DelBene, Suzan RSS Articles

Ways & Means Republicans Continue Covering Up Harms of Trump’s Medicare AI Experiment

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) forced a vote on an amendment during a Ways & Means Committee markup that would require the Trump administration to release yet-unseen information about the WISeR program. The program pays private companies to use AI to delay and deny care to seniors in Washington and five other states.

Since the program began in January, patients have been left in severe pain and unable to access the care prescribed by their doctors. In June, DelBene announced that Virtix, the company administering WISeR in Washington, was ordered to submit a corrective action plan for delays in reviewing claims after a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) audit of its performance. Neither document has been released to Congress or the public.

The amendment would force CMS to release any audits or corrective action plans for WISeR-participating companies within 3 months. It would also direct the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to analyze the impacts of Medicare Advantage plans’ red tape on patients and providers. Ways & Means Republicans rejected the amendment by an 18-19 vote.

“It’s clear why the administration is doing everything they can to conceal these documents. The more that Americans learn about WISeR, the more outraged they get at the Trump administration for jeopardizing their care and trying to privatize Medicare,” said DelBene.

This effort was informed by a bombshell report released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation that revealed widespread delays and denials of care, operational chaos, and reports of patient harm. The report contains nearly 1,000 pages of documentation, including contracts with participating companies, internal reports, and health care providers’ complaints about the program, that were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and lawsuit. It also sheds light on the CMS’ plan to expand WISeR to cancer treatments and other types of care.

DelBene introduced legislation last November to repeal WISeR and has led multiple other legislative efforts to stop the program.

Watch DelBene’s remarks here. The text of the amendment can be found here.

New Documentary Highlights Need for Reauthorized Federal Landslide Prevention Programs to Save Lives

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

A new WCNC documentary, “Lost Ground: The Hidden Danger Beneath Us,” chronicles the aftermath of deadly landslides that have devastated communities across the country. It also highlights the need to close the gaps in science and mapping to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards to protect at-risk communities across the country.

On March 22, 2014, a massive landslide near Oso, Washington killed 43 people, destroyed 42 homes, and severely damaged public infrastructure and private property. The documentary features stories from Oso, Hurricane Helene, and other landslides.

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) speaks in the documentary about the importance of Congress reauthorizing federal landslide preparedness programs that expired in 2024.

In 2021, the National Landslide Preparedness Act, authored by DelBene, was passed into law and created the first-of-its-kind federal landslide program.

“The legislation to reauthorize has passed in the Senate. We’re working to get that through the House, so the program will be reauthorized and can continue going forward,” said DelBene. “We’ve had strong bipartisan support. Communities across the country are vulnerable. This is about all of us coming together and making sure we're doing everything possible to prevent a national tragedy.”

DelBene is featured in the following portions of the documentary:

From 35:38: DelBene discusses the Oso landslide and her legislation to improve landslide preparedness
From 40:04: DelBene discusses the importance of mapping landslides and reauthorizing the National Landslides Hazards Reduction Program
From 47:41: DelBene discusses the need for proactive policies and how communities can stay alert

The reauthorization legislation passed the Senate in January 2026. It was unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources Committee in June 2025 and is awaiting a floor vote. The bill is also included in the Weather Act reauthorization bill, which is in negotiations between the House and Senate.

DelBene: Voluntary Commitments to Reduce Health Insurance Paperwork Not Good Enough, Congress Must Pass Bipartisan Legislation

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement on UnitedHealthcare’s announcement that it will voluntarily reduce prior authorization requirements. This follows last year’s industry pledge to reduce prior authorization requirements.

“While it’s encouraging to see health insurance plans acknowledge that their unnecessary prior authorization requirements are preventing patients from getting the care they need, these announcements shouldn’t replace or delay much-needed legislative reforms.

“Voluntary commitments aren’t enforceable and can be changed at any time. The way we truly reform this deeply flawed practice that worsens health outcomes is to pass the overwhelmingly bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This legislation would ensure that all insurers are playing by the same rules, modernize and speed up the frustrating prior authorization process, and create the necessary transparency and accountability for those who fail to meet these new standards.”

Background

In May 2025, Representatives DelBene, Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS) and Mark Warner (VA) reintroduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
This bipartisan, zero-cost legislation would help get seniors the care they deserve and allow health care providers to spend more time with patients by streamlining and modernizing the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage.
The bill currently has over 300 cosponsors in the House and 70 in the Senate, commanding super majorities in each chamber.
In July 2026, the legislation was unanimously approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee and Ways & Means Committee.

DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Protect Nonprofits’ Tax-Exempt Status

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Greg Steube (FL-17) introduced the Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act, legislation that would clarify that a nonprofit’s federal tax-exempt status does not constitute federal financial assistance.

The bill amends Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code to state that a federal income tax exemption does not count as federal financial assistance for organizations described under sections 501(c), 501(d), or 401(a).

There are roughly 2 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Many operate without any direct government assistance, thereby avoiding the compliance burdens that federal subsidies often impose. When the tax code was written, Congress intended for a clear distinction between nonprofits that do and do not accept government assistance. This bill affirms Congress’ intent and limits legal uncertainty.

“Nonprofits across the country rely on clear, consistent federal rules to continue serving their communities effectively. In recent years, conflicting court decisions have created uncertainty by suggesting that nonprofits could be subject to regulations that Congress never intended for them. This bipartisan legislation would clarify that an organization’s tax-exempt status is not federal financial assistance. It would protect charities, philanthropies, community‑based organizations, and religious institutions from unnecessary regulations so they can stay focused on delivering critical services,” said DelBene.

“Nonprofits across the country depend on their tax-exempt status to carry out their work. That status should never be treated as a form of government assistance,” said Steube. “The Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act puts a clear, permanent rule in statute so nonprofits do not have to worry about their tax exemption being reinterpreted as a government handout.”

“Nonprofit organizations are the heart of our communities. They play an essential role in supporting families and hardworking Americans, advancing research, educating students, and providing countless other public benefits, often stepping in where government and business can’t or shouldn’t. Their strength lies in their independence. The Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act protects tax-exempt organizations independent from the federal government from unnecessary and burdensome risks of litigation or bureaucratic overreach. We appreciate Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) and Congresswoman DelBene for their bipartisan leadership so nonprofits can continue to focus on their missions,” said Community Impact Coalition Co-Chairs: Tommy Goodwin and Mary Wheatley.

“Associations are among the most trusted institutions in American life,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO, American Society of Association Executives. “They set the standards that keep products safe and professions credible, train and credential the workforce, and convene the people who solve problems no single company or agency can solve alone. That work depends on their independence. The Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act makes clear what has always been true: tax exemption is not federal financial assistance, and it should never become a lever for government control over organizations that accept no federal dollars. ASAE thanks Congressman Steube and Congresswoman DelBene for introducing this important legislation and urges members of Congress to support it.”

“Representing family forestry businesses across Rural America, the Forest Landowners Association understands firsthand the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities and advancing the interests of the people and industries they serve,” said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association. “Tax-exempt status is not a government grant or subsidy, and it should not be treated as federal financial assistance. The Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act provides important clarity and protects organizations like FLA from unnecessary regulatory burdens that could hinder our ability to carry out our missions. FLA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation.”

“Community Associations Institute (CAI) is proud to support the Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act,” said Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, CEO of CAI. “Nonprofit organizations like CAI play an essential role in providing important resources to support the integrity and strength of America’s communities. This legislation helps ensure CAI can continue to prioritize our members and provide the education, advocacy, and resources they need to support thriving community associations. We thank Congressman Steube and Senator Lankford for their leadership on this important legislation.”

The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of nonprofit organizations, including the Community Impact Coalition, Career Education Colleges and Universities, American Society of Association Executives, National Scleroderma Foundation, Women in Trucking, Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Community Associations Institute, The Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild, Inc., Household and Commercial Products Association, American Rental Association, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, Bostrom, National Association for Regulatory Administration, Association Management Services, Inc., Association CEO, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and the National Emergency Number Association.

The full text of the Safeguarding America’s Nonprofits Act is available here.

DelBene, Patients, Providers Raise Alarm Over Looming Republican Medicaid Cuts, Work Requirements

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined patients and providers at the Together Center to discuss the impact of the Medicaid cuts in Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill, many of which are set to take full effect early next year and will kick over 350,000 Washingtonians off their Apple Health coverage.

The Big Ugly Bill slashed over $1 trillion from Medicaid. Nearly 2 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. The cuts include new work requirements, more frequent paperwork requirements for patients, and shifting more of the administrative costs onto states.

The new work requirements are set to take full effect in January 2027. Patients with serious medical conditions like cancer and HIV could be forced to work to retain their health insurance. Washingtonians who are too sick to fulfill the mandated work requirements and do not qualify for an extremely narrow exemption will lose their insurance. Without insurance, more people will be forced to rely on emergency rooms for uncompensated care, placing an increased burden on local hospitals and community health clinics.

“Washingtonians are bracing for the impact of Congressional Republicans’ heartless cuts to Medicaid,” said DelBene. “Their Big Ugly Bill forces people with serious medical conditions to choose between navigating complex red tape and working to avoid losing their insurance when they should be focusing on their care instead. Republicans slashed over a trillion dollars from our health care system to give tax breaks to their wealthy friends. Patients, providers, hospitals, and clinics in our community will be left paying the price.”

“Across Washington, the changes driven by H.R. 1, a bill passed by congressional Republicans and signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2025, will touch thousands of families, older adults, working people, and communities in every corner of the state. Beginning this fall and into 2027, many Washingtonians will see shifts in eligibility, new work requirements, and more frequent renewal timelines — changes that will affect the coverage they rely on for essential care,” said Trinity Wilson, Health Care Authority Medicaid Director. “What’s most important for people to know right now is that support is available. We encourage everyone to keep their contact information up to date, review any notices they receive, and reach out to Apple Health or Washington Healthplanfinder if they have questions about their coverage options. While these federal changes present real challenges, Washington's commitment remains the same: to help Washingtonians stay informed, stay covered, and stay connected to the care they need.”

More information about the Medicaid cuts can be found here.

You can watch DelBene’s opening remarks at the roundtable here.

DelBene Delivers $5 Million for Snohomish Food & Farming Center, Hears From Local Producers

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered a $5 million ceremonial check for the Food & Farming Center in Snohomish County. DelBene secured the investment in the FY24 federal funding law.

Farmers in the region often lack resources to process and sell their products, and consumers struggle to access locally grown food. The Snohomish County Food & Farming Center will provide local fruit and vegetable farmers with equipment and infrastructure for processing, aggregation, and distribution. Plans for the center also feature a commercial kitchen and an indoor farmers market to aid consumers in purchasing locally grown produce. This funding will help Snohomish develop and build the center. In addition to the $5 million that DelBene secured in the FY24 federal funding law, she also secured $750,000 for the project in FY23.

Following the presentation of the ceremonial check, DelBene held a listening session with Snohomish County farmers at Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm to hear about the problems they’re facing. Producers discussed disaster preparedness, workforce challenges, land use policies, and infrastructure funding.

“Our region is home to a strong local farming community,” said DelBene. “We must make sure we are looking out for our farmers and provide them with the tools they need to successfully operate their farms and share their wonderful locally grown produce. As farmers face unprecedented challenges from high fuel and fertilizer costs, Trump’s tariffs, and a weak economy, federal funding will aid Snohomish County in supporting them and further developing this project.”

“Snohomish County has a long legacy of family farms that have fed our community for generations, when the new Food and Farming Center opens it will secure this legacy for future generations,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “I am grateful to Rep. DelBene and our federal delegation for their partnership and collaboration to fund this important investment to support farmers and food security at a challenging time.”

DelBene secured over $18 million for 15 community projects across Washington’s 1^st Congressional District in the FY24 federal funding package. Only non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities are permitted to receive funding.

More information about the project can be found here.

DelBene Delivers $850,000 for Mountlake Terrace Community Center Resiliency Project

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA – Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered an $850,000 ceremonial check for the City of Mountlake Terrace to fund repairs to the city’s emergency services shelter at the library. DelBene secured the investment in the FY26 federal funding law.

The library houses several important resources, including educational programs, community spaces, and emergency shelter for extreme weather events. The facility serves approximately 170,000 residents each year. The emergency services shelter building contains a designated Snohomish County daytime heating and cooling center and is the only shelter within city limits.

This federal investment will aid the city in making critical repairs to the community center’s emergency services shelter building, which will ensure the heating and cooling center can remain operational and serve residents in need during extreme weather events.

“The Mountlake Terrace Library is home to many essential services, including the only daytime heating and cooling center in the city,” said DelBene. “Unfortunately, the aging building is falling apart and is in dire need of repairs to address safety and accessibility concerns and prevent operational disruptions. This federal investment will aid the city in making necessary repairs and ensure they can continue offering a lifeline that keeps thousands in our community safe.”

“Our city extends a heartfelt thank you to Congressmember DelBene, her colleagues in DC, and her staff for this generous investment in our community's safety and resiliency. The Mountlake Terrace Community Center Resiliency Project provides hope and structure for those in need during times of extreme weather events. Our partnership in funding its maintenance provides tangible evidence of how government works best together,” said Mountlake Terrace Mayor Steve Woodard.

DelBene secured over $22.2 million for 15 community projects across Washington’s 1^st Congressional District in the FY26 federal funding package. Only non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities are permitted to receive funding.

More information about the project can be found here.

DelBene Delivers $500,000 for Bellevue Wastewater Improvement Project

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) delivered a $500,000 ceremonial check to the City of Bellevue to replace old pipes and upgrade the wastewater management system along Lake Washington. DelBene secured the investment in the FY26 federal funding law.

This federal investment will be dedicated to the Lake Washington Sanitary Sewer Lines Program. First installed in the 1950s and 1960s, the wastewater management system’s pipes are aging and need to be updated. They currently serve approximately 1,900 residents in the Hunts Point, Yarrow Point, Evergreen Point, Medina South, Meydenbauer Bay, Killarney and Newport South areas. Without repairs and modernization, the “Lake Lines” will begin to fail and could release raw sewage into Lake Washington. This federal funding will aid the City of Bellevue in developing a plan to manage and update the system, which will protect public health and the local ecosystem.

“Lake Lines serve 1,900 members of our community, but the aging pipes’ location along the shoreline and in Lake Washington create challenges for upgrades,” said DelBene. “Bellevue has worked tirelessly to come up with a strategy to update these pipes to preserve access, protect public health, and avoid harm to Lake Washington. This funding will make a difference in the development and eventual implementation of this critical project.”

“Most people never think about the sewer lines running along Lake Washington - and that’s a good thing. But some of this infrastructure has been serving Bellevue since the 1950s and 60s, and now it is our responsibility to plan for what comes next,” said Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian. “We are grateful to Congresswoman DelBene for helping secure this federal investment and for recognizing that a $1.2 billion challenge will require continued partnership. This funding helps us start that work now, protect Lake Washington and plan responsibly for the generations that will depend on it.”

More information about the project can be found here.

WA Delegation Requests Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined Washington state’s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating wildfires sweeping through Central and Eastern Washington state.

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and issued a statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026. On Saturday, the National Weather Service upgraded the Red Flag Warning to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, a rare designation typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Over 700 structures have been lost in the fires so far and over 14,000 structures are threatened, with over 67,000 people evacuated.

Joining DelBene in the letter to President Trump were Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Representatives, Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

“These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry. So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened. As the fires continue to burn, this number is expected to climb. Hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms, and many are prohibited from returning to their homes or neighborhoods as crews continue to extinguish smoldering embers,” the lawmakers wrote to President Trump. “Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces, have deployed to Washington state and are working overtime to suppress these fires, while National Guard members are assisting local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. Expedited federal assistance will help continue these efforts and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources they need.”

“While local, state, and federal resources deployed quickly to respond to the wildfires, federal assistance is needed as firefighting, evacuations, and emergency shelter operations are ongoing. Expedited federal assistance is critical and will help firefighting crews continue to suppress these persistent wildfires and protect the businesses, farms, schools, healthcare facilities, and residential homes from devastation, all while ensuring those displaced by the fires have the support and resources they need,” the lawmakers concluded.

The full letter can be found here

DelBene on Trump’s Latest Tariff Gambit: Grasping at Straws, Hurting Families

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s latest round of tariffs.

“These tariffs are not legitimate or thoughtful trade policy. Yet again, President Trump is going around Congress and raising prices on families and businesses.

“The outcome of these sham investigations was determined before they were ever announced. The White House is grasping at straws to try to find a legal rationale to keep these sweeping tariffs in place. And as usual, Congressional Republicans will find no courage to stand up to the president while their constituents back home suffer the consequences.

“Forced labor is a serious human rights violation that demands real, targeted enforcement. It should never be cheapened into a political excuse for this president’s misguided and damaging trade agenda.

“American families and businesses deserve a predictable, realistic economic plan that lowers costs, not an unchecked president looking for excuses to act like a king.”

DelBene Hosts Telephone Town Hall

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:15:00 GMT

Join Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) for a telephone town hall on Monday, February 24 at 6:16 PM PT for a discussion on what's happening with the Trump administration and what she's doing in Congress to protect Washington families.