Press Releases

This week, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act, the bill to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The bill has 161 original cosponsors in the House and 41 in the Senate.The Supreme Court yesterday struck down Section 3 of DOMA as unconstitutional, paving the way for married same-sex couples to participate fully in federal programs.… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene released the following statement regarding today’s Supreme Court decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, declaring the 1996 law denying federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples is unconstitutional: “Today’s landmark decision by the Supreme Court is a victory for social justice and a major step toward the goal of… Read more »

Today, members of the Washington Congressional delegation urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve Washington state’s request for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses impacted by the Skagit River Bridge collapse.In a letter sent today to SBA Administrator Karen Mills, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Rick… Read more »

Rep. Suzan DelBene, WA-01, and Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced the Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to their request for full funding of the Skagit River General Investigation (G.I.) study for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Army Corps will spend $299,400 on the study, which will shape flood protection for communities throughout the Skagit Valley.“We need the Army… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene released the following statement following the House of Representatives failed to approve a new Farm Bill:“As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve worked to ensure that our local farmers and food producers have a strong voice in Congress. Additionally, I’ve fought for a Farm Bill that is humane and protects our safety net which… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a bill today that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for the health of the woman:“I’m deeply frustrated and disappointed by the House’s vote to pass this unconscionable and unconstitutional legislation. “H.R. 1797 is an… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene introduced amendments to the Farm Bill that would save free school meals and update eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while also reducing the federal deficit. Currently, H.R. 1947, the Farm Bill, cuts $20.5 billion from nutrition programs like SNAP, which would result in nearly two million people losing SNAP benefits… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene signed onto a discharge petition today to force an up-or-down vote on key legislation that would stop the doubling of the interest rate for subsidized Stafford loans on July 1.  The bill, which DelBene is co-sponsoring, would freeze the interest rate on these loans at 3.4% for the next two years – giving Congress time to enact comprehensive student… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene announced today that she will be living on an average food stamp budget for one week – $4.50 a day – to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition programs for low-income families and children in combating hunger.“It’s critically important to raise awareness and stand up for the millions of families, children and seniors across… Read more »

Today, members of the Washington delegation announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will make available $15.6 million in emergency funds to support repairs to the I-5 Skagit River Bridge.Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that the USDOT Emergency Relief funds will be… Read more »