Press Releases
Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Fix America’s Election Watchdog
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD) introduced the bipartisan Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act to reform the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) and enable it to more effectively carry out its mission to oversee and enforce campaign finance laws. Due to the FEC’s even partisan split among its six commissioners, deadlock on key decisions has worsened, with unresolved cases rising … Continue Reading
February 27, 2024
Kilmer Announces Maritime Centers of Excellence in Pierce, Clallam, and Jefferson Counties
TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has designated three maritime organizations in Washington’s Sixth Congressional District as Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, including: Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock Peninsula College in Port Angeles Flagship Maritime Training Center in Tacoma “Throughout our region, a shortage of skilled … Continue Reading
February 23, 2024
Kilmer Announces Major NOAA Grant Award to Washington Maritime Blue for Ocean-Based Climate Solutions
TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) proudly announced that Washington Maritime Blue has been awarded a significant grant, totaling $248,403 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under its Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerators Program. This grant marks a monumental achievement in advancing ocean-based climate solutions and highlights the impactful work of Washington Maritime Blue in the maritime sector. “I am thrilled to see Washington … Continue Reading
February 12, 2024
Kilmer Named Winner of Award for Championing Independent Higher Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) received the Award for Advocacy of Independent Higher Education at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) 2024 Annual Meeting. The Advocacy Award was established to recognize individuals outside of academia who have championed the cause of independent higher education. Whether in government, business, or philanthropy, the recipient of this award has provided leadership, established resources, or … Continue Reading
February 06, 2024
Kilmer Statement on Rejecting Partisan Security Supplemental
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after voting to reject House Republicans’ partisan, incomplete security supplemental legislation - which failed to pass the House. Following the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, I have been firm in my support for Israel’s right to defend itself in a matter consistent with the international rules of war - and in my belief that the United States should provide resources toward … Continue Reading
January 25, 2024
Kilmer Announces $2.3 Million for Boat Haven at Port of Port Townsend
PORT TOWNSEND, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the Port of Port Townsend will receive $2.3 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program to replace the Port’s 300-ton boat lift. In June 2023, Rep. Kilmer wrote in strong support of the Port’s boat lift replacement proposal in a letter to EDA leadership. “As someone who grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, I know how much our maritime sector … Continue Reading
January 17, 2024
Kilmer and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Graves Lead Roundtable on Economic Development, Recent Federal Investments in Western Washington
TACOMA, WA - On Tuesday, January 16, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves spearheaded a pivotal roundtable, focusing on the significant federal investments boosting economic development and job creation in Western Washington. The event, which took place at Longshoreman Union Hall in Tacoma, focused on federal investments in Western Washington that create good-paying jobs and lower costs for hardworking families. “Our focus needs to be on … Continue Reading
January 16, 2024
Kilmer Announces New Federal Investment for Cultural and Community Resilience in Tacoma
TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the City of Tacoma will receive $145,987 in new federal funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Cultural and Community Resilience grant program. This funding is made possible by the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 initiative, a historic national commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. In 2019, the Tacoma City … Continue Reading
January 11, 2024
Kilmer Announces Major Federal Investment in Electric Trucking Hub at Port of Tacoma
TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced $12 million in new federal funding for the Northwest Seaport Alliance through the U.S. Department of Transportation Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. This grant is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. With this new federal investment, the Northwest Seaport Alliance will … Continue Reading
January 10, 2024
Kilmer Announces $16.6 Million for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on the Olympic Peninsula
PORT ANGELES, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced nearly $16.7 million in new federal funding for two projects on the Olympic Peninsula through the U.S. Department of Transportation Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. These grants are made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. $2,103,611 for the City of Port Angeles to … Continue Reading
December 21, 2023
Kilmer Champions Bill to Reinstate Reserves and Guard in VA Suicide Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced legislation to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include former members of the Reserves and Guard in its annual suicide report. After the 2020 report, the VA stopped including a separate statistic on suicides of former members of the Guard and Reserve, who were not federally activated. “If you serve this country, the federal government should have … Continue Reading
December 20, 2023
Kilmer-Led Program to Spur Economic Growth and Create Jobs Nationwide Delivers Historic Federal Funding for Economically Distressed Communities Across America
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding historic federal funding for distressed communities across the U.S., administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program). EDA also named 22 communities, including the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, as finalists for Phase 2 grants, which range between … Continue Reading
December 20, 2023
Kilmer Announces Historic Funding to Spur Economic Growth and Create Jobs in Clallam, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor Counties
PORT ANGELES, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced $1 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for two economic development initiatives on the Olympic Peninsula. The funding is being awarded through the Recompete Pilot Program, a new law authored by Rep. Kilmer, which aims to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term, comprehensive economic development and job creation. EDA awarded a $500,000 Strategy … Continue Reading
December 19, 2023
Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Critical Lung Cancer Screenings
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Larry Bucshon (IN-17), and Michelle Steel (CA-45) announced the introduction of the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, legislation to help ensure timely access to advanced screenings for lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., accounting for nearly one out of every five cancer deaths. Tragically, more than 80% … Continue Reading
December 14, 2023
Kilmer, Murray Celebrate Their Wild Olympics Bill Passing through Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, introduced and championed by U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray, passed through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources at a markup on pending legislation. Their legislation would permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness, and 19 rivers and their major tributaries - a total of 464 river miles - as Wild and Scenic … Continue Reading
December 14, 2023
Kilmer Champions Comprehensive Support for Servicemembers, Military Families in 2024 Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA). The bill authorizes funding for the Department of Defense (DOD) and passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. “If you serve this country, Congress should have your back and invest in you and your family,” said Rep. Kilmer. “With a 5.2% pay raise, improved housing, and expanded childcare support, the NDAA makes significant … Continue Reading
December 12, 2023
Kilmer Announces $600K in Federal Funding for Safer Streets and Improved Accessibility in Tacoma
TACOMA, WA - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the City of Tacoma will receive $600,000 in new federal funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation Rep. Kilmer supported and the largest long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. “All people deserve to feel safe on our … Continue Reading
December 07, 2023
Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Digital Literacy and Skills Under WIOA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), GT Thompson (PA-15), and Kathy Manning (NC-06) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Investing in Digital Skills Act, legislation to expand training opportunities around digital skills and literacy. Acknowledging the importance of these skills in the modern workforce, the Investing in Digital Skills Act would integrate digital skills and digital literacy as key elements of adult education … Continue Reading
December 07, 2023
Kilmer Applauds Executive Order to Usher in Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed an executive order to usher in the next era of Tribal self-determination: “The federal government has a moral and a legal obligation to uphold promises made to Indian Country. “Today, I commend President Biden for his decisive action in signing an executive order that significantly advances our nation’s commitment to Native American Tribes. By prioritizing … Continue Reading
November 09, 2023
Representative Derek Kilmer Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election
Media Kit - Photo, Summary of Work, Biography WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024. The Port Angeles native, who worked in economic development and served in the Washington State Legislature before being elected to Congress in 2012, released the following statement: “Over most of the past decade, each time I boarded the plane to DC, I would email my kids, Sophie and Aven, to explain to them why I was leaving - … Continue Reading