National Security

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced the Protecting Individuals From Mass Aerial Surveillance Act, which would require the federal government to obtain a warrant to conduct aerial surveillance in the United States. Reps. Donald Beyer (VA-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Ted Poe (TX-02), are original cosponsors of the bipartisan bill. “Just… Read more »

BOTHELL – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today released the following statement on the international agreement reached by the P5+1 nations to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons: “I believe the United States should utilize peaceful solutions and focus on diplomatic efforts whenever possible to resolve international conflicts. With every negotiation, there is… Read more »

SEATTLE – Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced she will introduce legislation to ensure National Guard members who work in a certain status and their families retain health coverage when the member is temporarily ordered into State Active Duty to assist with a natural disaster, such as the SR 530 landslide. “Following last year’s tragic landslide, our… Read more »

Dear Friend, This week, the Associated Press reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has repeatedly used aircraft for surveillance missions over a number of U.S. cities, including Seattle. As your representative in Congress, protecting civil liberties is one of my highest priorities. That’s why I led 15 of my colleagues in sending a letter to FBI Director James… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today led members in sending a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey demanding explanations to recent reports that the Bureau used aircraft for secret surveillance missions over several U.S. cities. “Some of these aircraft were reported to be equipped with advanced surveillance devices that can pick up data from… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) applauded Senate-passage of sweeping reforms to rein in government surveillance programs, but said more should be done. “Bulk collection of American communications records is a gross violation of our civil liberties. I’m glad Congress has finally taken action to meaningfully rein in the government’s surveillance programs. But this is just the first… Read more »

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) applauded House-passage of sweeping reforms to rein in government surveillance programs. DelBene also delivered a floor speech ahead of the vote. “Bulk collection of American communications records is a gross violation of our civil liberties. I’m glad the House has finally taken action to meaningfully rein in the government’s… Read more »

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST: The bulk collection of Americans' phone records that Edward Snowden exposed two years ago is dividing the Republican-led Congress. The issue has come to a head because the part of the USA Patriot Act used to carry out that bulk collection expires at the end of the month. The house will vote today to modify that provision by banning the massive collection of phone… Read more »