eNewsletters

Dear Friend, The minimum wage in America has remained stagnant for far too long, while the cost of living has continued to rise. July 24 marks the seventh anniversary of the last federal minimum wage increase, to just $7.25 an hour. Millions of Americans work 40 hours or more every week and still can’t earn a living wage. This is unacceptable. We cannot achieve strong… Read more »

Dear Friend, As you may know, the Zika virus has spread rapidly around the world, and we are now seeing increased cases here in the United States. It’s critical that Congress act now to address this serious public health threat. Earlier this year, I called on House leaders to hold a vote on President Obama’s full emergency funding request to combat the Zika outbreak. But… Read more »

Dear Friend,  As someone with two decades of experience in the technology sector, I can tell you our government’s use of technology could and should be more efficient, flexible and customer-centric. If you’ve ever needed help from a federal agency and looked for resources online, you know this problem all too well. Whether it’s applying for student loans or… Read more »

Dear Friend, During a month when we celebrate the progress that LGBT Americans have made, the recent shooting in Orlando was a horrific attack on the freedoms we all hold dear. As a way to stand up to the hatred and intolerance we saw, I’m encouraging everyone join me in observing LGBT Equality Day this Sunday, June 26th. I have introduced legislation to designate… Read more »

Dear Friend, As a mother of two and a member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I understand that a nourishing diet is crucial to ensuring the healthy development of our nation’s children. Studies show that a child’s daily nutritional intake has a direct effect on their academic performance. A balanced diet will benefit a child in their physical, mental and… Read more »

Dear Friend, The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), a fault line stretching 700 miles across the Pacific Northwest, has been building pressure for more than 300 years and has the potential to produce a massive tsunami and earthquake. This week, the Pacific Northwest will undergo the largest earthquake and tsunami exercise, simulating a complete rupture of the CSZ due to a 9.0… Read more »

Dear Friend, The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is a magnificent and unique voyage, spanning 2,650 miles of mountains, forests and desert through northern California, Oregon and Washington into Canada. Unfortunately, hikers seeking to traverse the PCT from its northern most point on the Canadian side of the border are unable to legally do so because there is currently no… Read more »

Dear Friend, As part of National Foster Care Month, I had the opportunity to participate in Foster Youth Shadow Day and hear firsthand from a First District constituent about her experiences in the foster care system. Today, a 19-year-old named Azia from Kirkland joined me on Capitol Hill. Azia told me her transition through the system was tough but with support from her caretaker… Read more »

Dear Friend, An efficient and functioning infrastructure system is critical to our economy. During this National Infrastructure Week, we should be looking at opportunities for much-needed repairs, maintenance and improvements of our roads, bridges and highways. While we passed a $305 billion transportation bill to improve our nation’s infrastructure, there is still… Read more »

Dear Friend, The opioid crisis is tearing apart families across the country, including in Washington state. Since 2000, drug overdose deaths have increased by 137 percent, surpassing the number of Americans killed in motor vehicle accidents each year.   Click to open video Today, the House passed the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act (H.R. 5046). This bill is a good… Read more »