DelBene, Suzan RSS Articles

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, Sewell, Chu, Khanna Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Wealthy Tax Evaders

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Terri Sewell (AL-07, Judy Chu (CA-28), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced legislation to provide the IRS with the resources to improve taxpayer services and enhance tax enforcement focused on high-income tax evasion.

The Inflation Reduction Act included funding for the IRS to enhance taxpayer services, improve outdated technology systems, and target high-income tax evaders. This funding drastically improved customer service at the IRS. For example, in 2022, the average time to speak to an IRS customer service representative was 28 minutes. In 2023, it dropped to four minutes and then down to three minutes in 2024. Additionally, in 2024, $1.3 billion was recovered from high-income, high-wealth people under the IRA enforcement initiatives. Congressional Republicans cut this funding, making it harder for the IRS to enforce the tax code and provide services to taxpayers.

The Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (CHEATERS) Act would restore the $83 billion in funding for the IRS, which would go to taxpayer services, enforcement, and modernizing the agency. These enforcement investments would ensure the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share of taxes and is estimated to generate $998 billion in revenue, according to the Yale Budget Lab.

The $83 billion would be allocated as follows:

$45.6 billion for enforcement efforts
$25.4 billion for technology modernization
$9.6 billion for taxpayer services improvements
$3.1 billion for business systems enhancements

“For too long, wealthy individuals and large corporations have gotten away with not paying their fair share of taxes,” said DelBene. “Instead of addressing this problem, Congressional Republicans continue to cut IRS funding which makes enforcement more difficult. This bill restores the necessary funding so the agency can ensure that the tax code is enforced fairly and ensure wealthy tax evaders pay their fair share.”

“As working families continue to struggle to afford the rising cost of gas and groceries, Donald Trump and Republicans are rigging the economy to benefit themselves and their wealthy friends while dodging accountability. That is why I am proud to support the Stop CHEATERS Act to restore essential IRS funding and shift auditing and enforcement toward high-income individuals and large corporations,” said Sewell.

“When the ultra-wealthy and corporations cheat our system by not paying their fair share of taxes, working-class taxpayers and our economy suffer. Unfortunately, Republicans have only greenlit millionaire and billionaire tax cheats by slashing IRS staffing and funding that Democrats have fought so hard to bolster,” said Chu. “Our bill would restore $83 billion in IRS funding to strengthen taxpayer services while ensuring the ultra-wealthy finally pay their fair share.”

“Too many ultra-wealthy individuals and large corporations have exploited an underfunded IRS to avoid paying what they owe. The Stop CHEATERS Act gives the IRS the funding it needs to stop tax evasion by those at the top and would raise nearly $1 trillion in revenue over the next decade,” said Khanna.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Danny Davis (IL-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sarah McBride (DE-At-Large), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At-Large), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20).

The legislation is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, Americans for Tax Fairness, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Groundwork Action, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Main Street Alliance, National Treasury Employees Union, Patriotic Millionaires, Progressive Policy Institute, Public Citizen, P Street, SEIU, Small Business for America’s Future, Small Business Majority, Take on Wall Street, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Tax the Greedy Billionaires, and Third Way.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

Trump’s Latest Canada Tariffs Will Hurt WA Workers, Damage Regional Economy

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on President Trump’s latest 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.

“Washington state and Canada’s economies are deeply intertwined, and our trading relationship is mutually beneficial. These new taxes will raise prices on American families and likely lead to retaliation against the very industries Trump purportedly wants to protect. The president continues to demonstrate to the American people why he shouldn’t be allowed to put more tariffs in place without Congress’ approval.

“While we may have legitimate issues with the Canadians between our alcohol, dairy, and automotive producers, the right way to handle these concerns is through thoughtful policy and negotiations, not knee-jerk reactions from the White House.”

Democrats Push to Restore $83 Billion in Clawed-Back IRS Funds

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Dozens of House Democrats are supporting a new effort to replenish billions in pared-back IRS modernization funding, which they say is necessary to enforce tax law and help taxpayers.

“For too long, wealthy individuals and large corporations have gotten away with not paying their fair share of taxes,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the bill’s lead author. “This bill restores the necessary funding so the agency can ensure that the tax code is enforced fairly and ensure wealthy tax evaders pay their fair share.”

The push to restore roughly $83 billion that’s largely been clawed back since Democrats set aside a similar pot of money in their 2022 tax-and-climate law indicates the party still sees the agency as integral to its tax-the-rich ambitions. The legislation has nearly 40 cosponsors, according to DelBene’s office, which shared a draft of the new legislation ahead of its release with Bloomberg Tax.

The beleaguered agency has been a target of deep workforce cuts and has seen major upheaval among senior staff since Trump’s second administration. After several years of improvement in taxpayer services and reductions to call wait times during filing season, wait times rose this year.

The House legislation, which follows an earlier Senate proposal, would seek to provide the agency with funding to modernize its much-maligned technology infrastructure, improve taxpayer services, and boost its enforcement apparatus.

Increased IRS spending — $45.6 billion for enforcement, $25.4 billion for technology modernization, $9.6 billion for taxpayer services improvements and $3.1 billion for business systems enhancements — would generate an estimated $998 billion, according to a Yale Budget Lab study Democrats cited in the release.

Read the full article.

DelBene Statement on the Massie Amendment

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement:

“The American relationship with Israel must change for the good of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must find a path towards peace, and that requires thoughtful discussions and vetted policy. This poorly drafted and overly broad amendment does not just cut military aid to Israel. It also eliminates vital humanitarian assistance, halts funding that supports refugee resettlement, prevents the rebuilding of Gaza, disrupts U.S. diplomatic efforts, and weakens our ability to fight terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. We should not let Republicans dictate America’s position on the Middle East.

“The way forward must be anchored in a two-state solution that provides a commitment for Israel’s security alongside a viable, independent Palestinian state. This must include a surge of humanitarian aid to alleviate civilian suffering, aid to rebuild Gaza, and an end to the illegal settler expansion in the West Bank.

“The Netanyahu government is actively blocking this path. By pursuing a military-only strategy, Netanyahu has isolated Israel internationally, damaged its standing in the United States, and killed and displaced civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Americans should not be subsidizing this reckless and dangerous behavior. As the Israeli Prime Minister says, Israel can finance its own military. While Israel has a right to exist and defend itself from Iran and terrorists, that right does not excuse the horrifying destruction of innocent life or actions that destabilize the entire region.

“The path forward will not be an easy one, but we cannot accept the status quo. Today’s amendment would move us in the wrong direction by cutting humanitarian assistance and diplomatic aid. I voted against it and the underlying funding bill. I will keep working toward real solutions that bring us closer to a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.”

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.