National Security

DelBenes Fix for National Guard Healthcare Clears Committee, Heads to Floor

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The House Armed Services Committee today added Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) bill to the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), ensuring National Guard members retain health coverage when responding to state emergencies, such as landslides or earthquakes. “We should not be forcing our National Guard members to choose between helping our communities and…

DelBene Praises Senate Action to Hold Army Corps Accountable

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today lauded Senate passage of an amendment requiring military agencies – including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) – to purchase anchor and mooring chain from American manufacturers. DelBene secured passage of the amendment in last year’s omnibus, and is now fighting alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to protect the…

DelBene to Army Corps: Follow the Law, Support U.S. Manufacturers

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today blasted the Army Corps of Engineers for rejecting her call to comply with federal regulations and support American manufacturers. “For more than half a century, Congress has been clear that taxpayer dollars should be spent on products manufactured here at home, not overseas. Doing so not only protects American jobs, but also reinforces our…

DelBene: Weakening Encryption is Irresponsible Approach

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today defended the use of encryption to protect Americans’ privacy ahead of a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the topic. “Our first priority must always be keeping Americans safe and I believe we can find a balance between preserving one’s right to privacy and protecting our national security,” DelBene said. “As a…

DelBene Calls for Commission to Weigh Privacy, Digital Security

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today helped introduce a bill to create a Digital Security Commission bringing stakeholders together to develop recommendations for maintaining privacy and digital security. “All sides – including lawmakers, industry leaders, privacy advocates, security experts and law enforcement – need to come together to ensure we’re doing…

DelBene: Encryption Protects Americans Privacy

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BOTHELL – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today released the following statement on the government requiring a company to break their encryption: “My first priority is always keeping Americans safe. That’s why I believe it is important for people to understand that this court order is not about a single iPhone, case or company. It is about setting a precedent that…

DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect National Guard Families

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring National Guard members retain their health coverage when responding to state emergencies, such as landslides or earthquakes. “In the aftermath of the SR 530 landslide, highly trained members of the Washington National Guard did a tremendous job helping with search-and-rescue and…

DelBene Supports Bill to Strengthen Visa Protections

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today voted for the bipartisan Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) in an effort to strengthen the screening process of foreigners visiting the United States after recent terrorist attacks. “The safety of Americans is my top priority and it is clear that ISIL poses a growing…

DelBene Supports Bill to Prevent Terror Suspects from Buying Guns

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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today cosponsored the bipartisan Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act (H.R.1076), which would close a loophole that has allowed more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist to buy guns. “I am first and foremost committed to protecting the lives of Americans. Rather than focusing on fear…

WA Leaders: Reject Fear & Panic Surrounding Refugee Resettlement

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SEATTLE — Elected officials and community leaders from across Seattle and Washington State called for on citizens to reject fear and panic following weeks of harmful and discriminatory rhetoric aimed at refugees seeking resettlement in the United States. Citing Washington State’s long history of opening its doors and providing equal opportunity to those seeking a safe haven…