Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) applauded the passage of important measures in the Timber Innovation Act (H.R. 1380) as part of the 2019 Farm Bill that passed the House of Representatives. DelBene and Kilmer introduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation which would find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material. The Farm Bill is expected to be signed into law by the president. Following the economic crisis of 2008, rural communities across Washington...
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Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the Lifelong Learning and Training Account Act. This bill would create a tax-preferred savings account with a generous government match to assist low and moderate-income workers seeking to retrain or upskill over the course of their careers. This legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). Studies show that in the years ahead, more workers will be forced to learn new skills throughout ...
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Dear Friend, Washington state boasts a diverse range of innovative sectors, including an exciting local space industry. Our space industry supports more than 6,000 jobs and generates $1.7 billion for our economy. To sustain economic growth in our region, we must have an open dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead and how we can best prepare for those. That’s why I joined House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), whose district incl...
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Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene joined with Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) for a roundtable conversation with companies and organizations leading, innovating, and building Washington state’s space cluster. The discussion focused on what is being done to sustain and grow Washington’s space industry, and what Congress can do to help foster growth. The event was hosted by Aerojet Rocketdyne, who also led DelBene and Hoyer on a tour of their Redmond facility. The discussion was a continuation...
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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) held a roundtable in Redmond to discuss the importance of extending the FICA tip tax credit to employer-based beauty establishments. DelBene sat down with salon owners in Redmond and talked about how creating parity will help businesses and their workforce. This month, Rep. DelBene helped introduce bipartisan legislation to empower small businesses by extending the tip tax credit to the beauty service industry. “Hearing directly from these employers underscore...
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Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and fellow Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee sent a letter demanding answers from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) about how the Administration intends to fulfill the reporting and transparency procedures required under Trade Promotion Authority. Signees of the letter to Ambassador Robert Lighthizer include Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Sandy Levin (D-MI) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA). The lette...
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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced H.R. 6836 today to update and modernize existing laws to provide equitable treatment and administrative relief to small businesses engaged in the hair care and beauty service industry. This legislation would extend the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit—which is currently available to the food service industry—to employer-based beauty service establishments where tipping is also customary. Cur...
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Dear Friend, I recently participated in Startup Week to celebrate the innovation and creativity that drives many Washington state startups. I toured several startups in our region to highlight their impact on our local and national economy. Washington is home to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the country, and we need to keep doing everything possible to foster a healthy startup ecosystem. Our country’s economy depends on good startups. Not only do they lead the way in innovation, b...
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To celebrate "Startup Week Across America," Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) visited yesterday with local startups in the greater Seattle area to draw greater attention to the importance startups have on job creation and the economy. DelBene and other members of Congress are visiting local businesses this week across a variety of sectors to discuss the economic impact startups have on the nation. “It was exciting to meet with these amazing startups and learn more about what they do. Our regio...
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Today marks the beginning of Startup Week Across America. This week, a bipartisan coalition of House members will draw attention to the important role startups play in our economy and how we can help support their efforts to grow and succeed. In 2015, startup firms created 2.5 million jobs, roughly 15 percent of all new job creation that year. In 2017, startups represented almost 9.5 percent of all private sector firms in the United States. Firms less than a year old and with 10 or fewer employe...
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