year 2020 and $17 million or 7.4 percent more than fiscal year 2019. This will strengthen efforts to recover wages for workers that do not receive the pay they are entitled to receive for their work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) receives $592 million, an increase of $10 million more than fiscal year 2020 and $34 million or 6 percent more than fiscal year 2019, to ensure that employers are following the law and providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. Finally, the agreement includes $96 million for the International Labor Affairs Bureau to work with trading partner countries on their commitments to labor requirements under free trade agreements and trade preference programs, work that would have been undermined by the President's proposed $77 million cut to the agency's budget. Ending the HIV Epidemic The bill includes $443 million for the second year of the domestic HIV/AIDS elimination initiative, an increase of $132 million. This includes $207 million within the HRSA Community Health Centers and Ryan White programs to increase investments in high need communities and provide PrEP to protect people at highest risk of getting HIV. It also includes $175 million within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research programs to develop and deploy innovative data management solutions, increase access to PrEP, and better detect and respond to HIV clusters. Within NIH, it includes $61 million, an increase of $10 million for the Centers for AIDS Research. Maternal Mortality The bill includes $62 million, an increase of $9 million, in HRSA and at the CDC for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate. This will fund stronger data systems to improve surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality. Infectious Diseases The bill includes $596.7 million, a $35 million increase, for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support advanced efforts to develop vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, and therapeutics to minimize serious threats of infectious diseases. The bill also includes $770 million, a $35 million increase, for Project Bioshield to speed the research, development, acquisition, and availability of medical countermeasures to improve preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. Finally, the bill also includes $287 million, a $27 million increase, for pandemic influenza preparedness to improve the effectiveness, production, and supply of influenza vaccines and therapeutics to combat seasonal epidemics and pandemics. Opioids & Substance Use The bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. Mental Health The bill includes increased funding to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which will expand efforts to identify and help children and youth in need of mental health care. Immunization and Respiratory Diseases The bill provides $201 million, a $25 million increase, for influenza planning and response to support CDC's efforts to expand vaccine effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, enhance virus characterization, increase genomic testing of influenza viruses, and increase influenza vaccine use by removing barriers to vaccination and promoting vaccination coverage. Improvements in the development and delivery of seasonal influenza vaccine are critical to the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to a potential influenza pandemic. Public Health Emergency Preparedness The bill includes $695 million, a $20 million increase, to enhance support to State and local health departments in developing and maintaining capable, flexible, and adaptable public health systems to rapidly respond in an emergency. Global Health Security The bill provides $193 million, a $20 million increase, for Global Health Security to support CDC's efforts to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and outbreaks around the globe. This funding will allow CDC to continue to build a long-term, sustainable foundation that maintains the agency's capacity to address contagious disease threats where they occur. Head Start The bill provides $10.75 billion, $135 million more than fiscal year 2020, for Head Start. The bill continues to strongly support Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships in order to best meet the needs of local communities to provide continuous high-quality services to low-income infants and toddlers. The bill also includes $10 million for quality improvement for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. Child Care The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020. The increase will help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) The bill provides $3.75 billion for LIHEAP, a $10 million increase over fiscal year 2020. Expanding Support for Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities The bill includes $2.3 billion for the Administration for Community Living programs, and increase of $35 million, to support nutrition and family caregiver programs, home and community based supportive services, and promote strategies that enable older adults and people with disabilities to live in their communities. Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) The bill rejects the President's proposal to eliminate CNCS, and instead includes $1.1 billion, a programmatic increase of $40 million, to expand investments that help thousands of nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, and local governments meet pressing local needs through service and social innovation. Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): The bill rejects the President's proposal to phase-out federal support for CPB and end the public-private partnership that supports the public media system of roughly 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations throughout the nation. This public media system provides free educational and media programming to all Americans, particularly essential support for smaller stations serving rural areas. The bill instead provides $475 million, an increase of $10 million more than fiscal year 2020, for regular operations, and $20 million to continue investments in public broadcasting's interconnection system and infrastructure, the second increase in a row after a decade of no increase in federal support of the mission of CPB. Emergency Water Utility Assistance: The agreement includes $638 million in emergency spending to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. The funding will go to States and Indian Tribes to assist those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for drinking water and wastewater services. The provision will also help owners and operators of public water systems or treatment works to reduce water utility rates charged to low-income households. As utility shut-off moratoriums are lifted across the country, this provision will help ensure that those most in need will continue to have access to water service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D20BE9D2-4E82-449E-A7A6-E5F36A7466EC,"Senate Murray Secures Washington State Transportation, Housing, and Agriculture Priorities in End-of-Year Package, Emphasizes More Work Ahead in New Year",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The bipartisan spending deal addresses crucial priorities for Washingtonians, including college affordability, infrastructure funding, and critical agricultural research, among others LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more MORE HERE The package includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief funding, and Senator Murray called for additional funding in the new year MORE HERE Senator Murray: Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that as Congress passed bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state, there is still much work to be done to help those who are struggling in Washington state and across the country make it through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which also included COVID-19 relief legislation, will keep the government funded through the 2021 fiscal year. The bill now heads to the President's desk. Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face. I'm glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement that includes much needed relief for families, workers, and small business owners who are just scraping by and makes critical investments in public health, college affordability, access to quality, affordable child care for our servicemembers and their families, and repairing our aging infrastructure. And I'm pleased we were able to get funding for a number of key Washington state priorities, such as Hanford cleanup, agricultural research, and salmon restoration. But there is so much more I would have liked to see addressed, and major challenges we've got to tackle in the new year. I look forward to doing that work with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, and as voice for Washington state in the Senate, I will continue fighting to ensure that our federal government meets this moment and provides the short and long-term relief and support that families in Washington state and across the country so desperately need. See below highlights of several federal investments and other priorities Senator Murray secured for Washington state in the funding package: Transportation & Infrastructure Harbor Maintenance Tax and Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: Includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for and helped secure to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The legislation would incorporatelong sought afterformula changes to distributions from the HMTF and build on a provision included in the CARES Act to allow all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep Washington state ports competitive. See more HERE. TIGER/BUILD program: $1 billion for FY21. Since Senator Murray created the TIGER program in 2009, it has awarded $9 billion to help facilitate 678 projects in every state in the country, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, including 70 projects in FY20 alone. Of that total, Washington state has received $293.5 million to support more than 22 projects, including $5.8 million for the Pioneer Street Extension project and $17.75 million for the Mills to Maritime Cargo Terminal project this past year. Previous Washington state BUILD projects include the Barker Road grade separation in Spokane Valley, Tacoma LINK expansion, a new ferry terminal in Mukilteo, the North Spokane Corridor, the Mercer Corridor Redevelopment project in Seattle, the South Park Bridge Replacement in King County, the West Vancouver Freight Access project at the Port of Vancouver, improvements to I-5 to relieve congestion around Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and terminal modernization projects at the Ports of Seattle and Everett. Federal-Aid Highway Program: $49 billion for FY21. This program provides financial support to states and localities for the development, construction, and repair of highways and bridges. Senator Murray successfully secured report language highlighting the conditions and resiliency of the nation's bridges, and specifically recommending funding that can be used for repair and replacement on bridges like the West Seattle bridge. The language also directs the Federal Highway Administration to work with state and local stakeholders to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens in order to advance urgent bridge projects. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): $3.45 billion, $50 million above FY20 level. These grants support home ownership, housing rehabilitation, public improvements, and economic development projects in communities throughout the country. Homeless Assistance Grants: $3 billion, $223 million above FY20 level. These grants provide funding to break the cycle of homelessness and move the homeless to permanent housing through rental assistance, emergency shelter, and supportive service provisions, among other steps. HOME Investment Partnerships Program: $1.35 billion. The HOME program is the federal government's only block grant program to help state and local governments create more affordable housing units for low-income families. Senator Murray has been instrumental in continuing the HOME program, previously fighting to save the program from near elimination, and successfully working to protect the program from attacks from the Trump Administration in spending bills over the past four years. HUD-VASH and Tribal HUD-VASH: $40 million and $5 million respectively. Despite efforts to zero-out these critical programs, which provides housing assistance vouchers to veterans in Washington state and across the country, Senator Murray was again able to save the programs and is committed to their continued success. Agriculture and Nutrition Agricultural Research: $4.1 billion for agriculture research programs at the Agricultural Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Includes sustained and increased funding for research supporting Washington state specialty crops, including wine grapes and barley. The bill also includes language directing research and engagement by USDA on Little Cherry Disease (LCD), an increasingly significant problem for Washington state cherry growers. SNAP: $114.035 billion, an increase of $46.149 billion from FY20. Child Nutrition Programs: $25.11 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion from FY20. Environment, Interior, Energy and Climate Change Hanford clean-up: $926.1 million for Richland Operations and $1.645 billion for Office of River Protection to facilitate nuclear waste cleanup at Hanford, an approximately $33.08 million increase above FY20. PNNL: $23 million to complete construction of PNNL's Energy Sciences Center and $23 million for its Grid Storage Launchpad project. Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund: $65 million, consistent with FY20 funding levels. NMFS Protected Resources Science and Management of Pacific Salmon: $67 million, an increase of $2 million over FY20 funding. Pacific Salmon Treaty: $39.5 million for implementation, $4 million above the FY20 level. Puget Sound Cleanup: $33.75 million for the Puget Sound Geographic program, $0.75 million above the FY20 level. Mud Mountain Dam: Includes language encouraging the timely completion of Mud Mountain Dam by the close of 2020. Water Assistance: $638 million for new ""Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program,"" which makes grants to state, local, and Tribal governments to distribute to drinking water and wastewater utilities. Child Development Centers: $206.2 million for the construction of four new child development centers. Special Victims Counsel: $46 million, a 32% increase over FY20. Senator Murray created the Special Victims Counsel to provide victims of military sexual assault, in all branches, with a trained lawyer to guide them through the legal process. Sexual Assault Prevention: Adds $7.5 million to implement DoD's Sexual Prevention Plan of Action and to fund prevention efforts throughout the armed services. VA Caregivers: $1.2 billion, a $500 million increase over FY20, for VA's Caregiver Support Program. Veteran IVF: Extends VA's authorization allowing them to cover fertility services such as IVF for service connected veterans, building on Sen. Murray's years of work to allow VA to cover fertility services to veterans injured during their service to our country. National Archives in Seattle: Includes language for NARA and GSA to explore action to prevent the immediate closure of the Sand Point facility as well as identify long-term options to ensure continued access to its contents. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Chief Medical Officer: Increases funding for the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at DHS by 33 percent over President Trump's requested level, and directs the additional spending towards medical oversight, education, and training, as well as development of effective department-wide planning and interagency coordination protocol for public health emergencies. This additional funding will also be directed to create standards for providing physical and mental healthcare of minors detained in CBP custody. The CMO is the primary medical authority for DHS, and while under the current administration the office has been relegated to a more advisory capacity, the CMO is responsible for setting policies that impact the medical treatment of migrants. Early Learning & Head Start: $135 million increase for the Head Start program above FY20. Child Care: $85 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant above FY20, which helps expand access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families. Support for Elementary and Secondary Education: $16.5 billion, an increase of $227 million over the FY20 enacted level, for the Title I-A grants to local educational agencies program. The bill also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education. Federal Title I-A grants and special education funding bring more than $500 million annually to Washington state schools. Workforce Training: $9.4 billion for the Employment and Training Administration which is a $100 million increase over FY20. This includes: $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Training formula grants to states; $185 million for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, an increase of $10 million, and rejects the President's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program; $45 million for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program, an increase of $5 million; and it provides approximately $925 million in emergency contingency funding to help states address spikes in unemployment claims due to the ongoing pandemic. Medical Research: $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of $1.25 billion over the FY20 level. Maternal Mortality: $62 million for the Maternal Mortality Initiative in CDC and HRSA, an increase of $9 million for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate. Mental Health: $35 million increase for the Mental Health Block Grant, in order for states to develop crisis care programs, a $5 million increase for Zero Suicide, and a $5 million increase for the Suicide Lifeline. Opioids & Substance Use: $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over FY20 levels. Domestic Violence: $7.5 million more for Family Violence and Prevention Services Act programs and a $1 million increase for the National Domestic Violence Hotline to $13 million. Urban Indian Health: $62.7 million, an increase of $5 million above FY20 levels. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E20601DA-A4C5-41C1-85DD-C5276AB714AA,Senator Murray Secures Billions to Improve Educational Opportunities for K-12 Public School Students Across the Country,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray secures over $40 billion in year-end spending deal, and $54.3 billion in COVID emergency funding for public schools Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their harmful privatization agenda (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools, totaling over $40 billion, in the must-pass year-end spending bill. Of the $40 billion, $16.5 billion is for Title I-A grants to local educational agencies to assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement.Thesefunds help provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $54.3 billion in emergency relief for an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. In addition to all of the uses of funds authorized under the CARES Act, this funding can also be used to address learning loss and school facilities improvements necessary for health measures. States will also need to report how they are using funds, including how they are using funds to address the full scope of learning loss due to COVID. Additionally, Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their school privatization agenda and create private school vouchers, by instead providing states with funding to provide services to private school students related to public health protocols, education technology, and learning loss. While the funding for public schools is a step in the right direction, Senator Murray will continue to fight for the over $175 billion in funding needed to support our K-12 public schools that she called for in her Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (CCCERA). Students, parents, and educators nationwide have been thrown into a kind of uncertainty and chaos we've simply never seen before. That's why we need to give schools the resources they need to keep their campuses safe during this pandemic and to keep students learning, whether in-person or online. This funding is a step in the right direction, but I will keep pushing for my plan to provide public schools with the over $175 billion that they need to ensure every single student can recover from this crisis. But it's clear getting through this crisis and getting back to normal' isn't enough. This pandemic has highlighted the existing inequities and systemic racism students across this country deal with every dayinequities that have left too many students behind, including students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, and students from families with low-incomes. Our goal should be to make sure every student can attend a high quality public school, and that every studentno matter their race, socio-economic status, disability, or where they livehas the support they need to receive a high quality education. In June, Senator Murray introduced the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (CCCERA), a $430 billion dollar bill to address the national child care and education crises and provide relief to students, families, schools, and educators across the country during this pandemic. The legislation included $175 billion for K-12 schools, to help schools address learning loss, implement public health protocols, and provide quality education to all studentswhether they open in-person, remotely, or a hybrid of both. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F283A988-C459-4F71-90A1-C2F162161FF6,"Murray Increases Investments in Fight Against Maternal Mortality, Will Continue Efforts to Improve Maternal Health",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Appropriations bill includes $62 million for initiative created to address maternal mortality crisis, an increase of $9 million Efforts to include bipartisan maternal mortality provisions first agreed to 18 months ago in the Lower Health Care Costs Act were torpedoed by Republicans at the last minute Murray: It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to address maternal mortality she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. While we were able to push for and win increased investments in stopping this crisis, I'm frustrated that other bipartisan steps were not included in this package and I will keep fighting to get them over the finish line. For example, we need to make sure medical professionals receive bias training in order to combat differences in quality of caresomething we know is important to help Black women and other women of color get quality care, as studies suggest they often aren't trusted about their own levels of pain or their symptoms. We also need to improve maternal care and access in rural communities where it is too often lacking. It's critical we collect more data so we can better understand and tackle this problem across demographics as well. None of these steps are one bit controversialin fact, they've already received strong bipartisan support. I'm frustrated that Republicans once again listened to their far-right special interest groups rather than women and I'm going to keep working to get these policies signed into law. In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $62 million at HRSA and the CDC for an initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality ratean increase of $9 million from Fiscal Year 2020. This will fund stronger data systems to improve surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality. In addition, Senator Murray secured $975 million for maternal and child health programs, an increase of $32 million, including the state formula grants, Healthy Start and a new Maternal Mental Health Hotline to support screening and referral to treatment for postpartum depression and related maternal mental health challenges. Senator Murray is also continuing to push for passage of bipartisan provisions to address maternal mortality first included in the Lower Health Care Costs Act which passed out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July 2019 20-3. Talks to include the provisions in the end-of-year spending bill fell apart when Republicans asked for poison pill changes to language that has been agreed upon for over year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FCC6640B-672D-4750-B5F9-8F981F38BE4C,Senator Murray Secures Funding Increases for Workforce Training to Help People Get Back to Work,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for workforce and career training education programs included in the year-end spending package. As we continue navigating the economic consequences of the COVID crisis, millions of workers across the country are facing unemployment and struggling to find new jobs. We owe each of these workers the chance to gain the skills and training they need to get back on their feet. Strengthening investments in our nation's workforce and career training programs is a good first stepbut with an unemployment crisis this devastating, we've got a lot more work to do. Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $9.4 billion, an increase of $100 million, for the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, which includes: $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million, for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers, $185 million, an increase of $10 million, for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, rejecting President Trump's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to low wage, lower quality programs. $45 million, an increase of $5 million, for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program. $316 million, an increase of $5 million, for Veterans Employment and Training programs. $100 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Reentry Employment Opportunity program. $97 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Youthbuild Program. $94 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker program and new language that expands eligibility for the program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-decade-after-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell,"Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory ""Don't Ask, Don't Tell"" policy. ""Ten years ago, the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security - all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. ""The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era ‘trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. ""Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=80A5ABE7-283E-49AE-B41D-FD9745BD42D8,"Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Ten years ago, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2441,Larsen Statement in Response to Oil Train Derailment in Whatcom County,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement in response to the oil train derailment in Whatcom County: “I am concerned about the oil train derailment in Custer, WA. I worked closely with the Obama administration to create strong rules to make the transport of oil by rail safer. Clearly there may be more work to do. “Thank you to the first responders on scene working to assess the situation and to keep communities safe. My staff are gathering more information from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Governor’s office, Whatcom County Emergency Management, BP, and BNSF Railway. I will continue to monitor the situation and await the findings of NTSB’s investigation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-led-effort-modernize-water-supply-infrastructure-included-year,Newhouse-Led Effort to Modernize Water Supply Infrastructure Included in Year-End Spending Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The end-of-year spending package passed by both Chambers of Congress on December 21, included ground-breaking provisions Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced to maintain and update critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure projects across the rural West. The provisions establish a first-of-its-kind Aging Infrastructure Account to provide stability and flexibility for local water managers who maintain and operate federal BOR water infrastructure. Rep. Newhouse released the following statement: I introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act to ensure federal water supply infrastructure, like irrigation canals and dams, remain functional and efficient for the families, communities, and huge sectors of our economy across the West that depend on these critical Bureau of Reclamation projects, said Rep. Newhouse. The creation of an Aging Infrastructure Account demonstrates the federal government's commitment to modernizing and updating our nation's crumbling water supply infrastructure. This is a huge win for communities like ours in rural Central Washington that rely on this infrastructure for our way of life. Rep. Newhouse was recently elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress, with modernization of aging water infrastructure in the West serving as a key pillar of his platform. The inclusion of these provisions is a demonstration of his effective advocacy and leadership in securing these substantive improvements for rural communities. ""The National Water Resources Association thanks Congress for including water infrastructure legislation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We are especially grateful for the inclusion of Representative Newhouse'sWater Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. As the incoming Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Representative Newhouse successfully advocated for the incorporation of language which will improve western water infrastructure and protect the health and livelihoods of millions of Americans while driving crucial economic activity. Ian Lyle, National Water Resources Association ""The Washington State Water Resources Association recognizes and thanks Congressman Newhouse for his leadership in securing funding for the improvement of water infrastructure in Washington state and across the West. His chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will ensure continued focus on the importance of water supply to the future of irrigated agriculture and the economies that depend on those supplies. Passage of theWater Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Actis evidence of Congressman Newhouse's vision for his constituents and all of the Western states. We thank him for his significant effort on this legislation."" Tom Myrum, Washington State Water Resources Association Western water infrastructure that was built early in the last century is aging. Rep. Newhouse's H.R. 4659 which will soon be signed into law - establishes a revolving loan account to address extraordinary maintenance backlogs within Bureau of Reclamation-owned facilities. Failing to address this critical backlog in the short term could well lead to dealing with it in the long term, in a much more costly manner. Rep. Newhouse's good work on this bill will better help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical Reclamation water supply infrastructure. - Dan Keppen, Family Farm Alliance The Columbia Basin Project, while not yet completed, has components that are now 70+ years old. Aging infrastructure is an ongoing concern, and the Bureau has the permanent responsibility to address maintenance. Farmers need water to continue providing an affordable, safe, and reliable food supply. Without reliable water, farmers cannot meet ever-increasing food demands of the American people and the world. The Aging Infrastructure Account is a welcome and necessary component that allows water managers to access funds for outstanding maintenance needs on projects in the West including the Columbia Basin Project. These investments help support the $5 billion economic activity generated from our region alone. Congressman Newhouse's longtime relationship and understanding of the needs of our region and specifically the Columbia Basin Project is to be applauded. We hope his chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to address the water infrastructure needs throughout the West. Vicky Sharlau, Columbia Basin Development League Much of the water infrastructure throughout the Yakima Valley is in urgent need of replacement and improvement. This Aging Infrastructure Account will go a long way to help our local water managers and operators ensure that we can continue to provide reliable water deliveries to farmers and families, make ecosystem enhancements throughout our region, and maximize efficient use of water in drought years. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for being a champion for western water users. Scott Revell, Roza Irrigation District Background: Rep. Newhouse introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Act in October 2019. The legislation, which aims to help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical water supply infrastructure, includes language to create an Aging Infrastructure Account for BOR maintenance projects and allows repayment of funds to be used by BOR on future extraordinary maintenance programs without further appropriations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-provide-tax-relief-small-businesses-using-ppp-funds,Newhouse Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Small Businesses Using PPP Funds Included in Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included the language of his legislation, H.R. 6884, the FIRST Act: The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline for small businesses throughout Central Washington and across the country, but business owners have expressed unease about the unintended tax consequences of this historic program, said Rep. Newhouse. This relief package includes language of a bill I introduced the FIRST Act that will ease these concerns by allowing businesses to continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. These funds were intended to help business owners, not tie their hands when they go to file their taxes for 2020. I am proud to have worked to include these clarifying provisions in the final bill. In May, Rep. Newhouse introduced the FIRST Act to reiterate congressional intent of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing business owners who utilize PPP funds to continue to take tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) praised the inclusion of the FIRST Act and Rep. Newhouse's leadership on behalf of small businesses: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided vital financial assistance to 107,660 Washingtonian small businesses. Unfortunately, IRS guidance limited the benefit of the PPP by prohibiting the deductibility of forgiven expenses. Congressman Newhouse stood up for small businesses and pressed for Congressional action to ensure struggling businesses would avoid surprise tax increases as they try to emerge from the pandemic. As a result of this advocacy, today's legislation clarifies that forgiven PPP expenses are deductible saving already-strained small businesses from an unexpected tax bill. NFIB appreciates Congressman Newhouse's continued leadership to protect small businesses. Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, NFIB",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-congressional-aviation-leaders-applaud-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-passed-as-part-of-omnibus-funding-bill,"Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders applauded the passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. The legislation will strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implement new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, require aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implement new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress last night and it and now heads to the President's desk. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms needed at the FAA, the safety reforms of oversight of manufacturing and the certification process, and reforms that will help us here in Congress better stay on top of the information as far as the certification process, said Senator Cantwell. I want to thank all of the families who helped us in communicating why these safety reforms are important and to let them know that even though we're putting a big down payment on safety reforms in the United States Congress by passing this legislation, this process does not stop with the passage of this legislation. This historic legislation is a major step to prevent the certification of substandard aircraft and avoidingfuture crashes, said Michael Stumo, whose daughter Samya died in the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crash. ET302 families across the world have worked hard to eliminate excessive delegationand to hold those who hide safety defects accountable. We are indebted to Chairman DeFazio,Ranking Member Graves, Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Cantwell for their hard work anddedication to safety and the future excellence of the US aviation industry. Key provisions of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will: Restore FAA Approval of ODA Unit Members:The FAA will be responsible for approving and removing manufacturers' engineers who act on behalf of the FAA the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) unit members, as found under the FAA's Designated Engineering Representative (DER) delegation program. The bill authorizes $3,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new appropriations for the FAA to provide staffing and resources necessary to undertake this work. Enable Direct FAA Oversight and Communication: FAA safety advisors will be assigned to manufacturers' authorized representatives so that the FAA has direct and ongoing oversight and communication with the ODA unit members responsible for certification activities, another key return to the DER program. The Joint Authorities Technical Review identified how the lack of communication and interaction between the FAA and ODA unit members hindered FAA's oversight over the manufacturer and awareness of safety issues with the 737 MAX. Require Integrated Safety Analysis of Design Changes for All New and Derivative Aircraft: The FAA must conduct a rulemaking to require proposals for new aircraft designs (type certificates) and variants of existing aircraft designs (amended type certificates) to undergo an integrated system safety analysis. The bill requires FAA to undertake an analysis of the cumulative effects of proposed design changes to the aircraft, human factors issues, and impacts on training for pilots and maintenance personnel. In the 737 MAX certification process, FAA failed to review the proposed design changes at an aircraft level, which led to FAA misunderstanding how the MCAS system would operate. This reform would help catch how new design features interact with other aircraft systems. Ensure New and Derivative Aircraft Comply With Latest Flight Crew Alerting Regulations: The FAA would be prohibited, beginning two years after enactment of the bill, from issuing a type certificate for a new airliner design unless the airplane is equipped with a centralized crew alerting system that helps a pilot differentiate, prioritize, and respond to warnings, cautions, and advisories activated on the airplane. The FAA certified the 737 MAX even though the aircraft's flight crew alerting system did not comply with the latest airworthiness standards. In response to a National Transportation Safety Board recommendation, the bill also would ensure for all future airplanes, including the 737 MAX derivatives, a manufacturer will complete a systems safety assessment on the flight deck alerting systems. Mandate Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Manufacturers: Safety management systems (SMS) provide a data-based means of managing risk and continuously monitoring hazards in order to mitigate safety risks before they materialize. The bill directs FAA to issue regulations requiring that aviation manufacturers implement SMS, as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board, Joint Authorities Technical Review, and other leading safety authorities. SMS is recognized as a key tool for improving safety culture. While the FAA has required SMS for airlines, the agency has failed to require the same of manufacturers. Require Disclosure of Safety-Critical Information: Manufactures would receive up to a $1 million fine for violating disclosure requirements for safety-critical information. This includes information regarding flight control systems and other systems whose failure or erroneous activation would present a hazardous or catastrophic risk. The FAA is also directed to revoke an airline transport pilot certificate held by an individual who fails to disclose such safety-critical information on behalf of a manufacturer. Prohibit Interference with FAA Designees: There are new civil penalties for any manufacturer supervisory employee who interferes with (e.g., harasses, berates, or threatens) an ODA unit member's performance of authorized functions on behalf of the FAA and requires all ODA unit members to promptly report any cases of interference experienced or witnessed at a company. The MAX investigations found numerous instances of managers exerting undue pressure on ODA unit members in conflict with their safety duties. Prohibit Incentives for FAA Employees Based on Industry Schedules: The bill repeals existing law allowing FAA employees to receive bonuses or other financial incentive based on meeting manufacturer-driven certification schedules or quotas. Repeal Authority for Industry to Set FAA Performance Goals: The bill repeals authority for the industry-friendly advisory panel, the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee (SOCAC), to set FAA performance goals and metrics for the agency's Aircraft Certification and Flight Standards services that do not prioritize safety in the aircraft certification process. Safety must come first, not accelerated approval schedules. Require Up Front Review of Design Assumptions and New and Novel Aircraft Technologies. The bill prohibits the FAA from delegating its authority to ODA unit members until the FAA reviews and validates any underlying assumptions used in critical system design features. It also requires the FAA Administrator to establish an integrated project team of experts from the FAA and federal agencies, such as NASA and the Air Force, to advise the FAA on the certification process for aircraft with new technologies and novel systems. The integrated project teams will give an independent review and verification of the manufacturer's submissions to the FAA, and recommend studies, analyses, and reports to aid in FAA's review. Create New Safety Reporting for FAA Employees: FAA employees will have new confidential reporting channels to flag safety concerns during certification or oversight processes. The Administrator will be required to review submitted safety reports, identify the root cause of any safety issue, and take appropriate action to rectify any errors. In a recent FAA internal survey, certification engineers questioned their ability to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal and FAA leadership's commitment to safety. This provision will provide a channel for FAA employees to report concerns without fear of retribution. The FAA must provide yearly report to Congress on the effectiveness of the safety reporting program. Repeal Authority Permitting Self-Certification by Industry: The bill repeals the certified design and production (CDPO) authority and makes clear that aviation manufacturers will not be able to self-certify their own aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers. Congress first granted this CPDO authority in the 2003 FAA Reauthorization and expanded it in the 2012 Reauthorization. While the FAA has not yet implemented this authority, this bill would remove this authority and prevent FAA from further removing itself from the certification process. Repeal Authority for Automatic Delegation of Certain Functions: The bill repeals the requirement that the FAA must fully delegate all eligible tasks to an ODA, and repeals the requirement that the FAA must delegate all functions which are deemed by the FAA to be low and medium risk. Without these repeals, FAA would only be able to revoke a task delegated to an ODA if, after an investigation or inspection, FAA determined it was in the public interest. The bill ensures that FAA is in charge of making delegation decisions. Provide Expert Project Teams to Advise on Certification: The FAA will be assisted by an integrated project teammade up of technical experts from the FAA and federal agencies such as NASA and the Air Forcefor certification of proposed large commercial aircraft. Throughout the process, the team will advise FAA on the plans, analysis, assessments, and reports necessary to properly evaluate these designs and technologies as well as advise FAA whether a request for an exemption or exception from the latest airworthiness standards is warranted. This team will provide more scrutiny of manufacturers' designs, assumptions, and system safety assessments starting at the beginning of the certification process, providing more transparency to the certification process. The FAA must respond to the team's recommendations in writing and include this in the certification project records. Strengthen International Standards: The bill authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to enable the FAA to provide increased technical assistance to foreign civil aviation authorities. This is an increase from the $3 million the FAA spends on this work annually. The bill also authorizes $2 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding to support FAA's efforts to develop international requirements, issued by International Civil Aviation Organization, for training programs and operational policies on pilot training, automation and human-machine interface. Require FAA to Review and Verify Human Factor Assumptions: The FAA must review and verify all underlying human factors assumptions before delegating certification tasks related to safety critical design features, such as flight control systems. In the 737 MAX certification process, the FAA failed to review and verify Boeing's assumptions about pilot response time to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) activation (these assumptions turned out to be incorrect), and this bill would ensure that FAA scrutinize those assumptions more closely. Establish a National Air Grant Program: The bill establishes a National Air Grant Program that will assist Congress and the FAA with keeping peace with changing technology. The program will create opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students to closely engage with Congress and the FAA to develop policies aimed at promoting U.S.-led growth and innovation in the aerospace sector. The bill authorizes $15 million annually for fiscal year 2021 through 2025 in new funding for the fellowship program. Identify Emerging Safety Trends: A new biennial report to Congress, conducted by the Transportation Research Board, will identify emerging safety trends in air transportation. Based on accident investigation data from the National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, air operators, and foreign aviation safety authorities, the report will illuminate the latest trends impacting aviation safety, domestically and internationally, so policymakers and FAA can stay ahead of them. Require an Annual Assessment of FAA Safety Culture: The FAA is directed to conduct an annual safety culture assessment to survey aviation safety employees on the state of safety culture at the agency's divisions responsible for the certification, production approval, and continued airworthiness of aircraft.The FAA's internal survey revealed that frontline employees believe that senior leaders at the agency are overly concerned with achieving the business-oriented outcomes of industry stakeholders and are not held accountable for safety-related decisions. This assessment will inform the biennial emerging trends report to Congress. Build FAA Expertise for Emerging Technologies: The FAA is required to examine and address any shortfall in the agency's expertise regarding innovative aviation technologies, including future technologies. The bill authorizes $27,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for the FAA to recruit and retain engineers, safety inspectors, human factors specialists, software and cybersecurity experts, and other qualified technical experts who perform certification duties. Building the agency's technical expertise will ensure that safety regulators can keep pace with ongoing technological advancements in the aviation industry. Facilitate Continuing Education of FAA Certification Employees: FAA personnel who hold positions involving aircraft and flight standards certification will receive additional continuing education and training, including in human factors, modern flight deck systems, and automation. The bill authorizes $10 million annually in new appropriations for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for this program. Establish a New Center of Excellence (COE) on Flight Automation and Human Factors: The new COE will promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, the FAA, and aircraft and airline industry stakeholders to research automation and other technological advancements in aviation and examine issues related to human system integration and flight crew and aircraft interfaces. The bill authorizes $2 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 in new funding for the new COE. Increase Funding for Research on Composites and Advanced Aviation Materials: The bill authorizes funding for the FAA's Joint Advanced Materials and Structures (JAMS) at $10 million annually for fiscal years 2021 through 2023. Led by the University of Washington and Wichita State University, the center of excellence (COE) conducts research on advanced composites and aerospace materials for commercial aircraft to support the FAA's certification program. Funding for the COE was last authorized from fiscal years 2012 through 2015 at $500,000 per year, and the new authorization is double the approximately $5 million the FAA has funded the COE at in the last five years on average. Senator Cantwell has been a congressional leader in the push for aviation safety and certification reforms. In November, bipartisan aviation safety legislation she introduced with Chairman Wicker passed the Commerce Committee. She has introduced multiple other pieces of legislation to codify expert recommendations into law and improve technical expertise to improve aviation safety many of which have been incorporated into the final text of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. In October 2019, she introduced a bill to implement aviation safety recommendations from the NTSB, U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General (DOT IG), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that seek to address challenges related to increased automation in commercial aircraft cockpits, as well as how pilots respond to flight deck alerts and uncommanded flight control inputs. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to create one-year paid aerospace policy fellowship roles for graduate and post-graduate students in Congress, at the FAA, and in other federal agencies to help build a pool of talent conversant in emerging technologies for the FAA and Congress to draw from as they make policy in the aviation sector. She also introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize the FAA to work with other countries to strengthen pilot training standards and enable ICAO to further enhance worldwide aviation safety and training standards. A summary of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act with explanations of key provisions can be found HERE. The full text of the legislation can be found HERE, starting on page 2903. Video of Senator Cantwell's floor speech about the legislation is available HERE and audio is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-call-on-department-of-energy-to-only-consider-qualified-experienced-candidates-for-bpa-administrator-,"Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator In a break from norms, DOE has not consulted Senators Cantwell and Murray on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries. BPA Administrator is one of the Pacific Northwest's toughest jobs. The position requires a deep knowledge of our unique grid, strong relationships with regional stakeholders, and an understanding of how to balance the needs of hydropower, agriculture, and salmon. Now more than ever we need an Administrator that can hit the ground running and ensure our region continues to receive the affordable and reliable electricity supplies that have powered our economy for decades, Senator Cantwell said. I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest,Senator Murray said.So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominating Greg Zerzan would be disastrous for the BPA and the millions of families that rely on the affordable energy and power it provides. Unlike in years past, this consideration process has lacked transparency, and I strongly urge the Department of Energy to follow its historic precedent and nominate a candidate with the experience and independence required to successfully lead BPA and ensure it remains a valuable public asset. The BPA Administrator is not an appointed or political position, instead the Administrator is selected by DOE after review by a merit review board. Typically, the Administrator has substantial prior experience at BPA and Pacific Northwestern senators are consulted during the candidate interview and selection process. During the Friday call, Deputy Secretary Menezes confirmed to the Senators that the report that DOE is considering Zerzan, and three internal candidates, to fill the vacancy are true. The Senators voiced their displeasure with the fact that they had not been consulted on these candidates and urged the DOE not to move forward with someone who is unqualified and has no experience at BPA or any similar organization. The Senators also made clear that they would not support a political choice who posed a threat to the apolitical nature of the Administrator position and could lead to the privatization of BPA, something that the Senators have long opposed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-critical-funding-for-washington-small-businesses-in-covid-stimulus-bill-targeted-relief-for-smallest-businesses-in-underserved-communities,Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities Bill includes more than $284 billion for PPP, including $35 billion set aside for smallest businesses WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) highlighted the inclusion of key small business priorities she championed and pushed for in the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus bill that passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly last night. The bill provides $284.5 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. The bill extends PPP through March 31, 2021 and enables small businesses and nonprofits to apply for a 2nd PPP loan of up to $2 million if they have 300 or fewer employees and have experienced a revenue loss of at least 25% between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. I'm very glad that we were able to get the PPP program that helps small businesses, so that they can continue to try to make ends meet as we continue to work our way through this pandemic, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor on Monday night. Important Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The bill expands the types of expenses that are allowable and forgivable to include: Payment for any software, cloud computing, and other human resources and accounting needs. Costs related to property damage due to public disturbances that occurred during 2020 that are not covered by insurance. Expenditures to a supplier pursuant to a contract, purchase order, or order for goods in effect prior to taking out the loan that are essential to the recipient's operations at the time at which the expenditure was made. Supplier costs of perishable goods can be made before or during the life of the loan. Personal protective equipment and adaptive investments to help a loan recipient comply with federal health and safety guidelines or any equivalent State and local guidance related to COVID-19 during the period between March 1, 2020, and the end of the national emergency declaration. The bill repeals the requirement for PPP borrowers to deduct from forgiveness the amount of their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grant. The bill clarifies that federal small business COVID assistance -- PPP forgiven funds, as well as EIDL grants, loan repayment assistance, and grants for shuttered venues -- are not taxable income and that deductions are allowed for otherwise deductible expenses paid with small business assistance funds. The bill allows small businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industries to receive larger awards (loan would equal 3.5 times average monthly payroll costs, rather than 2.5 times). Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants The bill contains $20 billion for new EIDL grants. Small businesses and nonprofits in low-income communities are eligible to receive $10,000 grants. Small businesses and nonprofits in low-income communities that received an EIDL Advance previously are eligible to receive the full $10,000 if their award was less in the first round of grants. Before the EIDL grant program ran out of money in July, more than 96,000 Washington state businesses and nonprofits received more than $308 million in grants. Cantwell has consistently supported the EIDL Grant program and other grant programs that provide direct cash assistance to small businesses and nonprofits throughout this pandemic. EIDL Grants were included in the Heroes Small Business Lifeline Act, which Cantwell cosponsored. Cantwell also introduced legislation, prior to the CARES Act, along with Senator Cardin, to provide grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses, nonprofits, and small farm cooperatives that were denied an SBA disaster loan. Aid for Smallest Businesses (10 or Fewer Employees) Many small businesses with 10 or fewer employees have not gotten the help they need to deal with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Most of the smallest businesses are owned by women and minority entrepreneurs in underserved communities. For example, 98% of women-owned businesses and 99% of Black-owned businesses in Washington state have fewer than 10 employees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These smaller businesses faced challenges in getting PPP loans when applying through national banks and often received little to no assistance. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Inspector General found, in a report released on May 8, 2020, that small businesses in underserved communities had not been adequately prioritized by the SBA. The bill contains $35 billion specifically for 1st and 2nd round PPP loans of up to $250,000 for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees and for small businesses in distressed areas. The bill simplifies the forgiveness process for loans of up to $150,000 and revises the loan processing fee tiers to incentivize lenders to make loans to underserved and underbanked businesses. The bill also gives borrowers in the microloan program an extra two years to repay their loan, provides funding to deploy $64 million more in loans, and adds flexibility for lenders to counsel and deploy capital faster and where it is needed the most to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cantwell has repeatedly urged SBA Administrator Carranza and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to prioritize helping small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. At a hearing in October, Cantwell said to Administrator Carranza: There are a lot of women and minorities that are small businesses under ten employees, and again, how do they keep that business going if they don't have access to capital. So I hope in this next round we'll prioritize that. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) In addition to the $15 billion set-aside for community lenders under the Paycheck Protection Program, this bill also contains $12 billion for community lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) to expand capital access and technical assistance to underserved communities. $9 billion is provided to create a new Emergency Capital Investment Program, which will provide low-cost, long-term capital investments to CDFIs and MDIs to expand lending and investment activity in low-income and minority communities, especially those that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID pandemic. $3 billion in emergency assistance directly to the CDFI Fund: $25 million will be targeted to Native communities $1.2 billion will be targeted to minority lending institutions, a new category of CDFIs that predominantly serve minority communities. This funding will benefit the 30+ CDFIs that are in or around the State of Washington including Craft3, Evergreen Business Capital, and Impact Washington, as well as Washington state's four Native CDFIs that are vital to their communities but faced challenges in participating in PPP. This includes the Northwest Native Development Fund, which serves Native-owned small businesses on and around the Colville, Spokane, and Kalispel Reservations. Cantwell has pushed for increased resources to CDFIs, highlighting their role in helping small businesses access capital: I can see in my state, where the CDFIs are basically getting out and marketing themselves and getting access to capital to, frankly, small businesses that just got turned down by banks. Cantwell led an appropriations letter earlier this year requesting support for Native American CDFIs, and she signed onto an additional letter in March requesting appropriations funding for CDFIs. SBA Debt Relief Program The bill provides $3.5 billion to renew the SBA Debt Relief Program for three months for all businesses starting February 1, 2021, and then for an additional five months for businesses with SBA microloans or community advantage loans as well as businesses in hard-hit industries like hotels or restaurants. More than 8,000 small businesses in Washington state currently have traditional SBA loans and would benefit from this relief. Cantwell cosponsored legislation, along with Senator Chris Coons, (D-DE) to extend this program and supported the program when it was originally included in the CARES Act. Live Venues, Theatres, and Museums The bill includes $15 billion in grants to live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions like museums. The bill includes a set aside of $2 billion for entities with no more than 50 employees. Without this relief, 63% of Washington state's independently owned clubs would have to permanently close, according to a survey by the Washington Nightlife Music Association. Cantwell cosponsored the Save Our Stages Act, led by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), which would have provided similar relief grants to live venues. Cantwell spoke about the impacts that the pandemic has had on the live music industry and the urgent need for Congress to pass relief to these venues at a Commerce Committee hearing in December, saying in part: Even in Spokane, The Pin, a staple of the music scene there, closed its doors. And independent venues like Spokane Arena, the Knitting Factory, Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, and many others are impacted by these closures and looking for relief. So, when I hear these comments this morning and our colleagues, you'd think this would just be a slam dunk, that we could just, if nothing else, just go ahead and pass legislation. For us, it's 38,000 Washingtonians, about a $2.4 billion music industry overall. So we don't want to see permanent closure, because it's very hard to start these again We have got to get our colleagues to understand, we need to act now on this legislation. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) The bill provides $25 million to support MBDA Centers in assisting minority businesses to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. This would benefit the MBDA Business Center in Tacoma, which provides technical assistance to nearly 200 clients throughout Washington state and the Pacific Northwest from the African, Asian, Hispanic American, American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Cantwell has consistently supported the MBDA and is a cosponsor of the Minority Business Resiliency Act, which would codify the MBDA into law, create regional MBDA offices, strengthen its grant-making capacity, and increase its coordination with other agencies. Women's Business Centers (WBCs) The bill extends the waiver, originally included in the CARES Act, that previously required WBCs to match federal funds with a proportion of non-federal funds through June 30, 2021. This will enable WBCs to continue to help female entrepreneurs respond to this pandemic. Tax Relief for Brewers, Vintners, Distillers The bill includes the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, legislation Senator Cantwell cosponsored and pushed for, to level the playing field for small craft beer brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers by permanently extending federal excise tax relief. Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) The bill extends the ERTC that was created in the CARES Act through June 30, 2021 and enhances the tax credit by lowering the revenue loss requirement to access this credit from 50% to 20%, increasing the credit rate from 50% to 70% of employee wages and healthcare expenses, and raising the limit on per-employee creditable wages from $10,000/year to $10,000/quarter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-supported-provisions-in-covid-relief-bill-will-provide-critical-relief-to-hard-hit-music-venues-theaters-museums-,"Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums Without relief, 63% of independently-owned clubs in the state would have to permanently close WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauded the inclusion in the COVID relief bill of provisions she pushed for that would provide $15 billion in grants to live venues, movie theaters, and museums in Washington state and across the country. The bill also includes a set aside of $2 billion for entities with no more than 50 employees. This achievement builds off of the Save Our Stages Act, legislation Cantwell cosponsored along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to provide desperately needed aid to smaller, independent live venues. Without this relief, 63% of Washington state's independently owned clubs would have to permanently close, according to a survey by the Washington Nightlife Music Association. Cantwell spoke about the urgent need to provide relief for these venues at a Commerce hearing earlier this month, saying in part: You'd think this would just be a slam dunk, that we could just, if nothing else, just go ahead and pass legislation. For us, it's 38,000 Washingtonians, about a $2.4 billion music industry overall. So we don't want to see permanent closure, because it's very hard to start these again We have got to get our colleagues to understand, we need to act now on this legislation. Video from the hearing is HERE. Steven Severin, the President of the Washington Nightlife Music Association (WANMA), said: This is a huge win for us. The fact that nobody knew our names or the phrase Independent Venues' and then you have people like Sen. Cantwell talk about WANMA and Save Our Stages in a D.C. hearing?... I'm ecstatic. I'm in tears. I'm exhausted. I'm grateful. I watched a few dozen people make a full time job with no payment to make this happen. That's some serious dedication, passion, and fight to Save Our Stages so we can get back to doing what we do. This allows us to help the entire ecosystem of the music industry. Specifically, Section 324 of the COVID relief bill, Grants for Shuttered Venue Operators: Authorizes $15 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to eligible live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators, or talent representatives who demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in revenues. Sets aside $2 billion for eligible entities that employ 50 or fewer full-time employees. Allows SBA to make an initial grant of up to $10 million dollars to an eligible person or entity and a supplemental grant that is equal to 50 percent of the initial grant. Directs the SBA to award grants only to eligible entities that have faced 90 percent or greater revenue loss in the first two weeks, and only to eligible entities that have faced 70 percent or greater revenue loss in the two weeks after that. After the first month, grants can be awarded to all other eligible entities. Specifies that grants will be used for specified expenses such as payroll costs, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment. Requires the SBA Administrator to conduct increased oversight of eligible persons and entities receiving these grants. Video of Senator Cantwell speaking about the need to help live venues at a hearing this month is HERE, and audio is HERE. A transcript of her Q&A with witnesses is HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-biggest-advancements-to-nations-energy-policies-in-over-a-decade-,Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation’s Energy Policies in Over a Decade,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation's Energy Policies in Over a Decade Cantwell's Grid Modernization Act and Smart Building Acceleration Act incorporated into landmark package WASHINGTON, D.C.Sweeping bipartisan energy legislation was included in the year-end COVID-19 relief and omnibus bill passed by the Senate last night, including many provisions Senator Cantwell authored and introduced while she served as Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 114th and 115th Congresses. The legislation authorizes over $35 billion for research and development over the next decade in critical areas including renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies, all of which will be essential to decarbonizing our nation's energy system and addressing the climate crisis. The legislation also reforms the energy loan guarantee program, extends the weatherization program, and provides new tech transfer tools for Energy Department Laboratories like the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). Modernizing our nation's energy grid will make America's electricity supplies more secure, abundant, and affordable, said Senator Cantwell. Making our nation's buildings smarter and more efficient will lower utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions from a sector that accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. energy use. All told, these energy provisions are the most progress we've made to our nation's energy policies in a decade. Two bills authored by Senator Cantwell were incorporated into the landmark package, including Senate Bill 2332, the Grid Modernization Act of 2019, which authorizes over $2.2 billion over the next decade to fund R&D and programs at the Department of Energy aimed at modernizing our nation's electricity grid. Provisions include a grant program aimed atdemonstratingthe value of modernizing our nation's electricity grid, the development of ""off-the-shelf"" tools forlocal and state grid regulators to accelerate the adoption of new technology and grid controls, and a new program focused on developing hybrid microgridsfor isolatedcommunities. The legislation also reauthorizes provisions from Senator Cantwell's Smart Grid title that was included in the 2007 Energy Bill, like the smart grid regional demonstration program. The omnibus package also incorporated Senate Bill 2335, Senator Cantwell's Smart Building Acceleration Act of 2019, which will support new research into smart buildings, including documenting the costs and benefits of emerging technologies in private-sector and federal government buildings. Specifically, it requires a survey of privately-owned smart buildings, directs smart building retrofits in certain federal buildings to quantify costs and benefits, and directs research and development toward reducing the barriers to the adoption of smart building technologies. Senate Energy Committee Chair Murkowski, one of the bill's primary champions, expressed her gratitude to Senator Cantwell for her contributions to the bill on the Senate floor on Monday night, saying in part: I see that my friend from the great state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest is here. I am very thankful and appreciative of your leadership and what you have provided over the years, working together with your team we have accomplished good things for the right reasons. Cantwell has made making our nation's energy system cleaner, more efficient, and more diverse one of her top priorities. She leverages her membership on the Senate Energy, Commerce, and Finance Committees to push her vision of a clean energy economy and to support budding clean energy industries. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-19-package-includes-cantwell-collins-provision-to-make-medical-expense-deduction-permanent,"COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.20 COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passed Congress and will now be signed into law. Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and David Schweikert (R-AZ). For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act, Senators Cantwell and Collins introduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. The medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment, said Senator Cantwell. The medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills. AARP applauds Congress for making permanent the 7.5% threshold on medical expenses. This effort has been long in the making. On behalf of the approximately 4.4 million Americans with high health care costs who rely on this deduction, we thank Senator Collins and Senator Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in the Senate on this important issue, said Megan O'Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP. Senators Cantwell and Collins have long been supporters of the medical expense deduction. AARP estimates that nearly 20,000 Mainers already benefit from this deduction.Following Senators Cantwell and Collin's advocacy, another extension of this provision was secured last year, extending the deduction to the end of this calendar year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402047,"Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Finalize COVID Relief for Southwest Washington Families, Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the final agreement on a COVID relief package. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve the deal later today, and quick Senate passage is also anticipated. With so many Americans out of work, small businesses on the brink of permanent closure, and families struggling to make ends meet, I'm relieved to have helped Congress reach agreement on another COVID relief package that will provide immediate aid to individuals and communities.I've been tirelessly working to get this relief to those who need it, both by developing the framework for the agreement with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and keeping the pressure on Democrat leadership with a discharge petition to circumvent D.C. gridlock and pass a small business relief bill. This relief should have been delivered to the American people months ago. Nevertheless, residents will benefit immensely from additional forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been small business lifelines, an unemployment insurance extension, direct cash payments, assistance for our frontline health care providers, and funding for more readily available COVID vaccines and testing. I remain confident that America will get through this crisis and thrive on the other side, and I'm going to continue doing everything I can to maintain the bridge to get us there, Herrera Beutler said. COVID relief legislation highlights: $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program for first-and second-time borrowers Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, for up to 10 weeks, for the period of December 26, 2020 March 14, 2021 $600 Economic Impact Payments for adults and dependents $82 billion for schools and universities to assist with reopening for safe in-person learning $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen $68 billion for vaccine purchase, distribution, testing, and existing provider relief fund",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-long-overdue-passage-covid-19-relief-package,Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: ""Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. ""First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. ""This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed - this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. ""Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food programs for struggling families. The agreement also provides funding for schools and colleges to mitigate virus transmission, and funding for child care assistance to help parents get back to work and keep child care providers open. The package also includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. ""Over the course of the pandemic, I have met with countless small businesses in dire need of help. This package adds additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), improves the requirements to make it more accessible for small businesses, and allows some small businesses that are still struggling to get a second round of PPP loans to help retain workers and allow their businesses to survive. ""Every American needs to understand that Mitch McConnell, Congressional Republicans, and President Trump fought against us every step of the way as we worked to provide as much relief as possible. The support provided in this package is necessary, but insufficient. I look forward to working with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration in the new Congress to build on this package."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=49A194FD-3583-4475-A84B-AD8BB998DEE3,Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food programs for struggling families. The agreement also provides funding for schools and colleges to mitigate virus transmission, and funding for child care assistance to help parents get back to work and keep child care providers open. The package also includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. Over the course of the pandemic, I have met with countless small businesses in dire need of help. This package adds additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), improves the requirements to make it more accessible for small businesses, and allows some small businesses that are still struggling to get a second round of PPP loans to help retain workers and allow their businesses to survive. Every American needs to understand that Mitch McConnell, Congressional Republicans, and President Trump fought against us every step of the way as we worked to provide as much relief as possible. The support provided in this package is necessary, but insufficient. I look forward to working with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration in the new Congress to build on this package. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2688,"DelBene Shapes Bipartisan COVID-19 Deal, Calls for More Relief",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that several of her priorities were included in the bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal that was reached between House and Senate leaders over the weekend. The House approved the legislation today with DelBene's support. Compromise is difficult but in a time of divided government, it's the only way we get things done. This important deal will provide meaningful relief to Americans during this challenging time and I secured several provisions in the package. It is only a portion of what is needed to help families across the country and for what our economy is facing, said DelBene. This virus will not simply vanish starting next year and additional relief must be Congress' top priority going forward. As the incoming Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I am ready to work with congressional leaders and a new, engaged White House to craft additional relief legislation immediately. DelBene's priorities have been centered around providing relief to workers, families, small businesses, and strengthening our public health response. Provisions she secured in the deal include: Incentivize the hiring and retention of workers through a 70 percent credit on up to $10,000 of wages per employee per quarter by enhancing the Employee Retention Tax Credit and allow the credit to work with Paycheck Protection Program loans. DelBene has been pushing to expand the credit to help keep businesses open and workers off unemployment. Providing more money to families by allowing them to use their 2019 earnings when calculating their 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. DelBene is a lead sponsor of legislation that would also increase the Child Tax Credit amount and provide payments monthly. Creating over 130,000 more affordable homes by making these housing developments more financially secure. DelBene introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase affordable housing production by expanding on the proven success of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Extending how long state, local, and tribal governments can use CARES Act funding to help support the public health response to COVID-19 and pay police, firefighters, teachers, and other essential workers. DelBene's district has been responding to COVID-19 the longest and frontline responders need resources to keep fighting the virus. Expanding telehealth access for seniors seeking mental health care through a bill DelBene introduced. This agreement is the most significant COVID-19 relief legislation to pass Congress since the CARES Act in March. Many of the provisions in the CARES Act have run out of funding or expire at the end of the year and this package will extend those programs into 2021 and provide additional funding. The bill also includes: $600 stimulus checks for adults and children $300 per week in renewed unemployment assistance $284 billion in small business loans $82 billion to help reopen schools and colleges $73 billion for the public health response, including vaccine distribution, testing, and contact tracing $25 billion in rental assistance and an extended eviction moratorium $13 billion in nutritional support $7 billion to increase access to broadband The bill also funds the federal government through the end of Fiscal Year 2021 and includes legislation that will end surprise medical bills. More information about the package can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-for-critical-covid-19-relief-secures-funding-for-regional-priorities,"Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support an COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending bill (omnibus) consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package Today's legislation included $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Over the last nine months, I have spoken with folks across our region who have lost jobs, lost their small businesses, and lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People in our region need help. With that in mind, this new bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill is progress, said Rep. Kilmer. This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help beat back this virus and distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local employers. Having said that, we know more is needed to help people who are hurting. People shouldn't have to risk losing their homes, going hungry, or having their utilities shut off, due to something that's not their fault. I'll keep working to make sure that the federal government steps up to have the backs of folks in our neck of the woods. Among its provisions, the bill provided billions in funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines to as many Americans as soon as possible, to implement a national testing and tracing strategy, and to support health care workers and providers on the frontlines. The legislation also included critical support for Washington's small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and nonprofits. The bill includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and to better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants (with grants of up to $10,000) which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street. In addition, the bill includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and support for small businesses in low-income and underserved communities that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID19 pandemic.To support workers, the agreement also extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in their jobs during coronavirus closures, or reduced revenue, and also provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the framework of earlier COVID relief legislation. Additionally, the legislation included critical funding to help the American people make ends meet. This includes a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child. The legislation also included a provision to avert the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work. The bill also included $25 billion in rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and, importantly, included an extension of the eviction moratorium. In addition, the legislation made a $13 billion investment in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure. The legislation also included provisions to help working families by making improvements to the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit to help ensure that families who face unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving vital income support for vulnerable families. Additionally, the omnibus included critical funding for education, child care and students - including a $82 billion investment in colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. The omnibus also included a $7 billion investment to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families, and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic. Government Funding for Regional Priorities Today's legislation also included the 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, which make strong investments to provide pathways to better schools, expand access to housing, tackle food insecurity, protect the environment, and combat climate change. Today, I also voted to keep the government open and to fund critical priorities for our region that will create jobs, said Rep. Kilmer. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that it includes vital investments in Puget Sound recovery and restoring our salmon, a much-deserved pay raise for our military and for civilian federal workers, support for Indian Country and veterans, investments in jobs at Naval Base Kitsap, and funding for broadband and rural economic development. Kilmer added, This is not the agreement I would have written on my own - there are some provisions that I would have excluded, and others I fought to have included that weren't. But, to avert a government shutdown we needed to reach an agreement with a Republican Senate and a Republican President whose values are different than those of a majority of folks in our region. While not perfect, today's legislation responsibly funds our government, prevents another damaging government shutdown, and invests in our region. Among its provisions, the bill: Provides Critical Funding for Puget Sound Restoration The omnibus spending bill made important investments in restoring Puget Sound, including $33.75 million for the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which provides critical grant support to state, local, and tribal governments to implement projects to improve water quality, protect shorelines, and enhance fish passage and salmon habitat. The increase over the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level, which Rep. Kilmer fought to secure as a member of the Appropriations Committee, rejects a Trump Administration proposal to eliminate the program altogether and represents an important investment in projects that will help recover iconic species, like salmon and orca, and continue to improve the health of the Sound. This vital increase in funding for the Puget Sound Geographic Program will drive conservation and restoration projects and help us achieve our twin goals of Puget Sound recovery and economic recovery. We know that every $1 million spent on watershed restoration produces $2.5 million in total economic activity and approximately 16 new or sustained jobs. Increased investment in Puget Sound restoration and salmon recovery yields real and lasting benefits for people and our economy. With this increase in federal funding, we will continue to make progress towards a healthy and vibrant Puget Sound, said Laura Blackmore, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. We are thankful to our strong delegation for fighting for the protection and restoration of Puget Sound. Special thanks go to Congressmen Kilmer and Heck for leading the Puget Sound caucus and working to build bipartisan and national support for Puget Sound recovery. We are also grateful for the dedication and advocacy of our partners, who have worked to ensure that investing in Puget Sound recovery to achieve economic recovery remains a top priority for the federal government. Invests in Rural Broadband The omnibus invests over $7 billion in the expansion of broadband service to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and health care services, including $300 million for rural broadband and $250 million for telehealth. The increase in investment, which Rep. Kilmer fought to secure as a member of the Appropriations Committee, also includes $635 million for the ReConnect program, which aims to increase access to broadband connectivity in underserved rural areas. These significant investments in broadband reflect a commitment to enabling Americans in rural communities to access digital tools necessary to improve health, educational, and economic outcomes. The bill also included an effort by Rep. Kilmer to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take action to increase access to broadband on rural Tribal lands. That provision directs the USDA to work with tribal communities to better understand the unique infrastructure challenges they face and to ensure that tribal communities are not held at a competitive disadvantage when competing for broadband resources. In addition, the bill called on the USDA to develop strategies that utilize telehealth technologies to help improve care options for seniors, expectant mothers, infants, and others in rural areas. Supports Shipyard Workers, Defense Communities The omnibus also included critical investments in our nation's defense communities, including a $20 million investment championed by Rep. Kilmer to fund the Navy Facility Sustainment, Modernization, and Restoration Program, which will invest in critical infrastructure upgrades at the nation's four public shipyards including Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton to improve resiliency to fires, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. In addition, the legislation included a $60 million investment Rep. Kilmer advocated for to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which funds projects that address commuter workforce issues, school construction, and other local infrastructure that support military installations like Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Kilmer has worked with the City of Bremerton and Kitsap County in hopes of securing federal funds to reduce congestion into the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Finally, the bill includes a three percent pay increase for members of the armed forces and preserves a one percent pay raise for federal civilian employees next year. Rep. Kilmer spoke in support of the provisions before the Appropriations Committee in July. Advances Kilmer-led Priorities to Combat Climate Change, Invest in Resiliency The omnibus also included several initiatives led by Rep. Kilmer to increase federal investments in climate resilience and help communities that are dealing with persistent flooding. The bill provides funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support communities across the region that are working to manage flood risks and threats from coastal hazards. The $10 million included in the bipartisan agreement represents a $5 million increase over the current funding level. The bills also provides $78.5 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Grants and $34 million for the National Coastal Resilience Fund, rejecting the Trump Administration's proposal to eliminate these key programs which provide critical planning and technical assistance to states and tribes to deal with persistent flooding. Rep. Kilmer also successfully fought against efforts by the Trump Administration to defund the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) housed at the University of Washington (UW). He successfully worked to secure nearly $42 million to grow investments in the nation's eight regionally-focused CASCs, which provide actionable science and research that directly address many of the climate-related challenges unique to different regions of the country. In addition, he fought to include $182 million for NOAA's Climate Research programs, including funding to support cutting-edge research on climate, ocean, and fishery science. Rep. Kilmer also ensured that the bill provided $17 million for the Tribal Climate Resilience program and included language directing the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate with federal agencies to leverage other federal resources to support a comprehensive approach to support coastal tribal communities including the Quinault, Hoh, Quileute, and Makah tribes, that are actively working to make their communities more climate resilient. In addition, Rep. Kilmer worked to secure critical funding to support early warning capabilities for natural hazards and disasters, including: more than $28 million NOAA's Tsunami Warning Centers and for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program to support hazard identification and response; $25.7 million for the USGS for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System; a total of $30.26 million for the Volcano Hazards program to maintain support for next generation lahar detection operations and infrastructure on Mount Rainier and other high-threat volcanoes; and, $8.04 million for the Landslides Hazards program, which will help to prevent human and economic loss through the development of methods and models for landslide hazard assessment, monitoring, and tools for landslide early warning and situational awareness. Includes Kilmer-led Priorities to Support Timber Communities The omnibus also included a measure led by Rep. Kilmer to support timber communities and the effort to grow rural jobs. Kilmer's proposal highlights the value of collaborative forest management and directs the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to prioritize resources to expedite project development and approval of forest treatments developed by collaboratives. In 2015, Rep. Kilmer helped launch the Olympic Forest Collaborative an effort to bring leaders from the timber industry, environmental community, and local government to work together to create economic opportunity on the Olympic Peninsula. The Collaborative works to advance forest treatments that increase harvest levels while also achieving much needed environmental benefits like landscape restoration, watershed protection, and habitat conservation. The provisions Rep. Kilmer secured in the appropriations bill will help collaboratives like the Olympic Forest Collaborative to create more economic opportunity. The omnibus also included investment championed by Rep. Kilmer to supply $27 million to the USFS Forest Products Laboratory to continue research to advance wood markets, including research on wood-based nanotechnology; advanced wood products that incorporate carbon fiber, and wood use in building construction, including research on the life cycle of impacts of wood as a building material. These funds could complement the work being done by organizations, like the Composite Recycling Technology Center in Port Angeles, to drive innovation in this arena with a goal of creating jobs on the Olympic Peninsula. The legislation also included provisions to support public/private partnerships that provide assistance, education, and resources related to the design of non-residential and multi-family wood buildings, and that leverage research and technology investments to create new and expanded wood product markets. Finally, Rep. Kilmer advanced a provision recognizing the benefits of utilizing Cross Laminated Timber and other mass timber products in military construction projects and directing the Secretary of Defense to expand the application of these innovative technologies in future projects. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-committee-to-fix-congress-extended-to-117th-congress,Kilmer’s Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Kilmer's Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Praises Kilmer's Integrity & Vision; Calls Him a Leader and Innovator Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (Select Committee), led by Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), will be extended through the 117th Congress. Created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Select Committee (often referred to as the Fix Congress Committee) was tasked with crafting recommendations to make Congress work better. Over the last two years, Democrats and Republicans on the Select Committee have worked together to pass 97 recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient, accessible, and transparent for the American people. Speaker Pelosi's announcement today ensures the committee's bipartisan work can continue. As Speaker of the House, it is a privilege to once again appoint Congressman Derek Kilmer as Chairman of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress where he will continue his respected, effective work For The People, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Chairman Kilmer is a leader and innovator, whose integrity and vision have guided the Select Committee in its efforts to advance bipartisan solutions to make the House more transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of our communities. Strengthened by the historic diversity and dynamism of the 117th Congress, Chairman Kilmer and Members of the Select Committee will continue to champion the best ideas that ensure that the People's House can carry on its vital work now and for years to come. Through bipartisan collaboration and a commitment to reform, I'm proud that this Committee has approved nearly 100 recommendations over the course of the last year and a half to make Congress work better for the American people. But our work is only getting started, said Chair Kilmer. I'm grateful for the Speaker's support and the extension of the Select Committee through the 117th Congress. Together, Democrats and Republicans can continue to work together and make government function better for the folks we serve. The 97 recommendations passed by the Select Committee aim to make Congress work better for the American people; streamlining and reorganizing House Human Resources, overhauling the onboarding process and providing continuing education for Members; modernizing and revitalizing House technology; making the House accessible to all Americans; encouraging civility and bipartisanship in Congress; streamlining processes and saving taxpayer dollars; increasing the quality of constituent communications; improving continuity of operations; improving the congressional schedule and calendar; boosting congressional capacity; reclaiming Congress' Article One responsibilities, and; reforming the budget and appropriations process. In March, the House passed H. Res. 756, the Select Committee's resolution to implement nearly 30 of these recommendations.In total, the House has implemented 38 of the Select Committee's recommendations, including the most recent during New Member Orientation to allow for a paid transition staffer. Many outside experts, congressional scholars and groups committed to congressional reform have shared their support for the committee's extension. A few highlights can be seen below: Letter to House leadership signed by more than 50 groups and individuals committed to congressional reform: We write to encourage the House of Representatives to re-establish the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress in the 117th Congress. The Select Committee made great strides during the 116th Congress toward improving the House of Representatives, as demonstrated by its in-depth hearings and nearly 100 recommendations, many of which were enacted by the House. The Select Committee demonstrated it is an effective model to further reform in the House and we believe it should be afforded the opportunity to build upon its successes and tackle additional issues. Meredith McGehee, Executive Director, Issue One: The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which was created almost two years ago, was tasked with investigating and improving legislative operations. Despite gridlock in Congress, this bipartisan panel, with six Democrats and six Republicans, issued nearly 100 unanimous recommendations to make the branch more functional, accessible, transparent, representative, and technological. These recommendations were an excellent start toward helping Congress better fulfill its constitutional role. But much more has to be done. Given its limited time, the panel focused on solutions that had strong consensus among members. There is a greater task at hand with how to tackle more controversial, but just as necessary, systemic issues in Congress. Michele Stockwell, Senior Vice President, Bipartisan Policy Center: The Modernization Committee and its members have rightly earned accolades, and their work could not be more important in a time when faith in government institutions is low. We should trust the committee and its members' judgment that there are significant areas which still require attention, allow them to continue their work, and extend the committee with robust resources in the 117th Congress. The Select Committee was tasked to produce recommendations on rules to promote a more modern and efficient Congress; procedures, including the schedule and calendar; policies to develop the next generation of leaders; staff recruitment, diversity, retention, and compensation and benefits; administrative efficiencies, including purchasing, travel, outside services, and shared administrative staff; technology and innovation; and the work of the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. On October 14, 2020, the Select Committee released its final report for the 116th Congress, which details all 97 recommendations and the committee's research, conversations with experts, staff and Members throughout its two year lifespan. You can read the full report here. You can learn more about the Select Committee here. You can follow updates from the Select Committee on Twitter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2439,"Larsen: Pandemic Relief is a Down Payment to Protect Washingtonians’ Health, Economic Security",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to deliver much needed relief to families and small businesses in Northwest Washington who continue to struggle from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, this long-overdue pandemic relief package addresses the continued public health crisis and delivers relief for Washingtonians. While the bill does not include every one of my priorities, it serves as a down payment to protect Washingtonians’ health and economic security.” “The public health response will lead to economic recovery. I will continue to work with community leaders, the incoming administration and Washington state’s congressional delegation to deliver real relief for Washingtonians in the new year.” The bipartisan package addresses several of Larsen’s priorities based on conversations with Second District families, business owners and community leaders. Support for Equitable Vaccine Distribution The arrival of the first vaccines doses in Washington state is a light at the end of the tunnel. More than 26,300 people in the five counties of the Second District tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 800 died since the pandemic began. The virus continues to disproportionately affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. The relief package includes $69 billion for COVID-19 vaccine development and equitable distribution, virus testing, contact tracing and mental health programs. Unemployment Benefits, Direct Payments During the week of December 6, nearly 3,000 people who live in the five counties of the Second District filed an initial claim for unemployment. The relief package includes a $300 per week increase in federal unemployment benefits to help unemployed Washingtonians pay bills and put food on the table. The bill also includes $600 direct economic impact payments for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for married couples making up to $150,000 per year, including checks for mixed-status households Rental and Housing Assistance Volunteers of America Western Washington’s Dispute Resolution Center has experienced an increase of more than 1400 percent in cases for housing assistance since March. One in five renters in Washington state has little to no confidence they will have the ability to pay next month’s rent. The relief package includes $25 billion in rental assistance and an extension of the federal eviction moratorium to ensure Washingtonians can stay in their homes. Emergency Funding for Child Care With many school districts opting for remote learning, issues surrounding child care are exacerbated by the pandemic. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the capacity for child care in Whatcom and San Juan counties decreased by nearly 50 percent between the beginning of the pandemic and the end of June. The relief package includes $10 billion for emergency child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open. Fighting Hunger Feeding America estimates between 2018 and 2020, hunger increased by 48 percent in Snohomish County; by 42 percent in San Juan County; by 40 percent in Skagit County; by 36 percent in Island County; and by 30 percent in Whatcom County. The relief package includes $13 billion to expand the monthly SNAP benefit by 15 percent and increases funding for vital nutrition programs to improve families’ access to healthy, nutritious meals. Bridging the Digital Divide Reliance on remote learning during the pandemic has highlighted inequities in access to computers and high-speed internet. For example, Arlington School District estimated that 20 percent of students at the start of the school year lacked adequate internet access for distance learning. The relief package includes $7 billion to increase broadband access for students, teachers and families. Support for Small Businesses, Nonprofits The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has helped 8,570 Second District small businesses and nonprofits save more than 60,000 jobs during the pandemic. The relief bill improves and expands the PPP to ensure more small businesses, including those in underserved communities, can prevent layoffs and keep Washingtonians off unemployment. Support for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Governments State, local, tribal and territorial governments and employees are on the frontline of pandemic response in Northwest Washington. The relief package includes a one-year extension of eligibility for state, local, tribal and territorial governments to pay for pandemic-related expenses under the CARES Act. The package also includes $10 billion for state Departments of Transportation and $14 billion for local transit agencies. More funding for these frontline workers will be one of my top priorities in the next Congress. Saving Aviation Jobs In response to the pandemic, Congress created the Payroll Support Program (PSP) which helped save 950,000 airline jobs in Washington state and across the country. The relief package includes $15 billion for an extension of the PSP through March 31, 2021, and $1 billion for aviation contractors, like Aviation Technical Services in Everett, to pay employees. The relief package also provides $2 billion for the nation’s airports and airport concessionaries. For a summary of COVID-19 relief included in the year-end funding package, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-consolidated-appropriations-act/,McMorris Rodgers Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund the government and secure additional resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this agreement, Republicans pushed back against frivolous spending while making sure American families and small business owners are taken care of. To help those hurt by the pandemic, the COVID-19 relief effort will send checks directly to families in Eastern Washington, increase unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs, support farmers and ranchers, and extend the PPP program for small businesses owners all throughout America, said McMorris Rodgers. I was also proud to secure wins for Eastern Washington in this omnibus bill, including extending the Teaching Health Center program for three years, passing my American COMPETE Act to promote American leadership against China in emerging tech, securing a pay raise for our troops, fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, and extending the Water Resources Development Act to support our ports and river system. This package isn't perfect, but it's important we took action, after months of partisan delays, to provide relief to Eastern Washington families. Read a summary of the COVID Relief package by clicking here. Read a summary of the Omnibus funding bill by clicking here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reacts-passage-omnibus-spending-bill-and-covid-19-relief,Newhouse Reacts to Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill and COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief to Central Washington communities: This funding package includes a number of priorities for Central Washington from strengthening our world-class agricultural industry and water supply infrastructure to supporting energy innovation at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and ensuring the cleanup efforts at Hanford continue in a timely manner, said Rep. Newhouse. After months of refusing to negotiate, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats stopped withholding critical COVID-19 relief, and I am proud to have finally delivered additional relief to families, workers, and businesses throughout our district. This long overdue package does not address all of our concerns, but it makes significant progress to help our communities recover from this pandemic, reopen our society, and rebuild our way of life. The full text of the funding bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-celebrating-spirit-christmas,COLUMN: Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we enter the 10th month of the COVID-19 crisis, I find myself looking forward to this Christmas season. Festivities and celebrations will undoubtedly look different, and some traditions and customary gatherings may not be feasible this year but holiday spirit is just as important as ever. As it is for most Christians, Christmas time is a sacred and special time for my family because it is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the salvation of humanity. It is a time of hope and faith, community and family, and kindness and generosity. I am reminded of the words that the angel spoke to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Unfortunately, for too many of our neighbors, the good tidings and great joy will be replaced with anxiety and worries about putting food on the table. Food insecurity poses a particularly disheartening challenge for many families, especially at this time of year when budgets are tight and expenses are high. What's more, under the growing strain of the pandemic's economic shutdowns, an estimated one in six Americans are predicted to face hunger at some point this year. Food banks help meet the basic needs of millions of Americans each year, but they are subjected to increased pressures and experience heightened demand and shortages around the holidays. One of many inspiring qualities that Central Washingtonians possess is their sense of community, responsibility, and the willingness to rise to a challenge when presented with one. Our region is home to countless farmers, ranchers, and other producers who are ready and eager to help meet the needs of others by donating their products to food banks and other food distribution services. Frustratingly, current policies create unnecessary barriers between the food our producers grow and distribution to those who need it. To help address this problem, I introduced the American Farms, Food Banks, and Families Act. This bill will authorize a new position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Agriculture Supply Chain Administrator, who will be charged with developing efficiencies and addressing the key challenges within the domestic agriculture food supply chain. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, the bill will establish a national database to record and report excess agricultural products and food distribution organizations in need of the available products. These steps will remove unnecessary barriers that prevent excess goods from reaching those who need them. This is an important policy solution that will address the roadblocks standing in the way of feeding our nation's families, and I will continue to work toward its passage into law. While there are steps that government can take to address the problem of food insecurity, each of us has an individual role to play as well. In the spirit of giving, if you are able, I encourage you to donate to or volunteer at a local food bank to share the joy this season is meant to bring with neighbors in need. When we come together as a community, we can spread blessings to those who need it most. As this truly unprecedented and challenging year comes to a close, my prayer is that each of us finds peace and joy during this holiday season. I wish you all a safe, blessed, and very merry Christmas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-statement-covid-19-relief-package,Rep. Schriers Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-statement-covid-19-relief-package,Rep. Schrier’s Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: ""My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-provision-to-increase-affordable-housing-production-in-covid-relief-bill_,Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill Provision could build more than 130,000 affordable homes in the next decade; more than 6,300 additional units in Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the inclusion of a key provision to increase affordable housing production in the COVID-19 relief bill. The provision establishes a permanent 4 percent floor under the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictability and flexibility in Housing Credit financing. Cantwell's provision could increase affordable housing production by at least 130,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years and build more than 6,300 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington. This would create 170,000 jobs and inject $18.5 billion into the economy. The COVID-19 relief bill also includes a one-month eviction moratorium and $25 billion for rental assistance, of which Washington state will receive $508,706,000. The Affordable Housing Tax Credit (also called the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC) is responsible for funding 90 percent of the federally-funded affordable housing construction in our country, and has financed over 3 million affordable homes, including nearly 75,000 in Washington state, since its creation in 1986. The number of affordable housing units the Affordable Housing Tax Credit has built in each Washington state county can be found here. Establishing the 4% floor for the Affordable Housing Tax Credit could help us build more than 6,000 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington and more than 130,000 affordable homes across the nation in the next decade, said Senator Cantwell. It will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictability and flexibility in Housing Credit financing, which in turn will allow developers to target more affordable rental apartments to those who need it mostincluding extremely-low income households. This bill is a significant step forward in the fight against the affordable housing crisis. When the Housing Credit was created in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Congress set the Housing Credit rate at 4 percent for the acquisition and rehabilitation, or new development, of affordable housing financed by multifamily housing bonds. The credit rate determines how much Housing Credit equity can go into a particular project. However, the actual Housing Credit rates in the market fluctuate according to a formula related to federal borrowing rates. Cuts to federal borrowing rates have dropped interest rates to all-time lows, and as a result, the Housing Credit rates have sunk the 4 percent rate is now actually between 3.07 and 3.09 percent in the market. This means that there is roughly 23 percent less equity per development than Congress originally intended, which has led to less investment in affordable housing. Providing a floor under the 4 percent Affordable Housing Tax Credit will help close the funding gap and provide more flexibility and predictability in Housing Credit financing. More than 221,000 Washingtonian households are extremely low-incomemeaning their incomes are at or below the poverty level or 30% of their area median incomeand 72% of those households spend more than half of their incomes on housing, according to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. There are only 31 available affordable rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households in Washington state. Senator Cantwell has been a longtime champion of the need for more affordable housing. In June, Cantwell introduced legislation that would preserve and expand affordable housing amid the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis and build more than 500,000 new affordable housing units. In 2019 she introduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to expand and strengthen the Affordable Housing Tax Credit and better serve at-risk-and underserved communities, and she joined housing advocates around Washington state and throughout the country in a push to improve and expand the credit. And in 2018, Cantwell successfully secured a nearly $3 billion down payment toward addressing the affordable housing crisis, helping to build over 28,000 units and support an additional 32,000 jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-relief-bill-includes-1-billion-for-tribal-broadband-and-250-million-for-fcc-telehealth-program-in-provisions-sought-by-cantwell,COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell Bill represents first significant package to address Tribal broadband gap WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today hailed the inclusion of key broadband priorities in the bipartisan Senate COVID-19 relief bill. This package provides money for broadband connectivity and is one of the only broadband packages to specifically address the critical connectivity needs of Tribes, including in the State of Washington. This package also provides additional funding to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was first authorized under the CARES Act. This legislation that we're going to be voting on includes $7 billion dollars for more broadband priorities; $1 billion dollars for connectivity issues for Tribal country, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. Indian Country needs a lot of connectivity. So getting more broadband into those communities will be very helpful. The COVID package also contains money for telehealth. Telehealth is a critical path during the COVID crisis to make sure that communities have the ability to get expert advice into our homes, into our communities, to connect people with information. So this telehealth grant is a very important program in the State of Washington. According to a report issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May 2019, less than half of households in Indian Country have access to high-speed broadband service. This represents a nearly 27-point gap compared to non-Tribal rural areas. According to the same report, this gap only widens when compared to the country-wide average; 31 percent of households on Tribal lands lack access to high-speed broadband service compared to seven percent of Americans in non-Tribal areas. Cantwell has been outspoken about the need to close the Tribal digital divide. Grants would be directed to Tribal governments to be used not only for broadband deployment on Tribal lands, but also for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability initiatives, and digital inclusion efforts.This $1 billion grant program for broadband connectivity would be distributed on an equitable basis among Tribes throughout the country and in Washington state. Telehealth has been a critical way for providers to deliver quality medical care during the pandemic while keeping doctors and patients safe. The FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program supports eligible health care providers by funding their telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide telehealth services. The program has previously provided close to $8 million dollars to health providers in the State of Washington for telehealth services during the pandemic, including at health centers in Tacoma, Yakima, Spokane, and Seattle. A full list can be found here. This national program will now receive an additional $250 million more from the broadband package. In her floor speech, Cantwell also expressed disappointment that E-Rate funding was not included in the final bill: I am disappointed that we did not include priorities in here for the E-Rate program to help close the homework gap This legislation provides the ability to hotspots for people who may be going to college and I think that that is a good idea. But we were prohibited from doing the same thing for students at the K-12 level. If [there is] one thing the pandemic has showed us, it's that students are at home and need to be able to connect, to stay connected to their education schedule, to do their homework, and be part of the education system. So I hope that we will address this inequity in the bill in the future. Cantwell is a cosponsor of the Emergency Educational Connections Act, legislation that would appropriate $4 billion to be delivered through the E-Rate program to ensure all K-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices during the pandemic. In March, and then again in September, Cantwell urged the FCC to use its existing authority and programs to facilitate at-home connectivity for students to keep up with remote schoolwork. Video of Senator Cantwell's floor speech on the broadband provisions in the COVID relief bill is available HERE and audio is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/federal-support-for-former-boeing-intalco-workers-approved-in-covid-19-relief-package,"Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package Extension of Health Coverage Tax Credit could help thousands of Trade Adjustment Assistance-eligible workers in WA who have been laid off, covers 72.5% of COBRA health care premiums WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) helped secure a provision in the COVID-19 relief bill that provides a one-year extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which helps individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) reduce their health care costs. The credit covers a significant portion of health care premium costs for those enrolled in TAA. Thousands of former Boeing workers who were or could be laid off between May 2019 and May 2021, and more than 700 workers who were laid off from Alcoa's Intalco plant in Ferndale, are eligible for TAA. We've been able to expand the COBRA tax credit program to help people who have been unemployed continue health insurance. This is very important for laid off workers in the State of Washington like the aerospace workers, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that allows individuals and their immediate family members to stay on their employer-sponsored health coverage for up to 18 months after the individual leaves their job or is laid off. Individuals enrolled in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including former Boeing and Intalco workers, are eligible for a Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which covers 72.5% of their COBRA health care premiumsapproximately the amount that would have otherwise been covered by their employer. The HCTC extension in the COVID relief bill will save thousands of formerly employed Boeing and Intalco workers in Washington state from having to pay the majority of their health care premium costs out of pocket. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is provided to workers who are displaced to outsourcing overseas and international trade pressures, and who have had a TAA petition approved by the Department of Labor. Senator Cantwell led delegation letters supporting TAA petitions for Boeing workers and Intalco plant workers in Ferndale, which have since both been granted. In March, Senator Cantwell introduced a bill that would expand the Health Coverage Tax Credit to all aerospace manufacturing workers, regardless of TAA status, and extend the credit for two years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/local-news-outlets-made-eligible-for-relief-funds-to-keep-journalists-on-the-job-report-news_cantwell-ppp-fix-included-in-covid-stimulus-bill,"Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News – Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill Cantwell fix would make more than 100 WA newspapers and broadcasting stations eligible for PPP funding, more than 2,000 newspapers, 3,384 TV and radio stations, and hundreds of public broadcasters newly eligible nationwide WASHINGTON, DC A provision authored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and included in the bipartisan COVID stimulus package would make thousands of small local newspapers, radio, and television broadcasters, and hundreds of public broadcasting stations that produce and distribute local news and emergency information, eligible for emergency federal support under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill provides $284.5 billion for the entire Paycheck Protection Program, a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. Cantwell's provision makes over 100 newspapers and broadcasting stations throughout Washington newly eligible for PPP funding, and more than 2,000 newspapers and 3,384 TV and radio stations newly eligible nationwide. During this pandemic, local newspapers and broadcasters must continue to communicate vital COVID health data, including lifesaving information about public health guidance, the vaccines, and vaccine distribution, said Senator Cantwell. Local news is essential. It makes our communities and our country stronger by asking important questions, providing accurate facts, and countering misinformation and disinformation. This bill will make more newspapers, TV and radio stations, and public broadcasters eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program so local reporters can keep us informed. Jon Schleuss, President of the News Guild, said: Local journalism is facing an extinction-level event and this is an important step to stem the layoffs and closures of newsrooms across the country. This yearmore than any otherhas shown how essential local news is to our lives as folks ask which hospitals are overcrowded, whether schools are meeting in person and when we'll get the vaccine to end this pandemic. I applaud Congress' bipartisan support to save local news jobs. Keith Shipman, President and CEO of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters, said: Broadcast stations across the state of Washington are deeply grateful for Sen. Cantwell's months of leadership and tireless efforts to now ensure that all of our local stations can access much needed PPP loans for employee payroll support. There is no greater advocate for our continued service to Washingtonians and the truly trusted, local and emergency information that we provide. We thank Senator Cantwell for this bipartisan success and her continued work in support of local journalism and our democracy. David Chavern, CEO of News Media Alliance, said: Newspapers across the country will benefit from the availability of small business loans made available through the affiliation waiver included in the stimulus package. Local news coverage during this pandemic has been critical, and reporters have continued to work. We greatly appreciate the leadership and fortitude of Senator Cantwell on this important legislation. Bruce Pinkleton, Dean of the Edward R. Murrow College at Washington State University, which houses Northwest Public Broadcasting, said: Local information is critical for our rural listeners, especially during a crisis. We are grateful for continued support for journalists and media outlets at NWPB because it allows us to continue important operations at a time when our region and country need it most. Cantwell's provision provides a fix to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) affiliation rule, which previously prevented local news outlets that were owned by larger parent companies from accessing PPP funding. The provision would make newspapers and local radio and TV stations that produce and distribute local news and emergency information eligible for PPP funds even if owned by a larger entity as long as the individual radio or TV station has no more than 500 employees or the individual newspaper has 1,000 or fewer employees. The provision would also make public broadcasters that are operated by large universities eligible for PPP, which would benefit public radio stations like those run out of the University of Washington and Washington State University. Additionally, for these loans to be forgiven, the local newspaper or broadcast station must spend at least 60% of the loan funds on payroll in order to keep journalists, newsroom workers, and other essential employees on the job. Cantwell also secured language in the stimulus package that waives affiliation rules for local newspapers and radio and TV stations so that they can qualify for a second round of PPP funding. To qualify, an individual newspaper or station must have 300 employees or fewer and meet revenue loss requirements. Local news is a critical source of trusted information in minority communities and other underserved communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Black-owned newspapers and radio stations and Spanish-speaking stations have gained trust with their communities over decades, and these outlets are often the go-to sources of information for minority-owned businesses. Cantwell's provision ensures that these newspapers and stations that were not previously eligible based on their affiliations will now be able to access PPP funding. The inclusion of this provision in the Senate bill comes after Cantwell introduced the bipartisan Local News and Emergency Information Act of 2020 along with Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and with the support of Ben Cardin (D-MD), to expand PPP eligibility to local news outlets that had previously been left out. U.S. Representatives David Cicilline (D, RI-01), Jim Sensenbrenner (R, WI-05), and Nydia Velazquez (D, NY-07), were critical in ensuring that similar provisions to make local media outlets eligible for funding were included in the House bill. In April, Cantwell sent a bipartisan letter urging Senate leadership to ensure that future COVID relief legislation included the fix. Cantwell has repeatedly raised the issue of expanding PPP eligibility to local media outlets with hearing witnesses, and she has spoken on the Senate floor about the issue as well. In October, Cantwell released a comprehensive report on the state of local journalism and local media outlets in the United States. The report highlighted that local news outlets are highly trustedone study found that Americans trust local news outlets over national news outlets by a two-to-one margin to report the news without bias. However, local news outlets have been decimated over the last two decades. By the end of 2020, analysts estimate overall newspaper revenue will have dropped 70% as compared to 20 years ago. Local broadcasters lost more than 40% of their advertising revenue between 2000 and 2018, and they face an additional 40% loss this year alone due to the impacts of COVID-19. And since 2005, newspapers have lost more than 40,000 newsroom employees roughly 60% of their overall workforce. Analysts expect local newspapers to lay off another 7,000 newsroom employees as a result of COVID-19, leaving only 30,000 left. Video of Senator Cantwell's April 2020 floor speech about helping local media can be found HERE, and audio can be found HERE. A transcript is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D866A29-3F6D-4C29-B95F-17838B5367CC,Senator Murray Negotiates Wins To Make College Affordable and Accessible to More Students,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"555,000 additional students will be eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, each year Senator Murray: Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal. (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, negotiated wins in a bipartisan, bicameral higher education proposal that will be included in the must-pass year end spending bill to make college more affordable and accessible to more students. Senator Murray successfully fought to significantly expand who is eligible for financial aid, remove barriers students face in accessing financial aid, provide financial relief for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and better support working students, working families, students with low-incomes, and student parentsall of which Senator Murray has long fought for. Each year, an additional 555,000 students will be newly eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be newly eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, as a result of this legislation. Specifically, Senator Murray secured policies that restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, students who have been defrauded, and students with drug-related offenses; significantly expand who is eligible to receive Pell Grants and the maximum award; simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); make the financial aid process easier to navigate for students experiencinghomelessness and students formerly in foster care; forgive outstanding debts of HBCUs that received loans under the federal HBCU Capital Financing Loan Program; increase support for working students and families by reducing the work penalty threshold for financial aid; and takes steps to ensure students with low-incomes and student parents can access programs that support their basic needs. Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal. For too long, students who are incarcerated, students who have been defrauded by for-profit colleges, and students who have drug-related offenses have been blocked from receiving federal aid. But now, I'm incredibly pleased that these students will finally be able to access aid and begin and continue their education. And as the pandemic and economic recession has made it even more difficult for students to afford and continue college, I'm proud we have taken important strides to make our financial aid process work betterespecially for students experiencing homelessness, students formerly in foster care, and working families, said Senator Murray. These are important steps forward, but there's still a lot of work to be done. I'll keep fighting to build on this progress and make higher education more affordable, accessible, accountable,and safer for all students, continued Senator Murray. The bipartisan, bicameral proposal takes language from Senator Murray's Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act and the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act, and builds on her longtime efforts to support HBCUs, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions, and her efforts to support students with low-incomes and student parents in order to: Restore Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, by removing a counterproductive prohibition that has encouraged recidivism and limits incarcerated individuals' ability to support themselves and their families upon release. Especially important during this pandemic, investing in post-secondary education for incarcerated individuals has also been shown to improve conditions inside prisons; Restore Pell Grant eligibility for defrauded students, by resetting the clock on a student's eligibility if they are defrauded by predatory for-profit colleges and successfully receive a borrower defense discharge; and Restore Pell Grant eligibility for students with drug-related offenses, by repealing a 1998 prohibition on federal financial aid for college students convicted of a drug offense, which disproportionately disqualifies students of color and students with low incomes from receiving aid. Expand eligibility for the maximum Pell Grant award, by ensuring that all families who make under 175 percent, and single parents who make under 225 percent, of the federal poverty level will receive a maximum Pell Grant. Increase support for working students and families, by reducing the work penalty that many students face when working to support themselves and pay for the rising costs of college. The legislation enacts a 35 percent increase for working students and 20 percent increase for families to the income protection allowance (IPA), shielding more of their income from reducing their financial aid. Make critical investments in our nation's HBCUs, by forgiving the debt HBCUs have received to finance capital infrastructure projects and allowing HBCUs to redirect that spending on educating their students. Support students with low-incomes and student parents, by requiring the Secretary of Education to notify students of their eligibility of programs that support students' basic needs, including housing and food security and access to child care. Remove barriers to financial aid for students experiencing homelessness and students formerly in foster care, by easing the application and determination process for becoming eligible for aid. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/op-ed-defense-our-constitution,Op-ed: In defense of our Constitution,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originally published in the Yakima Herald-Republic on December 20, 2020 A December 16 article in the Yakima Herald-Republic states that I am repeating unspecified concerns about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. This is simply not true, and frankly I take offense to the allegation that, as a U.S. Representative, I would sign my name to a legal document without legitimate reasoning. These unspecified concerns refer to an amicus brief I joined 125 of my colleagues in filing in support of a Supreme Court case, Texas v. Pennsylvania. The brief described several areas of concern specifically about the processes by which several state election officials administered the balloting process while encouraging the Supreme Court to examine the situation further and provide appropriate remedy where necessary. Here are the specific issues outlined state-by-state: In Pennsylvania, the Secretary of State ignored a statutory requirement for signature verification of ballots without approval by the state legislature. In Georgia, election officials altered a tabulation procedure so that statutory requirements for signature verification of absentee ballots were not followed. In Michigan, the Secretary of State violated statutory requirements that local election officials be the ones to distribute absentee ballots. In Wisconsin, the Elections Commission violated a statutory prohibition against drop boxes, placing hundreds of them around the state. Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution clearly states that state legislatures are responsible for establishing the manner by which presidential electors are selected. In these four states, it was Secretaries of State or election boards, not legislatures, that approved these critical components of the state's election system. While media outlets like the Herald-Republic may label these concerns unfounded, it is clear why this rightfully spurred constitutional concerns. In fact, as I write this, the U.S. Senate is conducting a hearing to discuss election security and irregularities within the 2020 election. Unfortunately, far too many news articles have conflated my concerns over the election protocols raised in the brief with other claims of widespread fraud something the brief did not raise. To make such insinuations is irresponsible at best, and deliberately misleading at worst. I have explained in several statements that my intention behind joining this amicus brief was to defend our Constitution and instill confidence in our election system. I maintain, despite the numerous media reports to the contrary, that this brief and this case was not about overturning election results. The consequences of a lack of confidence in our election system are not just for this election, but for future national elections as well. If now is not the time to stand up for our Constitution, when is? I was born and raised in Central Washington, and I am proud to have represented the 4th District for the past six years. Those who have met me and followed my work should know that I am not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I take my responsibilities in Congress lightly. I did not sign onto this amicus brief with the intention of overturning the results of the 2020 election, but to defend the law and uphold the values of our Constitution, as I swore an oath to do. My concerns regarding upholding the Constitution are not unfounded or unspecific. Take the time to read the amicus brief I signed onto, and you can see for yourself the specific issues raised and the serious implications posed by these unconstitutional election processes. If the American people can't have confidence that our elections are safe, fair, and constitutional, we will not keep our Republic. I will continue to work in Congress to instill this confidence, produce integrity, and promote transparency in our election system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-14th/,My Votes – Week of December 14th,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/16/2020 PASSED 380-0 S. 2216 TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act YES This bill would require the VA to report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of formally recognizing all veterans' caregivers by identifying them in the electronic health record (EHR) of the veteran. It would also require notifications be sent to certain approved and potential caregivers under the VA's Family Caregivers Program regarding all decisions affecting assistance. 12/17/2020 PASSED 387-5 H.R. 3250 Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020 YES This bill directs the Department of the Interior to study the sites associated with the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald, a part owner and President of Sears, Roebuck and Company and a noted philanthropist who helped finance construction of 5,357 schools in 15 southern states between 1912 and 1932. The study shall include a special emphasis on specified sites, including certain Rosenwald Schools. In conducting such study, Interior shall evaluate the national significance of the sites; and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the sites as a unit of the National Park System, including an interpretive center in or near Chicago, Illinois. 12/18/2020 PASSED 386-1 S. 979 Federal Advance Contracts Enhancement Act YES This legislation amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to incorporate the recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office relating to advance contracts. 12/18/2020 PASSED 320-60 H.J. Res. 107 Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes YES This joint resolution provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies through December 20, 2020. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevented a government shutdown that would have otherwise occur if the FY2021 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expired on December 18, 2020. 12/18/2020 PASSED 329-65 H.J. Res. 110 Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 YES This joint resolution provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies through December 21, 2020. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevented a government shutdown that would have otherwise occur if the FY2021 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expired on December 20, 2020. 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 7105 Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 YES Addresses the administration of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits for homeless veterans during the COVID-19 public health emergency. 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 2216 HEALTHIER Act of 2019 YES Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award two-year grants to states that adopt laws permitting the provision of specified volunteer health care services. Such laws must require that volunteer health care services are administered by a health care provider that is licensed in another state, within the scope of practice of such provider, and provided to a rural or impoverished area within the state receiving the grant. 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 3312 Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020 YES This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants for state and local correctional facilities to provide clinical services for people with serious mental illness who need post-release mental health services. 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 2174 Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2019 YES To the extent provided in advance in appropriations Act, authorizes the Attorney General to use funds appropriated for the operationalization, maintenance, and expansion of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 1694 One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act YES Requires a federal agency that issues a license for the conduct of a lunar activity to require that each license applicant agree to abide by recommendations, guidelines, or principles issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) related to the protection and preservation of U.S. government lunar artifacts. 12/16/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 2472 Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act YES Redesignates the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Plum Brook Station in Ohio as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility. 12/17/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 3989 United States Semiquincentennial Commission Amendments Act of 2020 YES Modifies certain requirements of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established to provide for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and related events. 12/17/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 6535 To deem an urban Indian organization and employees thereof to be a part of the Public Health Service for the purposes of certain claims for personal injury, and for other purposes YES This bill extends federal torts claim coverage for certain personal injury claims (i.e., medical malpractice liability protection) to urban Indian organizations and their employees by deeming them as part of the Public Health Service. Currently, such coverage is provided to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Indian contractors, and their employees. 12/17/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 7460 Peace Corps Commemorative Work Extension Act YES Extends through January 24, 2028, the authority of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to commemorate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. 12/17/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5472 Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Redesignation Act YES Redesignates the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Georgia as the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. 12/17/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5852 Weir Farm National Historical Park Redesignation Act YES Redesignates the Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut as the Weir Farm National Historical Park. 12/18/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 3418 STORM Act YES This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into agreements with any state or Indian tribal government to make capitalization grants for the establishment of hazard mitigation revolving loan funds. Such funds shall provide funding assistance to local governments to carry out projects to reduce disaster risk in order to decrease the loss of life and property, the cost of insurance claims, and federal disaster payments. FEMA shall not be liable for any claim based on the exercise or performance of, or the failure to exercise or perform, a discretionary function or duty by FEMA or by a FEMA employee in carrying out this bill. 12/11/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 2730 Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act YES This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take appropriate steps to encourage direct representation of county and tribal governments, as well as agriculture, forestry, rangeland sectors, and other rural interests on the Drone Advisory Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-sponsored-bipartisan-nasa-authorization-bill-unanimously-passes-senate-,Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.20 Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Cantwell: With this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA's return to the Moonmaybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step. WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance the nation's space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier. The State of Washington has played a key role in American space exploration since NASA was first founded. The Lunar Roverthe first and only crewed surface transportation system designed to operate on the Moonwas designed and built in Kent, WA. Three of the Kent-built Lunar Rovers remain on the Moon today. And earlier this month, NASA announced that two women from WashingtonKayla Barron and Anne McClainwere among the 18 astronauts chosen for its Artemis mission, which seeks to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. Washington state is home to more than three dozen space-related companies and over 1,400 aerospace companies. The space industry employs more than 6,200 workers in Washington and generates $1.78 billion in economic activity throughout the state. Because of the state's leadership, Forbes in 2016 called Seattle a silicon valley for space. ""Congress just took a big step forward in authorizing the Artemis Program, which will send women to lead our next mission to the Moon, Senator Cantwell said. It also includes authorizations for continued space exploration and growing the space economy, including extending the International Space Station and supporting the lunar lander system. For more than 50 years, the State of Washington has been a leader in the space program, and with this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA's return to the Moonmaybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step. The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 would: Support NASA's human spaceflight and exploration efforts to return American astronauts to the Moon and prepare for future journeys to Mars; Leverage private sector investment to bolster human space exploration with the Artemis Program and NASA's Human Landing System, which Blue Origin is building in Kent, WA; Extend authorization for the International Space Station (ISS) through 2030 and direct NASA to take steps to grow the space economy; Require the United States to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ISS; Support NASA's leadership in coordinating the development of next generation spacesuits; Support vital life and physical science research to ensure that humans can live in deep space safely; Supports a robust space science program and directs NASA to continue developing the WFIRST astronomy mission, which NASA is developing in partnership with the University of Washington Direct NASA to improve upon its planetary defense measures in order to protect Earth from asteroids and other near-Earth objects; Affirm NASA's commitment to aeronautics research by supporting a robust X-plane program as well as work on efficient propulsion concepts and advanced composites; and Support NASA's STEM education and workforce efforts, including authorization of NASA's Space Grant program which provides education and training opportunities to thousands of Washington students through partnership with the University of Washington. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation is also sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space. The full text of the bill is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-selected-serve-powerful-house-energy-and-commerce-committee,Rep. Schrier Selected to Serve on Powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced that she has been selected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 117th Congress. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in the House. It legislates on many issues including health care, climate change, energy policy, environmental protections, medical research, and telecommunications. ""I am honored and thrilled to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee next Congress,"" said Rep. Schrier. ""As our country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I am eager to put my two decades of health care experience to work overseeing our public health response. As the only woman doctor and first pediatrician to serve in Congress, I look forward to being a voice for America's 74 million children and to continue my work to lower health costs for families, expand health care access for children and to improve vaccine confidence and coverage. This committee provides the platform to address many of the issues that matter most to my constituents—like rural health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, progress toward a carbon neutral future, closing the digital divide and supporting the innovators and job creators in our state's strong digital, commercial aerospace, and life sciences sectors."" Rep. Schrier will be the first Washington Democrat to serve on the committee since Governor Jay Inslee in 2012. Rep. Schrier has been a member of the Education and Labor Committee and the Committee on Agriculture for the last two years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402046,"Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Katie Porter Introduce Organ Transplant Legislation",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which will prohibit using an individual's physical or mental disability as the sole basis of determining their eligibility for an organ transplant. The legislation, named after Charlotte Woodward, a vocal advocate against discrimination who has Down syndrome and received a heart transplant in 2012, helps clarify that doctors, hospitals, transplant centers and other health care providers are prohibited from denying access to necessary organ transplants solely on the basis of a qualified individual's disability. There are misconceptions that people with disabilities can't manage the treatment needed after an organ transplant or wouldn't benefit from such an operation and those claims are simply not true, Herrera Beutler said. Charlotte Woodward is a wonderful woman with Down syndrome who is also the namesake for this legislative solution. Charlotte has been sharing her experience of successfully receiving and managing a heart transplant in order to put an end to this discrimination and help more people receive the life-saving gift of organ donation.I'm proud to introduce legislation with my colleague, Rep. Katie Porter, to ensure that people with disabilities aren't turned away when they're in need of life-saving organ transplant. Too often, discrimination stops Americans with disabilities from getting the lifesaving organ transplants they need, Porter said. I'm proud to partner with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler on critical legislation that bars healthcare providers from denying necessary transplants solely because an individual has a disability. These protections for Americans with disabilities and their families will save lives. As one of the very few people in the world with Down syndrome who has had the opportunity to receive a lifesaving heart transplant, I am so very, very grateful that people with disabilities will have the same opportunity as I in the future, Charlotte Woodward said. In the past, too many precious lives were lost due to discrimination in organ transplantation. I am so very, very thankful for the generosity of my heart donor and that of her loving family. Her gift has allowed me to live my life to the fullest and to go on to advocate for others to be able to do the same. The passage of this bill will be a monumental step towards a more just world, and I am proud to play a part in it. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, a Stanford University study found that 85% of pediatric transplant centers consider intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) as a factor in their determinations of transplant eligibility at least some of the time. Additionally, the National Working Group on Disability and Transplantation found that 52% of people with ID/DD receive a referral for a specialist evaluation, and 33% of those who are referred are never evaluated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2685,"Congress Passes DelBene, Cantwell’s Landslide Preparedness Bill",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congress passed the National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in the House of Representatives and Washington Senator Maria Cantwell in the Senate. This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The 2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Act will help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property, said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have, Senator Cantwell said. This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion in damage in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Geological Service and National Research Council. These statistics are expected to worsen because of climate change. I know first-hand the monumental impacts our community was challenged with during the 2014 Oso landslide, said Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin. In just over two minutes, we lost 43 of our family, friends, and neighbors. We lost our main highway for over six months. We lost the ability to communicate beyond the slide via phone or internet for more than 72 hours. Medical services were severely impacted, and prescription services and transactions were also not available. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the immediate impacts of this one event. The legislation that Representative DelBene has brought forward may not prevent another Oso slide but it gives communities like Darrington data that we can use to make important decisions about land use in hazard areas, training for our emergency services, and redundancy in infrastructure so precious time is not lost in a time of need. The National Landslide Preparedness Act: Expands early warning systems. The bill expands existing early warning systems for post-wildfire landslides in recently burned areas across the United States. It also requires procedures to be developed for federal monitoring of stormwater drainage in areas with a high risk of landslides, in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments. Creates a new federal program focused specifically on landslide hazards. The bill would establish a National Landslides Hazard Reduction program through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which would identify risks and hazards from landslides to protect at-risk communities and improve communication and emergency preparedness. Develops new maps to help communities prepare for landslide risk. The bill would direct the USGS to implement a 3D Elevation Program to increase data collection and landslide threat identification across the country. Enhanced elevation data, such as LIDAR, is critical for numerous reasonsto help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards; to update the nation's topographical maps; and to inform a myriad of uses including public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. Authorizes new landslide-related grant programs. The bill authorizes new programs to provide funding to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments for landslide research, mapping, assessment, and data collection. Establishes committees to better deal with landslide risks. The bill establishes an advisory committee on landslides and creates an interagency committee to coordinate better landslide responses from the multiple government agencies with jurisdiction. The bill first passed the House of Representatives on June 3, 2019, and the Senate on July 30, 2020. Technical differences were worked out between the two chambers. It now goes to the president, who is expected to sign it. The full text of H.R. 8810 can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-to-hold-end-of-year-telephone-town-hall,Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.20 Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall Internationally Renowned Vaccine Expert Dr. Larry Corey to Join Conversation Tacoma, WA On Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall to provide an update on the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer questions from constituents. In addition to a discussion on the legislation passed by Congress to support workers and families,Dr. Larry Corey, an internationally renowned expert in virology, immunology and vaccine development at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the co-leader of the vaccine testing program for the COVID-19 Prevention Network, will join the conversation to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and the road ahead. Even though we can't meet in person right now, it's important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our region, said Rep. Kilmer. I hope folks will be able to join the town hall to learn more about COVID-19 recovery, my ongoing efforts to ensure the federal government steps up to lend a hand to families and local employers, and to get your questions answered. Rep. Kilmer has held town halls so far in the 116th Congress in Port Angeles, Quilcene, Tacoma, Belfair, Poulsbo, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Montesano, Westport, Forks, over the phone, and on Facebook. Press are welcome to join. COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall Tuesday, December 22, 6:00pm PT WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer, Residents of the 6th Congressional District WHAT: Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 WHEN: Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT WHERE: Residents of the 6th District can call to join the town hall using the following information or listen over the internet at www.Facebook.com/Derek.Kilmer Town Hall Telephone Number: 877-229-8493 PIN to Access Live Event: 111435 ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-cantwell-delbene-landslide-preparedness-bill,"Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.20 Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congress passed theNational Landslide Preparedness Act(H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01). This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have,Senator Cantwell said.This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Actwill help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property,said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion in damage in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Geological Service and National Research Council. These statistics are expected to worsen because of climate change. I know first-hand the monumental impacts our community was challenged with during the 2014 Oso landslide,said Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin. In just over two minutes, we lost 43 of our family, friends, and neighbors. We lost our main highway for over six months. We lost the ability to communicate beyond the slide via phone or internet for more than 72 hours. Medical services were severely impacted, and prescription services and transactions were also not available. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the immediate impacts of this one event. The legislation that Representative DelBene has brought forward may not prevent another Oso slide but it gives communities like Darrington data that we can use to make important decisions about land use in hazard areas, training for our emergency services, and redundancy in infrastructure so precious time is not lost in a time of need. The National Landslide Preparedness Act: Expands early warning systems. The bill expands existing early warning systems for post-wildfire landslides in recently burned areas across the United States. It also requires procedures to be developed for federal monitoring of stormwater drainage in areas with a high risk of landslides, in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments. Creates a new federal program focused specifically on landslide hazards. The bill would establish a National Landslides Hazard Reduction program through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which would identify risks and hazards from landslides to protect at-risk communities and improve communication and emergency preparedness. Develops new maps to help communities prepare for landslide risk. The bill would direct the USGS to implement a 3D Elevation Program to increase data collection and landslide threat identification across the country. Enhanced elevation data, such as LIDAR, is critical for numerous reasonsto help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards; to update the nation's topographical maps; and to inform a myriad of uses including public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. Authorizes new landslide-related grant programs. The bill authorizes new programs to provide funding to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments for landslide research, mapping, assessment, and data collection. Establishes committees to better deal with landslide risks. The bill establishes an advisory committee on landslides and creates an interagency committee to coordinate better landslide responses from the multiple government agencies with jurisdiction. The bill firstpassedthe House of Representatives on June 3, 2019, and the Senate on July 30, 2020. Technical differences were worked out between the two chambers. It now goes to the president, who is expected to sign it. The full text of the bill can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2684,"DelBene, Nadler, Sensenbrenner, & Davis Reintroduce Bill to Bring Email Privacy Into 21st Century",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), and Rodney Davis (IL-13) reintroduced the Email Privacy Act, bipartisan legislation that would create 21st Century protections for personal emails and other digital records. Currently, law enforcement can seize any email older than 180 days without a warrant. The bill would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to access emails and other digital records and allow providers to notify customers when government agencies request their data. Updating our laws to reflect the way the world works in the 21st Century is one of my top priorities in Congress. When laws protect a letter in a filing cabinet more than an email on a server, it's clear our policies are woefully outdated, said DelBene. The Email Privacy Act is a powerful step forward toward enhancing Americans' civil liberties. A broad range of civil liberties and technology industry stakeholders have supported this legislation in the past. DelBene is a champion of personal data privacy and updating antiquated technology laws. She is also the sponsor of the Information Transparency and Personal Data Control Act (H.R. 2013), which would give people control over their most sensitive information. The text of the Email Privacy Act can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-on-covid-19-exposure,Rep. Heck on COVID-19 Exposure,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Denny Heck,H001064,dennyheck.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement regarding his potential exposure to COVID-19: ""I was recently informed that my wife, Paula, and I were exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, Paula tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms. I tested negative. We are quarantining separately in accordance with CDC guidelines. I will continue fulfilling my duties remotely and cast any votes this week via proxy."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-the-presidential-election/,McMorris Rodgers Statement on the Presidential Election,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after the Electoral College voted to elect Joe Biden as President of the United States: I want to thank President Trump for four years of strong leadership for our country. Even this week, we are seeing the results of his vision with the approval and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine far more quickly than experts said was possible. I also want to congratulate former U.S. Senator and Vice President Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States, said McMorris Rodgers. While we may disagree, particularly on issues like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, my goal is to find common ground when possible to get results for people in Eastern Washington. I will also be committed to holding the Biden administration accountable to protect life and free speech, fight for freedom, and to ensure we renew, rebuild, and restore the American Dream. It takes each one of us doing our part to build a more perfect union. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402045,Herrera Beutler Presses for Addition of Commuter Representatives to I-5 Bridge Replacement Process,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Jaime Herrera Beutler,H001056,jhb.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today formally called on I-5 bridge replacement project leaders to extend a December 18 deadline for applications to its advisory groups and create commuter representative positions to ensure the project meets the needs of the people who will actually use the bridge on a regular basis. In a letter to Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and Interstate Bridge Replacement Project Administrator Greg Johnson, Herrera Beutler shares a growing concern from Southwest Washington residents that the current process is repeating fundamental mistakes made by the failed Columbia River Crossing project. bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs, Herrera Beutler wrote. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. The full text of the letter follows, and a PDF is available here. Dear Secretary Millar and Administrator Johnson, I want to first of all thank you for briefing me on the I-5 bridge replacement process last week. Through our discussions to date, you've demonstrated a sincere commitment to an improved I-5 bridge across the Columbia River. I want to reiterate a point we discussed that I believe would aid this process and alleviate a growing concern being expressed to me by our communities that not enough is being done to ensure that this process will avoid the pitfalls that ultimately doomed the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). I implore you to add a Commuter Representative Advisory Group to your community engagement organization that will provide honest and direct input on behalf of daily car commuters who are and will continue to be the largest users of the bridge. In recent years, I've heard some claim that a few individual legislators killed the CRC at the 11th hour, but such a revisionist view brushes over critical errors that were made in the planning stages of the CRC that led to its demise. For instance, it wasn't until 2012 that Clark County citizens were finally granted a county-wide vote on whether they supported light rail as part of the project (they rejected it and again in 2013 by a double-digit margin). And recall that it wasn't until seven years into the process before it was discovered that the bridge design was too low to accommodate vessels critical to regional commerce. The two are related, since light rail was a factor in limiting design flexibility. The lack of critically-minded commuter representatives in the current process is an omission that could be fatal to the project. Recall that the CRC boasted of the number of listening sessions, advisory panels and citizen engagement activities it held, yet it still managed to ignore community opposition to major components of the project. Please avoid repeating that mistake. Instead, bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. Additionally, you communicated to me a December 18 deadline for considering advisory members. That short timeline is incompatible with the glaring need I've outlined. I urge you to extend this deadline to recruit and interview qualified citizens to serve as commuter representative advisory members. A short extension of the process now to fully engage Southwest Washington commuters could very well prevent having the project derailed later on after multiple years and hundreds of millions of dollars spent. I am certain you've brought all of the engineers, consultants and organized interest groups the project will ever need into the process. What's needed now is a voice for the tens of thousands of Southwest Washington commuters who drive across the I-5 bridge every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1BEB80AB-3513-4510-95B5-59A6613D285B,"Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FDA granted an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine last Friday Reporting revealed the Trump Administration turned down an option this summer to pre-order additional doses of Pfizer's vaccine Senators: We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. Senators: the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and 16 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, asking about recent reports that earlier this year the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine when given the opportunity. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. In their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines. We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic, wrote the Senators. The letter continued, To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic. The letter was also signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). Full text of the letter below and PDF available HERE. December 14, 2020 Dr. Moncef Slaoui Chief Advisor, Operation Warp Speed 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301 General Gustave Perna Chief Operating Officer, Operation Warp Speed 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301 Dear Dr. Slaoui and General Perna: We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic. While we are encouraged by the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine candidate, we are concerned that the Trump Administration's decision not to purchase more doses when given the opportunity will mean this development will not have the impact it could have to protect families from COVID-19. According to news reports, Pfizer offered the United States Government the chance to pre-purchase doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in excess of the initial order for 100 million doses.[1] When doing so, Pfizer reportedly warned that demand for its vaccine would likely outpace supply. However, the Trump Administration declined that offer; in consequence, the United States Government will not be able to purchase additional supply from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. The European Union has finalized a deal with Pfizer for up to 300 million doses, and Canada has agreements to purchase up to 76 million doses.[2] There have been over 16 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and over 299,000 associated deaths. Hospitals across the country are at capacity and facing increasing numbers of infections in the coming weeks. The number of daily COVID-19 deaths soared to a new high of over 3,200 last week.[3] Our government must widely distribute safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that can be administered to patients at no cost as soon as possible to help stop transmission of this deadly virus in our communities. Yet, if we do not have sufficient vaccines purchased, there will soon be nothing to distribute. Reports last week indicate the U.S. may face a vaccine cliff this spring, due to the Trump Administration's failure to purchase sufficient doses of vaccine.[4] Operation Warp Speed anticipates distributing vaccines for 20 million people this month and 50 million people by the end of January. Limited supplies of vaccines, however, will force experts to make hard decisions about who should receive the first doses of the vaccine. Indeed, millions of Americans may not receive the vaccine for months or nearly a year. The longer it takes to vaccinate people, the longer it will be until we can have a meaningful recovery from this pandemic. Given these reports, we are very concerned the Trump Administration has not adequately planned for vaccine demand in the coming months, potentially imperiling the public health. To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic. To provide this transparency, we respectfully request a briefing to respond to the following questions by December 28, 2020. What is your current projection of how many vaccine doses are necessary to vaccinate the entire population? How much vaccine has the United States Government contracted, and paid, for? How many doses of the Pfizer vaccine are contracted for delivery between now and April 1, 2021? How many are contracted for delivery between April 1 and July 1, 2021? How many are contracted for delivery after July 1, 2021? Did the United States Government have the opportunity to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine? If so: i. How many doses did Pfizer offer, and under what terms and conditions? ii. Why did the United States Government not accept this offer? How much vaccine does the United States Government have a contract option to purchase, and with which manufacturers? How much funding is available to make these purchases? How much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to exercise all contract options in full? How much more funding, above the amount described in 3(a), is needed to purchase the number of doses described in 1? Sincerely, ### [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/trump-covid-vaccine-pfizer.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/trump-covid-vaccine-pfizer.html; https://www.wsj.com/articles/canada-authorizes-covid-19-vaccine-from-pfizer-and-biontech-11607531030 [3] https://covidtracking.com/data/charts/us-daily-deaths [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/08/coronavirus-vaccine-shortage-443839",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=691B511E-5080-4002-83AB-631C6DDFE3E4,"Murray, Cantwell Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued. The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and Rural Housing Service. The letter also included specific program guidance to ensure the funds would put much-needed housing assistance funding in the hands of people significantly impacted by fire; help incentivize and prioritize affordable housing rebuilding; ramp up lending capacity in fire impacted states; and help repair and rebuild housing, community facilities, and infrastructure projects. Senators Murray and Cantwell have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just last week, the senators sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package, and they were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in athird lettersince September urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Murray and Cantwell also asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Murray and CantwellurgedPresident Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwellintroduced legislationto support pre-fire season controlled burns. The full text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Shelby, and Vice Chairman Leahy, We write to request that the Senate immediately consider and pass urgent federal housing assistance for residents of Oregon, Washington, and California impacted by historically destructive and dangerous wildfires. While FEMA has delivered substantial emergency relief to our home states, the scale of natural disasters in western states demands additional resources that can only be delivered through disaster supplemental legislation. Since August dozens of large fires in Oregon, Washington, and California have burned over 5 million acres, displacing tens of thousands of people and resulting in dozens of fatalities. Air travel was temporarily suspended in several locations due to poor visibility, schools were forced to close, and many of our constituents have been forced to stay indoors due to extremely hazardous air quality conditions. Many of these homes and business are uninsured, leaving these victims even more vulnerable in the recovery process. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief. We strongly encourage you to consider including the following specific funding levels and programs as you work to negotiate an appropriate disaster supplemental response package in the near future. $15 billion for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery To ensure that funds reach victims quickly, HUD should use the same process by which CDBG COVID Relief (CDBG-CV) funds were recently allocated and disbursed. CDBG grantees should be allowed to immediately use CDBG-CV funds to assist people significantly impacted by fire. Current CDBG grantees should be allowed to pledge CDBG and CDBG-DR estimated allocations as collateral for funding through HUD's Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program, and borrow up to 10 times their estimated annual allocation. CDBG-DR funds should be able to pay of land acquisition loans executed as a direct result of fire recovery efforts. $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund $3 billion for wildfire impacted states will help incentive and prioritize affordable housing rebuilding, including private owners of manufactured housing parks who might otherwise sell to an investor to build luxury housing. $2 billion Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding CDFI funding can quickly ramp up lending capacity in fire impacted states through the preexisting CDFI lending network. $1 billion for USDA Rural Development and Rural Housing Service Funds should be directed towards repairing and rebuilding housing, community facilities, and infrastructure projects. Expand USDA's Section 502 Manufactured Housing Loan Pilot program to any fire impacted state, and modify lending rules to cover new manufactured homes on land owned by nonprofits and housing authorities. We thank you for your consideration, and look forward to working with you on this matter of importance to our states. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6708AB1-9AF3-4062-BD0B-5DA145BF8166,Murray: FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine Good News But Far From Mission Accomplished,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Murray: To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. Murray: The undertaking ahead is enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. Murray: States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. Murray cites work ahead to provide PPE, manage the cold chain, promote vaccine confidence (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. I'm grateful to the researchers and experts who have worked tirelessly to develop this vaccine and evaluate its safety and efficacy. But while this is good news for the world, it is far from mission accomplished. To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. The undertaking aheadrapidly and equitably distributing and administering this vaccine across the nation at no cost to patientsis enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. The fragments of a plan we've seen from them don't come close to the comprehensive national vaccines plan I have called for, and leave far too many unanswered questions about what happens next. Will we be able to get enough PPE? How can we store, transport, and distribute vaccines at super cold temperatures most efficiently? What are we doing to promote vaccine confidence? States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. They've gotten very little of either so farand I'm not going to stop until that changes. I'm glad the incoming Biden Administration is already showing it understands the enormity of this challenge, and I look forward to working with them to tackle it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-it-time-secure-updated-columbia-river-treaty,COLUMN: It is Time to Secure an Updated Columbia River Treaty,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"Without the systems and infrastructure we have built to harness the power of the mighty Columbia River, the Pacific Northwest as we know it would cease to exist. Dams along the Columbia provide countless benefits to our communities from reliable, affordable electricity and flood control to irrigation, navigable waterways, and a clean energy grid second to none in the country. We must continue to work collaboratively with our neighboring states and Canada to ensure we can responsibly reap these benefits while caring for our environment and natural ecosystems. That is why the United States and Canada entered into the Columbia River Treaty in 1961. Millions of people on both sides of the border have an interest in maintaining a strong agreement, but outdated provisions particularly those relating to commercial and power coordination have caused great concern for homeowners, businesses, and ratepayers in our district and the surrounding region who are being treated unfairly. The Treaty in its current form is punishing ratepayers in the Northwest. Current market rates are forcing us to pay Canada for benefits far in excess of the value provided to the United States. Ratepayers on our side of the border are currently required to overpay Canada by approximately $200 million per year according to the Treaty's provisions, costing some households in Central Washington as much as $500 per year. When the Treaty was first signed, we didn't have nearly the same technological capabilities we do today. Scientific innovation aimed at improving power generation and increasing fish passage through our dams much of which is happening right here in Central Washington has advanced our ability to make our region a literal powerhouse for clean and affordable energy. Continuing to operate under this decades-old agreement while ignoring these advancements is doing all entities a disservice, but it is particularly harmful to those of us in the United States who are sending millions of dollars to Canada annually while receiving little to no benefit in return. Since coming to Congress, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to urge the Administration to modernize the Columbia River Treaty and provide more equitable benefits to Americans. In 2018, the United States and Canada began these negotiations, but good faith efforts by the State Department and U.S. negotiators have been rejected by Canada. No Treaty negotiations have taken place since June nor are they likely to resume for months to come. With the U.S. sending $1 million to Canada every two to three days, this situation is no longer tolerable and demands a strong response from the United States. That is why I introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside my Pacific Northwest colleagues, Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Greg Walden (R-OR), urging President Trump to direct Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the power provisions of the Columbia River Treaty. The United States is stuck in a bad deal, and it is time to stop the wealth transfer to Canada. Issuing the intent to terminate signals to Canada that we are serious about a timely negotiated outcome and simply initiates a 10-year period for the United States and Canada to negotiate a modernized Treaty equitable to both countries. We must prioritize making a fair deal that no longer disproportionately impacts U.S. ratepayers. It is time to secure an updated Columbia River Treaty, and I am hopeful the Trump Administration will take this necessary action to do so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-push-senate-leadership-to-provide-housing-assistance-to-communities-impacted-by-2020-wildfires,"Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.20 Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West have burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued. The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and Rural Housing Service. The letter also included specific program guidance to ensure the funds would put much-needed housing assistance funding in the hands of people significantly impacted by fire; help incentivize and prioritize affordable housing rebuilding; ramp up lending capacity in fire impacted states; and help repair and rebuild housing, community facilities, and infrastructure projects. Senators Cantwell and Murray have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just last week, the senators sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package, and they were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in athird lettersince September urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Cantwell and Murray also asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Cantwell and MurrayurgedPresident Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwellintroduced legislationto support pre-fire season controlled burns. The full text of the letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CE2212B-98F4-457A-838A-EDC88CD48C61,"Senator Murray Announces Bipartisan Deal to Protect Patients, End Surprise Medical Bills",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New bipartisan legislation would build on strong state laws like Washington state's to expand protections and end surprise medical bills for all patients, without increasing premiums Murray on the need to swiftly pass surprise billing legislation: Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered. Savings from proposal would allow Congress to fund community health centers and other critical primary care programs for four years (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),top Democrat on the Senate health committee,released the following statement regarding a bipartisan deal she brokered with her colleagues in the House and Senate on legislation to end surprise medical bills. Senator Murray has been working to end surprise billing, and raised the issue at one of the first in a series of HELP Committee hearings on lowering health care costs back in 2018. I've heard from so many patients who have gotten exorbitant surprise bills for out-of-network medical careeven when they made sure to go to an in-network facility. Today I'm thrilled to be able to tell them that we have reached a bipartisan agreement that will end the practice of surprise billing once and for all.As with any compromise, this isn't the bill I would have written on my ownbut I'm pleased to say that it meets all of the principles I have been focused on from the start. It protects patients from surprise medical bills, without increasing their premiums or interfering with strong state-level solutions to this problemlike Washington state's. In fact, it builds on and expands the ban on surprise medical bills to more people in our state. I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure we go from an agreement to legislation that is passed and signed into law as soon as possible. Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered. This pandemic is scary enough for families without them having to fear that the care they need may come with a price tag they can't afford. The savings from this agreement will also allow us to provide four years of funding for community health centers and other critical primary care programs. These programs support providers on the frontlines of so many public health crises, like the maternal mortality crisis, the mental health crisis, and of course this pandemicand they absolutely need our support. In a joint statement today, Senator Murray and her colleagues announced the details of the deal and said they would push to get it included in the end of year funding package. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including: Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider. Prohibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care. Creates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient. Under the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens. If the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties. Following an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days. Provides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers. Empowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status. The legislation would also provide around $18 billion in savingswhich would allow Congress to provide four years of funding for community health centers and other critical primary care programs, including the National Health Service Corps, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Special Diabetes Program, and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Legislative text is available HERE. Section-by-section is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C14B45C0-5486-441D-8E05-7BAA1A5AD087,Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray: As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA) passing the Senate by a vote of 84-13. Senator Murray voted in favor of the bill. I'm glad that the Senate and House were able to come together on a bill that takes some important steps to support our brave servicemembers at home and abroad, continues the fight against sexual assault in the military, begins reckoning with our nation's history of racial injustice in the military, and authorizes additional funding for military child care centers. There is no question, however, that we have much more work ahead of us to ensure every one of our servicemembers and military families can trust their country will honor their sacrifices. We need to ensure members of the transgender community who want to serve their country are able to do so, that all our servicemembers and their families have a fair shot at accessing retirement benefits they've earned, and that we address the growing issue of food insecurity for military families. Additionally, we have more to do to stop weapons of war and federal law enforcement from being used against Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met. Senator Murray is a former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a longtime advocate for veterans and those actively serving in the military, workingto bolster federal support for military child care center construction and other critical services for servicemembers and military families. This summer, Senator Murray also introduced legislation to improve financial security and access to retirement benefits for military families, and cosponsored amendments to the NDAA to end President Trump's hateful transgender service ban, rename Confederacy-inspired military basses and assets, stop the transfer of tear gas and other military equipment to police departments, and block federal law enforcement from occupying American cities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-7th/,My Votes – Week of December 7th,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,WA,Cathy McMorris Rodgers,M001159,mcmorris.house.gov,,,legacy,"Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/7/2020 PASSED 386-3-1 H.Res. 512 Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws YES This resolution calls on the President and the Department of State to make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in bilateral relationships between the United States and countries that have such laws; designate countries that enforce such laws as countries of particular concern for religious freedom; and oppose efforts by the United Nations to implement an international anti-blasphemy norm. The resolution also calls on the governments of countries that enforce such laws to amend or repeal them and to release anyone imprisoned pursuant to them. 12/7/2020 PASSED 388-6 S. 461 HBCU PARTNERS Act YES This important legislation addresses the capacity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to participate in federal programs. Specifically, the bill requires certain agencies to submit annual plans for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to participate in federal programs. Among other things, the plans must establish how the agencies intend to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. 12/8/2020 PASSED 400-1 H.R. 8354 Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 YES Establishes the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. The initiative will serve as legal and policy advisor on DOJ's efforts to enforce criminal and civil laws that impact service members, veterans, and their families; develop policy recommendations for improved enforcement of federal law to support service members, veterans, and their families; serve as the liaison and point of contact between DOJ and the military departments; provide counsel for the Office of Justice Programs to ensure that funding decisions take into account service members, veterans, and their families; and enforce federal laws that protect service members and veterans. 12/8/2020 PASSED 335-78-1 H.R. 6395 Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395 YES The FY21 NDAA provides $740.5B for national defense discretionary programs, as requested by the President and consistent with the bipartisan budget agreement. This includes: a 3% pay raise for troops, authorizes extra pay for troops in combat zones, and supports their families with the care and benefits they deserve; establishes the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to fund emergent technologies, support our allies, and deter China; and 26 recommendations from the bipartisan Cyber Solarium Commission that strengthen and empower the government to better protect and respond to a cyber-attack. President Trump vetoed the legislation based on: Failure to terminate or make meaningful changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act; Requirement to rename certain military installations; Restrictions on the President's ability to preserve national security by limiting the amount of military construction funds that can be used to respond to a national emergency; and Restrictions on the President's ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea. 12/9/2020 PASSED 343-67 H.R. 8900 Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, and Other Extensions Act YES This bill provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies and extends expiring programs that address health care (including the Teaching Health Center GME), surface transportation, agriculture, veterans benefits, and other issues. 12/9/2020 PASSED 396-2 H.R. 5758 Ceiling Fan Improvement Act of 2020 YES Revises the energy conservation standard for ceiling fans. Specifically, it sets forth energy efficiency standards for electricity used by large-diameter ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 21, 2020, and exempts such fans from certain requirements under the rule titledEnergy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fans. 12/10/2020 PASSED 283-105 S. 906 Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act NO This bill is a blanket prohibition on the use of drift gillnets in federal waters to catch swordfish, a top down approach that could hurt the economic livelihood of fishermen and fishing communities. Currently, the use of large-scale drift gillnets with a total length of 2.5 kilometers or more is prohibited in the United States. The bill expands the definition of large-scale driftnet fishing to prohibit the use of gillnets with a mesh size of 14 inches or greater. 12/10/2020 PASSED 382-6 H.R. 5040 AIR Safety Act of 2020 YES This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management to study the effects of drone incursions on the suppression of wildfires concerning lands managed by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. 12/7/2020 PASSED VOICE H. Res 1100 Reaffirming the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia YES Reaffirms the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia 12/7/2020 PASSED VOICE H. Res 823 Condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of' the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. YES This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of human rights agreements. Further, it calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned or detained Baha'is, and it urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community. 12/7/2020 PASSED VOICE H. Res 189 Supporting sustained United States leadership to accelerating global progress against maternal and child malnutrition and supporting United States Agency for International Development's commitment to global nutrition through its multi-sectoral nutrition strategy. YES This resolution expresses support for increased U.S. efforts to combat malnutrition among women and children and acknowledges the contributions of the U.S. Agency for International Development in addressing global nutritional needs. 12/7/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 8428 Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act of 2020 YES Provides for temporary protected status (TPS) and refugee status for qualifying Hong Kong residents and contains other immigration-related provisions. 12/7/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 1153 Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019 YES This bill establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized access of certain student loan information and expands the requirements for student loan exit counseling. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 1811 Water Resources Development Act of 2020 YES Extends for an additional five years a pilot program administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of allowing nonfederal interests to carry out flood risk management, hurricane and storm damage reduction, coastal harbor and channel inland navigation, and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. The bill also authorizes the Corps of Engineers to administer water conservation and efficiency, land idling, and groundwater use programs for waters associated with the Klamath Project in California and Oregon. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 1014 Route 66 Centennial Commission Act YES Establishes the Route 66 Centennial Commission to honor U.S. Route 66 on the occasion of its centennial anniversary. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 4902 A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 351 South West Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse YES Designates the United States courthouse located at 351 South West Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 578 ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 YES This bill eliminates the five-month waiting period for disability benefits under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord). Under current law, individuals must wait five months after becoming disabled before their disability insurance benefit payments may begin. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1375 PAID Act YES Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide, in response to an inquiry from certain non-group health plans (e.g., liability insurers), whether an individual was enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or the Medicare prescription drug benefit during the preceding three-year period. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 2477 BENES Act of 2020 YES This bill makes a series of changes to, and requires additional notifications regarding, the Medicare enrollment process. Specifically, the bill changes the Medicare general enrollment period to October 15-December 31, and requires coverage to begin on the first day of the month following enrollment. (Currently, the general enrollment period is January 1-March 31, and coverage begins July 1.) The bill also generally requires coverage to begin on the first day of the month following enrollment for individuals who enroll in the latter months of their initial enrollment period. (Currently, the longer an individual waits to enroll, the more delayed the effective date of coverage.) The bill also requires Social Security account statements for individuals ages 60 to 64 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, coordination of benefits, and special enrollment populations (e.g., veterans). 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 8161 The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2020 YES Authorizes grants to connect offenders transitioning from prisons or jails to the community with local reentry services. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 2258 Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2019 YES Prohibits employers from retaliating against certain employees who report criminal antitrust violations to the federal government. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 683 PRRADA YES This bill requires professionals employed in debt adjustment cases involving Puerto Rico to file verified statements disclosing their connections with the debtor, creditors, and other interested parties before seeking compensation for their services. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 134 Combat Online Predators Act YES Increases the maximum prison term for a stalking offense, if the victim is under 18 years of age. The Department of Justice must report on best practices for enforcing laws related to stalking. 12/8/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 8235 Open Courts Act of 2020 YES This bill requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish a single electronic system for all public court records that is publicly accessible for free. Under the existing Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, users are charged fees for accessing court documents. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H. Res. 549 Reaffirming the commitment to media diversity and pledging to work with media entities and diverse stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate barriers to media diversity. YES Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to media diversity and expresses its pledge to eliminate barriers to such diversity. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 3361 RIVER Act YES Extends through FY2036 authorization and eligibility for the program of hydroelectric production incentives and incentive payments to the owners or operators of hydroelectric facilities at existing dams to make capital improvements directly related to improving efficiency. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5541 Tribal Power Act YES Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to reauthorize programs to assist consenting Indian Tribes in meeting energy education, planning, and management needs. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1426 Timely Review of Infrastructure Act YES Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address insufficient compensation of its personnel without regard to civil service laws. FERC must consult with the Office of Personnel Management when making a determination of the appropriate compensation for its personnel. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 3797 Medical Marijuana Research Act YES Establishes a new, separate registration process to facilitate medical marijuana research. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1570 Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020 YES This bill modifies cost-sharing requirements for colorectal cancer screening tests, and drug manufacturer reporting requirements, under Medicare medical services. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1966 Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act of 2019 YES Requires the Government Accountability Office to complete a study reviewing how federal agencies address barriers to participation in federally-funded cancer clinical trials by individuals from underrepresented populations and provide recommendations for addressing such barriers. 12/9/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 7898 To amend the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider certain recognized security practices of covered entities and business associates when making certain determinations, and for other purposes YES Authorizes the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain information, assistance, and other support from federal agencies when investigating claims of information blocking by developers of, or entities offering, health information technologies. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 970 Robert E. Lee Statue Removal Act YES This bill directs the National Park Service to remove and appropriately dispose of the monument to General Robert E. Lee at the Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1240 Young Fishermen's Development Act YES This bill directs the National Sea Grant Office in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Young Fishermen's Development Grant Program to provide training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5040 AIR Safety Act of 2020 YES Directs the Bureau of Land Management to study the effects of drone incursions on the suppression of wildfires concerning lands managed by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5458 Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act YES Authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire, by donation, approximately 40 acres of specified nonfederal land for inclusion in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Upon acquisition, Interior shall (1) modify the boundary of the park to include the acquisition, and (2) administer the acquired land as part of the park. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 5459 Rocky Mountain National Park Ownership Correction Act YES This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey specified federal land to the owner of specified nonfederal land if the owner of the nonfederal land offers to exchange the land. The values of the federal and nonfederal land to be exchanged shall be considered to be of equal value.The nonfederal land that is acquired by Interior shall be administered as part of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. 12/10/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 7489 Long Bridge Act of 2020 YES Authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to convey to Virginia or the District of Columbia any federal land or interest in federal land under the jurisdiction of the NPS that is identified by Virginia or the District as necessary for the Long Bridge Project, a project to expand commuter and regional passenger rail service and provide bicycle and pedestrian access crossings over the Potomac River. The NPS may allow the temporary use of any federal land under the jurisdiction of the NPS that is identified by Virginia or the District as necessary for the construction of the Long Bridge Project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-hosts-congressional-briefing-rapid-inexpensive-covid-19-testing,"Rep. Schrier Hosts Congressional Briefing on Rapid, Inexpensive COVID-19 Testing Technology",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently hosted a briefing for her colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition with Dr. Michael Mina, of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, on rapid, low-cost COVID-19 tests intended for frequent at-home use. This is a way to catch asymptomatic people before they can spread the virus to others. The test measures whether a person is contagious by testing for the presence of the virus in their nose. ""Even with a vaccine on the way, it will be months before we will be able to return to our normal lives,"" said Rep. Schrier. ""Too many people are waiting days or over a week for test results. Not just that … if we don't test people until they are symptomatic, and then get results back 24 – 48 hours later, we have already missed most of the time frame when they are most contagious to others. That is too late to stop the spread and makes contact tracing very challenging. We need more solutions. People need to know, on any given day, whether they are contagious to others. This type of test is a critically important tool that is not yet being deployed at scale in this country."" These rapid paper-strip tests are a public health tool that, if scaled properly, can help people make informed choices and prevent outbreaks. ""If we could get buy in from 50% of a community or 50% of households to use this test twice a week, we could significantly reduce the spread of the virus in 3-4 weeks. The goal is to meet infectious people where they are at (at home) and provide them with a reliable, quick test so they can know if they are safe to roam the world. If we can get these tests out to enough people in the community then we can achieve herd effects- where the cases stop growing and start falling, with fewer outbreaks,"" added Dr. Mina. Stopping outbreaks and community spread will put us on a faster path to normalcy, allowing us to quickly and safely keep schools and the rest of our economy open. Rep. Schrier is looking for pathways to get these tests into all of our homes as soon as possible. Rep. Schrier continued, ""I hear from parents who want their children back in school. We all do! Imagine if you could test your child at home, find out whether he is contagious that day, and keep him home if he is. Imagine if every parent tested their children. Schools would become the safest places in the country. And if even half of the rest of us tested ourselves and took ourselves out of businesses, work, and restaurants when infectious, we could essentially starve the virus. Stopping the spread is possible."" If given the green light to scale-up, these inexpensive, rapid, accurate in-home tests could significantly reduce wide community spread of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-statement-removal-electron-dam,Rep. Schrier Statement on Removal of Electron Dam,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ISSAQUAH, WA -- Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) issued a statement today calling for the removal of the Electron Dam. Following a pollution incident in July, in which vast quantities of discarded athletic turf were used to line a diversion dam in an unprecedented, unpermitted, and haphazard manner, and which resulted in 600 square yards of turf and at least 4-6 cubic yards of crumb rubber pollutants for miles downstream, Rep. Schrier has been meeting regularly with permitting agencies, the Puyallup Tribe, and other involved stakeholders. In October, Congresswoman Schrier visited Electron to receive an update on pollution mitigation efforts. This summer's incident, which threatens already devastated salmon runs, has given Rep. Schrier the opportunity to learn more about this facility, the river, and the unique opportunity at Electron to return a healthy salmon population to the Puyallup River. The DOJ has opened an investigation at the request of the EPA into extensive potential violations over the incidents in July, but that investigation will not address the future of the dam. Rep. Schrier said, ""After months of listening and meeting with stakeholders, it is clear to me that this dam should be removed from the Puyallup River. The benefits from this facility are minimal, and the costs have been catastrophic for salmon and the surrounding ecosystem. Regardless of the outcome of the current investigation by the EPA into this summer's pollution incident, the long-term ecological health of the Puyallup River is jeopardized by the continued presence of this dam. After 116 years, it is time to restore the Puyallup River for our salmon and community, for the threatened orca population, and to honor our treaty agreements. Electron Dam has been detrimental to fish for decades, killing an estimated 40% of juvenile chinook salmon, and blocking upstream migration of adults, while providing only a small amount of power. When I visited the site, I was struck by the power and beauty of this river. I also learned that this dam blocks migration of salmon and steelhead from 36 miles of upstream habitat, and that there are no other dams obstructing the flow of this pristine river with Rainier headwaters. This dam does not provide flood control, irrigation, recreation opportunities, or navigation needed for commerce. Since July, it has not even provided power for the local community. At a time when we are all looking to rescue our decimated salmon populations and ensure survival of the threatened Puget Sound orcas, the removal of the Electron Dam is one way to make a significant impact. From where we stand now, there are no benefits of the dam, and many downsides to the Puyallup River, salmon populations, and tribal resources. The Electron Dam should come down.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-wins-for-washington-environment-coast-guard-as-final-ndaa-bill-passes-the-senate,"Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.20 Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate Legislation formally authorizes six icebreakers, three of which Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) authored and helped secure a number of provisions to help Washington state, protect the environment, and support Coast Guard members and their families in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed the Senate today by a vote of 84-13. Cantwell's Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee last July and is included in this year's final NDAA, formally authorizes six polar icebreakers (three of which the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle), establishes new protections for Southern resident orcas, strengthens oil spill prevention measures, and enacts provisions to protect the environment and promote the recruitment and retention of women in the Coast Guard. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives earlier this week by a vote of 335-78. Provisions Cantwell helped secure as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act will: Authorize six icebreakers and advance U.S. Arctic leadership The legislation authorizes three heavy icebreakers that the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle. It also formally authorizes three additional icebreakers for the first time, for a total of six icebreakers. Building the icebreaker fleet will help improve American competitiveness in the Arctic. Shipping via the Northern Sea route can decrease shipping transit times by as much as two weeks. Icebreakers in Seattle ensure that the State of Washington continues to play a leadership role in Arctic exploration, trade, security, and environmental protection. The reality is, there is a race on for the Arctic passageway, and we need to be ready, Senator Cantwell said. This formal authorization of six polar icebreakers will send a strong message to the rest of the world: the United States is showing up in the Arctic. And with three of the icebreakers homeported in Seattle, this is a big win for the State of Washington and an opportunity for us to continue to pave the way in Arctic exploration, scientific research, and protecting our nation's foreign policy interests. Protect Southern resident orcas The legislation requires the Coast Guard to work with the State of Washington, Tribes, and others to establish a pilot program modeled after the ECHO Program in British Columbia to reduce impacts of vessel noise from large shipping traffic on Southern resident orcas. NOAA research indicates that vessel noise is a significant risk factor facing Southern residents. This program will bring the Coast Guard, NOAA, our ports and Tribes together to develop a program to reduce vessel noise in Puget Sound. More information is available HERE. It also requires the Coast Guard to increase the enforcement of orca protection regulations and policies, such as small vessel traffic buffer zones, speed reduction, boater education and no go zones in Puget Sound to protect orcas. The 2018 Soundwatch annual report found that when Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement vessels are present, orca-related vessel violations decrease. By building the enforcement activity with the Coast Guard, the hope is that interactions between vessel traffic and orcas will continue to be reduced. Improve oil spill prevention and research The legislation codifies a number of recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to reduce the risk of vessel accidents and oil spills and improve vessel safety. Specifically, the bill improves coordination and operations of Vessel Traffic Service Centers, which act similar to air traffic control for some of America's busiest waterways, including Seattle. The bill amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which was put in place after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, to direct the Coast Guard to lead and revitalize interagency efforts to coordinate oil spill research and response technology development. The evaluation must include research on oil sands, or heavy class oils, which current oil spill technology is not able to sufficiently clean up in the event of a spill. The Coast Guard would also be required to coordinate with the National Academy of Sciences to complete this report every 10 years to ensure the most up-to-date science is applied to our oil spill response framework. It also requires research and technology evaluations for all classes of oil, including heavy oils, to ensure the Coast Guard and other agencies have the knowledge and technology necessary to clean up tar sands oil. Improve commercial fishing safety The bill also includes a Cantwell-authored provision to improve the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Advisory Committee and increase the frequency of committee meetings. The Committee's purpose is to ensure representatives from the fishing industry, boat building industry and safety advocates have the ability evaluate fishing vessel safety issues, review fishing vessel accidents and provide recommendations to the Coast Guard to reduce vessel accidents and improve safety at sea. These provisions are in response to repeated requests from Washington state fishermen to Congress to ensure that their voices are heard, as numerous recommendations from the Committee have not resulted in meaningful action from the Coast Guard. Ensure tsunami safety The legislation requires a study and recommendations needed to plan tsunami vertical evacuation infrastructure for Coast Guard members and their families stationed in Grays Harbor, as well as to understand the evacuation needs of the surrounding Grays Harbor community. This is particularly important as that the Coast Guard unit is located in an inundation area that would be impacted by a Cascadia Subduction Zone Tsunami. Speaking on the Senate floor about this legislation on Tuesday, Senator Cantwell said: And so I hope that my colleagues will look favorably on this legislation. We all know how important the Coast Guard is towe all know how important the Coast Guard is to our nation, and an example of that ice-breaking capacity, but there are other aspects of this Coast Guard bill that we're also proud of. Making sure that it works more robustly with fishermen on fishing safety, do more to examine the impacts of tar sands, to make sure that our orca population is saved from noise impact, and further reducing that impact on our orca population. Support Coast Guard women and families It makes significant improvements to the Coast Guard policies needed to recruit, retain, and invest in women in the Coast Guard. A 2019 report titled Why Do Women Leave the Coast Guard, and What Can Be Done to Encourage Them to Stay? made a number of recommendations to help improve retention of women in the Coast Guard. The bill requires the Commandant implement these recommendations. The bill creates two new advisory boards to support women throughout their Coast Guard careers, from the academy to leadership. Both advisory boards would bring recommendations to support women serving in the Coast Guard directly to the Commandant to ensure women's voices are heard. The legislation requires the Coast Guard to create a public strategy to improve leadership development and improve the culture of inclusion and diversity in the Coast Guard. The bill also includes a number of reforms to improve diversity and inclusion at the Coast Guard Academy. It also creates new programs and resources to improve access to child care for Coast Guard families, which women have identified as a key barrier to long-term success in the Coast Guard. The bill establishes a public-private partnership pilot program to expand access to childcare facilities for Coast Guard children in underserved areas. The bill also establishes procedures to enable more Coast Guard family child care centers to be established in off base housing, creating entrepreneurship opportunities for interested spouses as well as additional childcare options for Coast Guard families. Senator Cantwell has worked to improve access to medical care for Coast Guard members and families, especially for members serving in remote locations. This directs the Government Accountability Office to do a thorough analysis to identify access barriers to medical care for all Coast Guard members and families, especially members stationed in remote areas. In her Senate floor speech, Cantwell highlighted the impact these reforms could have on women serving in the Coast Guard: [We are] Instituting new reforms within the Coast Guard to really help and empower women and to make sure that they have what they need, [including] vital child care opportunities for Coast Guard families. And to make sure there is zero tolerance in the approach to any kind of sexual assault or sexual harassment. Video of Senator Cantwell's floor speech on the Coast Guard provisions in the NDAA is available HERE, and audio is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=13DCFDDE-86B8-4583-9DE1-40017B374BC6,Senator Murray Secures Relief for Washington State Veterans and Their Families In End-of-Year Veterans Package,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A longtime champion for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, Senator Murray successfully included her VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Actin a package of veterans legislation that passed the Senate yesterday Senator Murray's VANET Act would ensure that VA fulfills its duty to pay for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans Senator Murray: I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular ICYMIfrom January 2020: Senator Murray's Legislation to Help Provide Relief to Veterans with Newborns in Need of Emergency Treatment Passes Senate Committee MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed an end-of-year veterans package, H.R. 7105, that included U.S. Senator Patty Murray's (D-WA)VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Act, as well as provisions Senator Murray fought to include that would provide assistance to veterans and their families on child care, fertility services, and more. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote before heading to the President's desk. We make a promise as a nation to take care of our veterans and their families, and that means making sure they know that their country will have their backs every step of the way. When I heard from veterans in Washington state and across the country about VA leaving them to foot the bill for transporting their babies in an emergency, about how hard it is to find quality, affordable child care, I knew we had to take action,Senator Murray said.I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular. It's the least we can do for their courageous service. A longtime advocate for veterans and their families, and a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Murray proposed the VANET Act after hearing stories from veterans that VA refused to pay the cost of transporting veterans' infants in some emergency situationsdespite the fact that VA is supposed to cover these costsand leaving veterans to foot the expensive bill. To address this, Senator Murray's provision in this package, along with language from her bill in the National Defense Authorization Act, would clarify existing law by requiring VA to both cover the upfront costs for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans and reimburse veterans who were inappropriately forced to pay those costs out-of-pocket. Senator Murray also successfully fought to include language in the package to make permanent a pilot program to provide child care to veterans receiving VA health care and give VA five years to implement the provision of child care at every VA medical center, conduct a study of fertility services offered by VA, and require the women veterans call center to respond to requests for assistance in accessing health care and benefits. In addition to these provisions the bill includes the Deborah Sampson Act, which Senator Murray has cosponsored and would eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face, as well as provisions from Senator Murray's Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act to make permanent women veterans' ability to receive reintegration and readjustment counseling services in group retreat settings. Read the fact sheet on theVA Newborn Emergency Treatment ActHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=766D84AE-A3C8-4648-9F05-8F87CD0DE4B0,"Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll WASHINGTON DC This week, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package. A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres. The members' letter calls for: Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources; Investments in fire risk mitigation, such as establishing a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps to restore forest health and making investments in vital Forest Service programs that assist with forest management, such as the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program; Federal support for fire response efforts, including investments in FEMA's Staffing For Adequate Fire And Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, increased funds for late-season interagency hotshot crews, and increased pay and benefits for federal wildfire personnel; and Investments in fire recovery efforts to support the work being done by local, state, and federal officials to revitalize the environmental health, water quality, and economy of communities impacted by wildfires. Senators Murray and Cantwell have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just this week, the senators were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in a third letter urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Murray and Cantwell asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Murray and Cantwell urged President Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwell introduced legislation to support pre-fire season controlled burns. In addition to Murray, Cantwell, Wyden, and Neguse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tom Udall (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Salud Carbajal (D, CA-24), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Ral Grijalva (D, AZ-03), Jared Huffman (D, CA-02) Ro Khanna (D, CA-17), Ann Kirkpatrick (D, AZ-02), Barbara Lee (D, CA-13), Jerry McNerney (D, CA-09), Grace Napolitano (D, CA-32), Tom O'Halleran (D, AZ-01), Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-20), Katie Porter (D, CA-45), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D, CA-40), Brad Sherman (D, CA-30), and Mike Thompson (D, CA-05). The full text of the letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-tri-cities-students-winners-2020-congressional-app,Newhouse Names Tri-Cities Students as Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named four Kennewick students as the winners of the 2020 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app-designing competition for K-12 students. Brianna Simpson of Richland High School, Conner Anderson of Chiawana High School, Taran Zorn of Kamiakin High School, and Erika Gaskins of Southridge High School worked as a team to design the winning app, Llama Trauma. All four students are seniors attending the Tri-Tech Skills Center, a cooperative program that provides students with technical and professional skills training they might not receive in conventional high schools. Their app puts the user in the role of a scarecrow tasked with protecting crops being grown for a food bank from hungry llamas. The students designed the app to draw attention to the growing problem of food insecurity in the United States and encourage Americans to donate to their local food banks.You can see a preview of the app by clicking here. Congratulations to Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika on their winning app, Llama Trauma,said Rep. Newhouse.I am impressed by their creativity and ability to highlight the important topic of food security. Designing an app during a pandemic posed an additional obstacle, and these students went above and beyond to design a successful app in a remote learning environment. I am encouraged that Central Washington's students will be among the next generation of this country's top innovators, and I wish Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika future success. The winning students will receive a mentoring session from scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to further develop their skills, in addition to a credit from Southwest Airlines. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and theCongressional App Challenge website. Background: The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, compared to 3.4% growth for non-STEM occupations. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. invest in our youth now and help them acquire necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills. Last year's Central Washington Congressional App Challenge winners, three 12th graders who also attended Kennewick High School and Tri-Tech Skills Center Maxwell Blake, Preston Ryan, and Lucas Kaser won with their appClean Streets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-discusses-vaccine-distribution-challenges-stresses-importance-of-equitable-delivery-to-hard-to-serve-populations,"Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.20 Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations Cantwell: You have to have the infrastructure to deliver the vaccine WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, attended today's Transportation and Safety Subcommittee hearing titled The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine and spoke about the need to make sure our transportation infrastructure is up to the task of delivering COVID-19 vaccines safely and effectively around the country. We're really trying to pay attention to what we need to help people dealing with this unbelievable COVID pandemic that's increasing in impact right now at a very critical moment, Cantwell said in her questioning with witnesses. So I wanted to ask a question about what we're doing to help states and municipalities on the delivery system. I've heard from my mayors, I've heard from our health officials, you know, this is a very intense operation on the ground and they're going to need help and resources in the delivery system. Mr. Wesley Wheeler, President of Global Healthcare at UPS, responded to Cantwell's concerns about states and municipalities having adequate support saying, We [UPS] got pretty good at this with the test kits. So when we started testing and moving laboratory samples from patients to lab companies, we got very, very familiar with the state governments, the state jurisdictions, and the health authorities there. And we were helping a lot of the states to do that. And we still are. And that allows us to give you help wherever you need it. Cantwell also stressed the importance of ensuring rural and Native communities get equitable vaccine distribution: I want to make sure that that we're thinking about how you give equitable access. I heard some of the discussion about nursing homes and definitely agree about that distribution, but I want to make sure that we're getting equitable distribution to very challenged and hard to serve communities. We obviously, in the State of Washington, have 29 Tribes in a big geographic area in delivering to Native Americans, and I'm sure I could give other examples. Video of Senator Cantwell at the hearing is available HERE, audio is HERE, and a transcript is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-attempted-bombing-at-spokane-county-democrats-hq,Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.20 Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement in response to the attempted bombing and fire at the Spokane County Democrats headquarters: No one should fear for their safety for participating in our political process. I condemn this attack and call on leaders at every level and from all sides to join me in working to help bring our communities together to end hate. ### Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2682,Defense Authorization Bill Passes with DelBene’s Aluminum Amendment,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 6395) yesterday, a bicameral compromise of Congress' annual defense authorization bill. This bill includes a key amendment sponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to strengthen the domestic aluminum industry. The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how the Defense Production Act could be used to increase the refining, processing, and manufacturing of aluminum. The 2021 NDDA includes an important provision that will support our nation's aluminum industry, which is vital to our national security, said DelBene. This policy will encourage the federal government to propose investments in domestic aluminum production and support good-paying jobs here at home. The House first passed the NDAA in July and this bill reflects a bipartisan compromise with the Senate. More information about the FY 2021 NDAA can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-nw-lawmakers-president-trump-terminate-columbia-river-treaty,Bipartisan NW Lawmakers to President Trump: Terminate Columbia River Treaty Power Provisions to Benefit U.S. Ratepayers,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), and Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced a resolution to encourage the Trump Administration to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the commercial and power coordination provisions of the Columbia River Treaty. The United States has been unfairly burdened by the outdated Columbia River Treaty, and it is long past time to stop the wealth transfer from our constituents to Canada, said the bipartisan group of lawmakers. The existing Treaty punishes Northwest electric ratepayers, forcing them to pay for benefits far in excess to the value provided to the United States. With good faith negotiations at a standstill, we urge President Trump to take a strong stance and issue the notice of intent to terminate the power coordination provisions of the Treaty. Click here to read the text of the resolution. Background: Updating the Columbia River Treaty, which has not been revised since it was ratified in 1964, will allow the U.S. and Canada to find solutions for management of the river that could provide new opportunities for cooperation on clean energy solutions, flood control, and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest region. In 2016, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden joined U.S. House and Senate colleaguesto call on the U.S. State Department under President Obama to finalize its negotiating parameters and to press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator.Both actions are required for formal discussions to begin. On June 21, 2017, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden were joined by Pacific Northwest lawmakers in sending a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to commence negotiations with Canada over the Columbia River Treaty as soon as possible. The United States and Canada began negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in May 2018. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of State has hosted public town halls to provide updates on the modernization process. One of these public town halls was hosted in Richland, Washington, at the request of Rep. Newhouse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-colleagues-call-for-wildfire-relief-funds-to-be-included-in-next-covid-19-relief-package,"Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Maria Cantwell,C000127,www.cantwell.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.20 Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll WASHINGTON DC This week, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package. A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres. The members' letter calls for: Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources; Investments in fire risk mitigation, such as establishing a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps to restore forest health and making investments in vital Forest Service programs that assist with forest management, such as the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program; Federal support for fire response efforts, including investments in FEMA's Staffing For Adequate Fire And Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, increased funds for late-season interagency hotshot crews, and increased pay and benefits for federal wildfire personnel; and Investments in fire recovery efforts to support the work being done by local, state, and federal officials to revitalize the environmental health, water quality, and economy of communities impacted by wildfires. Senators Cantwell and Murray have forcefully pushed for the State of Washington and communities across the West to receive assistance responding to and recovering from this year's devastating fire season. Just this week, the senators were joined by the entire Washington state congressional delegation in a third letter urging President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor to support Governor Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's wildfires. Last month, Cantwell and Murray asked the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare for and fight wildfires. And in September, Cantwell and Murrayurged President Trump to provide additional federal assistance to states, Tribes, and communities grappling with wildfires and their aftermath. The senators have been congressional leaders on wildfire management for years, and in September Senator Cantwell introduced legislation to support pre-fire season controlled burns. In addition to Cantwell, Murray, Wyden, and Neguse, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tom Udall (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Salud Carbajal (D, CA-24), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Ral Grijalva (D, AZ-03), Jared Huffman (D, CA-02) Ro Khanna (D, CA-17), Ann Kirkpatrick (D, AZ-02), Barbara Lee (D, CA-13), Jerry McNerney (D, CA-09), Grace Napolitano (D, CA-32), Tom O'Halleran (D, AZ-01), Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-20), Katie Porter (D, CA-45), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D, CA-40), Brad Sherman (D, CA-30), and Mike Thompson (D, CA-05). The full text of the letter is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-urges-administration-open-mmiw-cold-case-office-central,Newhouse Urges Administration to Open MMIW Cold Case Office in Central Washington,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt requesting a Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous American Indians and Alaska Natives be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. Cold Case Task Force Offices are an additional step toward addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, specifically dedicated to solving cold cases. As you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year, wrote Newhouse. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis. Newhouse continued, With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country. The Cold Case Task Forces are in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order establishing an interagency task force, Operation Lady Justice. The offices will be staffed with law enforcement personnel and newly appointed special agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS), along with personnel from other Operation Lady Justice Task Force partners, including tribal law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Offices of the U.S. Attorneys. On July 27, 2020, the Trump Administration established the first Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Bloomington, Minnesota. Six additional Cold Case Task Force offices were opened in Rapid City, South Dakota; Billings, Montana; Nashville, Tennessee; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and Anchorage, Alaska. Read the full text of the letter here and below: Dear Attorney General Barr and Secretary Bernhardt, Thank you for your leadership implementing Operation Lady Justice and your commitment to solving the open cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) through the establishment of Cold Case Task Force Offices across the United States. I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. Through the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice, President Trump has undertaken an unprecedented initiative to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people particularly MMIW. As you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis. Native Americans make up an estimated 2% of our state's population, however a recent report by the Washington State Patrol shows that Native Women account for 7% of the state's reported missing women. My congressional district is home to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes) and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation) two of the 29 federally-recognized tribes in Washington state, and there are currently 31 open cases of MMIW on or near the Yakama Nation reservation alone. Both Yakama Nation and Colville Tribes have been actively engaged in working with my office to enact solutions that improve law enforcement coordination, empower law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate MMIW cases, and increase communication with Native communities. With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CA1C4E5-3C25-4819-BB9D-B5FACFAFEECC,Senator Murray Highlights Urgent Need for Pandemic Aid to Washington State Business Leaders,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today Senator Murray addressed the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses about her efforts to secure federal relief for workers, families, and small business Senator Murray also answered questions about relief for small businesses and child care providers Senator Murray: Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke virtually to members of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Association of Washington Businesses today about her efforts to get federal relief to those who are struggling across Washington state during the COVID-19 pandemic. During both virtual events, Senator Murray said that she has been listening to the many families, workers, and small business owners across the state who have gone without new federal relief since April, and she is fighting to get them the assistance they need. A lot of people in our state are sufferingfrom small business owners struggling to stay afloat, to families who can't make their next rent payment, to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are worried about federal unemployment benefits running out. I have been in touch with people in every corner of Washington state and every community, and this crisis is getting dramatically worsenot betterand doing less as communities need more just doesn't make any sense to me. Senator Murray told the member of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. I really believe that Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time. Senator Murray highlighted that while House Democrats passed comprehensive relief legislation such as the HEROES Actback in May andHEROES 2.0 in October, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to budge from his inadequate proposal, holding up critical relief for millions across the country and preventing state, local, and Tribal governments from receiving the support they need to enact an effective public health response. Democrats put forth an unprecedented proposalthe HEROS Actin May, and Mitch McConnell would not take that up in the Senate. We have negotiated that down by $1 trillion to find common ground and get this help out of the door, and we are all working as hard as we can, Senator Murray told the AWB. I'm pushing especially hard to get a deal, and have really been pressing the case to anyone who will listen about why the Senate needs to act boldly and urgently in order to give our families and communities the help they need. Senator Murray also answered questions from both organizations about her priorities in the short and long term on issues that are critical to so many in Washington state, including the child care crisis, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and what may be possible under the incoming Biden Administration. Senator Murray highlighted a number of different legislative proposals she's put forth to help tackle some of the challenges that Washingtonians are struggling with, such as the Child Care is Essential Act, and the RELIEF for Main Street Act. We had a child care crisis before the pandemic hit us, and now that it has hit us, it has really opened up a real challenge for everyone. There's no way people can go back to work if they don't have any child care to be able to send their kids to Senator Murray said during the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce event. I really believe the federal government has got to step up to support the child care industry through this crisis and beyond. I have introduced the Child Care is Essential Actit's legislation to help providers keep their doors open and help working families afford the cost of child care. We're pushing very hard to get some of this relief into the current COVID package. Senator Murray emphasized during both events that even with a vaccine on the horizon, Congress is long overdue in getting help to those in need during this pandemic and resources to states in order to contain the virus and eventually vaccinate the country, and even more relief will be needed in the New Year in order to begin our nation's long road to recovery. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A8C78C7-403F-4398-9160-D778F295D37F,Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray led full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor Letter urges approval of Governor Inslee's September request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to address wildfire destruction in Whitman County that destroyed community of Malden, other areas in Eastern Washington Spokesman-Review: Malden, Pine City residents wait to rebuild as federal aid stalls MORE HERE Members: For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way [] 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season Members: Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led the full Washington state congressional delegation in writing a third letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's devastating wildfires. The Governor's request includes Individual and Public Assistance for eligible communities across Eastern Washington, including the town of Malden, where wildfires destroyed 80% of homes and businesses leaving most of its residents unable to return. Other Western states ravaged by wildfires this year, such as Oregon and California, have received essential federal assistance provided under major disaster declarations, but the thousands of Washingtonians forced to evacuate remain without aid as the Governor's request still awaits approval. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA 3rd), Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th) also joined the letter. In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state the lawmakers wrote. In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community. 83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance, the lawmakers added. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way. For 83 days, the state of Washington continues to be overwhelmed as it copes with clean-up and rebuilding efforts on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season. On September 17, Senator Murray led the full Washington state congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a major disaster declaration for the state, as well as public assistance and individual assistance for Whitman County, following the unprecedented wildfires in Eastern Washington and other areas. In the letter the lawmakers also offered support for emergency federal assistance in additional areas in the state impacted by wildfires that have cost lives, destroyed structures, forced thousands of families to evacuate their homes, and caused communities to lose power for extended periods. Senator Murray also led an October 13 letter from the Washington state congressional delegation in support of Governor Inslee's October 8, 2020 request for a Major Disaster declaration for the State of Washington and supplemental federal assistance, and to reiterate support for the governor's September 16 request. Read the full letter below or HERE. December 8, 2020 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest Washington, DC 20500 The Honorable Peter T. Gaynor Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C Street SW Washington, DC 20472 Dear Mr. President and Administrator Gaynor: We write to inquire about Governor Jay Inslee's September 16, 2020, and October 8, 2020 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Washington and supplemental federal assistance. As you know, Washington state grappled with a wildfire season of historic scope and intensity this year. In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state. That area alone exceeded each of the total burned acreages in each of the fire seasons between 2002 and 2019, with the exception of 2015's devastating wildfire season. These wildfires forced the evacuations of thousands of people, threatened 3,000 homes and structures, and deteriorated air quality to hazardous levels at that time. In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community. Thankfully, nobody died in Malden. But most of its 300-some residents were uninsured and already living on the economic margins. According to state records, Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved. Now, 83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way. For 83 days, the state of Washington continues to be overwhelmed as it copes with clean-up and rebuilding efforts on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season. Again, we fully support Governor Inslee's request for a major disaster declaration statewide as well as Public Assistance and Individual Assistance for eligible counties. Please let us know if you need further information to inform your decision. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6ACF302C-0A3F-4226-8607-9FD3A00FB4AC,Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,WA,Patty Murray,M001111,www.murray.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Murray has long fought for the proposed changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which passed the House of Representatives today New bill includes proposals Senator Murray has championed that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passing the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad to see it pass the House and I look forward to voting in favor of it in the Senate. If signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF would significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation would incorporate long sought after formula changes to distributions from the HMTF and build on a provision included in the CARES Act that allowed all of the money collected through the HMT each year to be returned directly to ports to improve infrastructure and keep ports competitive. Senator Murray successfully pushed to include language in the WRDA legislation to more equitably distribute funding to ports across the country by setting aside minimum percentages of annual HMTF allocations for donor and energy ports, Great Lakes ports, and small harbors. This means that ports across the country, including the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, would receive an increased, fairer share of annual maintenance money. Currently, imports through large ports like Tacoma and Seattle generate over 50% of the national HMT revenues, yet these ports receive only 3% in return because their naturally deep harbors require minimal maintenance dredging, the primary purpose for which HMT funds are used. To further address this,Senator Murray also successfully worked to include a rebate program that would benefit ports in Washington state by allowing U.S. ports to issue rebates to shippers for using their services, mitigating the current incentive for shippers to divert cargo to Canadian ports, which do not assess a harbor maintenance tax. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-house-passage-fy21-national-defense-authorization,Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: ""Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. ""I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. ""The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal government from discrimination, the bill includes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act that would establish independent Equal Employment Opportunity Programs at each federal agency to independently address complaints of discrimination and retaliation. This year's bill also extends paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilians inadvertently excluded from last year's legislation. ""For years, the NDAA has taken important steps to combat climate change and advance green energy initiatives. This bill includes strong provisions to ensure DoD is planning for and mitigating the effects of climate change and implementing energy and climate resiliency requirements in their military installation planning. The bill would also push the DoD to remain a leader in adopting renewable energy and advancing green energy measures through the expansion of hybrid and electric vehicles, microgrids, energy metering and on-site energy production at military facilities, and operational energy research. ""After months of hard work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress, I am proud of our finished product. Given the strength of the bill, I am confident the conference report will receive similarly robust support in the Senate this week before heading to the President's desk for signature. It is my hope that the President signs the FY21 NDAA into law given how important passage is for our service members and their families, however, I remain confident that Congress will exercise our authority to override a potential veto should he choose to put his ego first."" A summary of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55F6CB7E-924C-45E3-890E-3250AB8848A3,Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal government from discrimination, the bill includes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act that would establish independent Equal Employment Opportunity Programs at each federal agency to independently address complaints of discrimination and retaliation. This year's bill also extends paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilians inadvertently excluded from last year's legislation. For years, the NDAA has taken important steps to combat climate change and advance green energy initiatives. This bill includes strong provisions to ensure DoD is planning for and mitigating the effects of climate change and implementing energy and climate resiliency requirements in their military installation planning. The bill would also push the DoD to remain a leader in adopting renewable energy and advancing green energy measures through the expansion of hybrid and electric vehicles, microgrids, energy metering and on-site energy production at military facilities, and operational energy research. After months of hard work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress, I am proud of our finished product. Given the strength of the bill, I am confident the conference report will receive similarly robust support in the Senate this week before heading to the President's desk for signature. It is my hope that the President signs the FY21 NDAA into law given how important passage is for our service members and their families, however, I remain confident that Congress will exercise our authority to override a potential veto should he choose to put his ego first. A summary of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-support-servicemembers-and-military-families,Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.20 Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the conference report on H.R.6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). The bipartisan, bicameral compromise report authorizes funding for national defense for Fiscal Year 2021.The conference report passed the House 335 to 78. If you serve this country, Congress should have your back. This bipartisan legislation makes vital investments in service members and their families, including a number of measures that I championed,said Rep. Kilmer. In addition, in our region, we also have talented civilians doing critical work to keep our country safe, so I'm glad that we were able to include measures that benefit those workers and our region's economy. Supports Servicemembers and Federal Workers The conference agreement retained several key measures championed by Rep. Kilmer in the House passed bill to improve benefits for American service members and their families, including a 3% pay increase for all service members as well as provisions to improve the oversight and management of housing for military personnel and their families and to address the shortage in military child care. The bipartisan agreement also includes numerous provisions to support federal workers. Of importance to Kitsap County, the bill includes a five-year extension of the rate of overtime pay authority for Department of Navy employees performing work aboard or dockside in support of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier forward deployed in Japan. Kilmer said, When our region's shipyard workers work overtime, they should get paid overtime including when they're overseas. It shouldn't take an act of Congress to make that the case and for the next five years, it won't. This year's NDAA conference report also includes a measure championed by Rep. Kilmer to allows federal workers to carry over excess leave accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented employees from taking time off work. Based on the legislation introduced by Rep. Kilmer in early October, the provision in the NDAA conference report will allow federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of their annual leave into 2021. Federal workers at Naval Base Kitsap have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic to maintain the Navy's readiness to respond to national security threats and have avoided unnecessary travel to minimize health risks that could threaten this important work, said Rep. Kilmer. They shouldn't have to sacrifice the paid leave benefits they've earned because they chose to prioritize national service. That's why I'm proud that this provision was included to ensure that federal workers at the shipyard, and across federal agencies, can keep the unused paid time off that they have earned. The NDAA conference report also includes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination Act, passed by the House in January 2019, which strengthens equal employment opportunity protections for federal employees and strengthens prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers. In addition, this year's NDAA ensures paid parental leave is extended to all federal employees. The bipartisan conference report also authorizes increased funding to clean up of drinking water on military bases contaminated by PFAS chemicals, strengthen sexual assault prevention and response programs, and promote and enhance diversity and inclusion programs in our military. In addition, the NDAA conference report provides new benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Invests in Defense Communities The legislation also included an amendment championed by Rep. Kilmer to expand eligibility for the Office of Economic Adjustment's Defense Communities Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which helps communities near defense installations - like those around Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis McChord - plan for and implement future infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for people, including civilians and members of the armed services and their families, living in the surrounding areas. Kilmer said, With the challenges we've seen at Gorst and coming into the Shipyard, providing more funding for this program could yield some direct benefits to Kitsap County. Reducing Jet Noise Over the past several years, Rep. Kilmer has pushed the Department of Defense to fund efforts to reduce the noise of the Navy's EA-18G Growler through his work on the Appropriations Committee. Rep. Kilmer fought to ensure this agreement provides additional funds for the Secretary of the Navy to continue developing advanced noise reduction technology that can be retrofitted to existing Growler engines to further reduce noise impacts in the region. In addition, the conference agreement authorizes a 5-year pilot test program under which the commander of a military installation may provide funds for the purpose of installing noise insulation on covered property impacted by military aviation noise from aircraft utilizing the installation. Ensures the Military is a Responsible Climate Partner The conference agreement retains key measures Rep. Kilmer championed in the House-passed bill to ensure that the military makes progress toward being a responsible partner in fighting climate change. This includes the establishment of a new Climate Security Roundtable within the National Academy of Science to establish best practices for identifying and disseminating climate indicators and warnings across all Department of Defense agencies to ensure that environmental security is included in operational planning and intelligence analysis. The legislation also requires the Department of Homeland Security to report on the climate risks and vulnerabilities facing Coast Guard installations over the next 20 years, including rising sea tides, flooding, and wildfires. It is expected that such reports will provide a roadmap for Congress to address these national security threats through a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-sen-cantwell-sen-murray-secure-vital-support-for-washingtons-maritime-industry,"Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington’s Maritime Industry",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Derek Kilmer,K000381,kilmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.20 Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington's Maritime Industry Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), along with U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced they secured vital support for Washington's maritime sector through a key provision they championed in the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will provide dedicated financial relief to maritime dependent businesses and communities during a national emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters. The Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (MTSERA) will establish a comprehensive new program under the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to provide financial assistance to eligible entities which includes state and local governments, port authorities, and private vessel operators to maintain the stability and reliability of the U.S. Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the event of a national emergency or disaster, including, the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This emergency funding is critical to supporting businesses like the Black Ball Ferry Lines that have been forced to reduce or suspend operations due to the current public health crisis. Having grown up in Port Angeles, I'm conscious of how critical the Black Ball ferry is to our local economy. It's helped Port Angeles become the gateway for tourists and supported so many local businesses. But, as has been the case for so many things during the COVID-19 public health crisis, it's been really challenged during this difficult time, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I've been working with our partners on the ground and Senators Cantwell and Murray to protect vital regional assets like the Black Ball ferry. I'll keep working to ensure the federal government steps up during this unprecedent crisis. Maritime transportation is a critical part of our way of life in the State of Washington. As we continue to fight COVID-19, it's so important we don't lose important community ties, like those between the Olympic Peninsula and Canada, Senator Cantwell said. Our local communities need support when unforeseen disasters strike, and I will keep working to secure much-needed economic relief for those impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The Black Ball ferry has been a lifeline for communities on both sides of our Northern border for more than 60 years, and once we are through this crisis it will once again be critical to so many Washington state families and businesses, Senator Murray said. I'm glad that we were able to secure access to assistance for this essential Washington state institution, and I will continue working to get all of Washington state's ferry systems the support they need to make it through this crisis. Steven Burke, Port of Port Angeles Commission President, thanked Rep. Kilmer, Senator Cantwell, and Senator Murray, for their work to include the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (MTSERA). MTSERA will provide a mechanism to assist maritime Ports in bringing economic activity to rural regions like ours. MTSERA will also help grow and sustain maritime interests impacted by the closure of travel between Canada and the Olympic Peninsula. We look forward to working with this new program to restore and grow the maritime economy in Clallam County. We are so appreciative and pleased with the constant support and efforts of Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell, and Congressman Kilmer for Black Ball and all of its employees, said Ryan Malane, Co-owner & Vice President, Black Ball Ferry Line. While Congress still needs to appropriate money, and we need to make application for funds, this is a major step forward. This is highly welcome news for our local economy. This year and into 2021, we'll lose the nearly half a million visitors that the Black Ball Ferry brings into our downtown, representing a loss of about $65M in sales, about $11M in state and local tax revenues, and threatening more than 700 jobs, said Marc Abshire, Executive Director, Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. We very much appreciate the efforts and success so far on the part of our congressional representatives to support this critical pillar of our economic community. We know Black Ball is critical to more than 100 families that rely on Black Ball for a paycheck, but also hundreds of other businesses which employ nearly another 1000 people in our region. The new program secured by our congressional delegation is a big win for our communities and we are incredibly thankful for their tenacious support, said Colleen McAleer, Executive Director, Clallam EDC. But it is only the first step, the program will somehow need to be funded. ### Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-priorities-help-firefighters-military-spouses-pass-house-final,"Rep. Schriers Priorities to Help Firefighters, Military Spouses Pass House in Final 2020 Defense Bill",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.'s (WA-08) priorities to help local firefighters and military spouses passed the House today as part of the final Defense bill of the year, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is annual legislation to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate later this month. This is the 60th NDAA to pass the House of Representatives. As we saw this fall, Washington state's wildland firefighters are being asked to fight increasingly extreme wildfires with limited budgets, said Rep. Schrier. The Department of Defense has two programs that transfer excess equipment like tools, trucks, and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. My amendment will ensure these programs work better for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue agencies in Washington State by making them more accessible and taking community need and risk into account. The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment to states and other qualified entities. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take community need and risk into account. Rep. Schrier's amendment requires an analysis of the program to ensure equipment is distributed efficiently where it is needed most. It also requires DOD to consult with State Foresters and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rep. Schrier's other amendment makes job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work because of frequent relocations. Rep. Schrier continued, Military spouses continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. My amendment addresses issues and concerns from a series of military and veteran spouse listening sessions held throughout the state in 2019 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington State Employment Security Department. Language I championed in this NDAA will lead to expanded opportunities for military spouses in the fields of education, software and coding, and companies with high levels of teleworking to ensure military spouses are matched with fulfilling and successful employment. The 2021 NDAA: Provides a long sought-after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange; Provides a 3% pay raise for troops, Extends paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilians inadvertently excluded from last year's legislation; Removes all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America; Includes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act that requires each federal agency to establish a model Equal Employment Opportunity Program that is independent of the agency's Human Capital or General Counsel office and establishes requirements related to complaints of discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Rep. Schrier's floor speech on the two amendments from earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z