eNewsletters
An Update on My Work to Support Our Rural Communities
Hello Folks -There’s one more week in D.C. until the August district work period. The current forecast for Friday is 101 degrees, so I’m definitely looking forward to getting to spend time in our Washington - the better Washington! I’m gearing up for a whirlwind of traveling from pillar to post around our region through the month of August.There’s a lot to cover this week, so let’s jump right into the news.Recognizing and Honoring Our VeteransFirst off, if you follow me on Facebook or listen … Continue Reading
July 10, 2023
Updates on Efforts to Create More Economic Opportunities in Our Region
Hello Folks –I hope you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday last week! I attended a pancake breakfast, three parades, and a fireworks show (which I got to view from the deck of the USS Momsen). It was a full day – but a lot of fun! As summer gets into the swing of things, it’s full steam ahead for me. There’s a lot to cover so let’s jump right in.An Update on a New Program to Help CommunitiesHaving grown up on the Olympic Peninsula, I saw some of the challenges … Continue Reading
June 26, 2023
My Work to Revitalize Our Economy and Support Our Military
Hello Folks -It’s officially summer! As we close out June, I’m getting charged up for the Fourth of July. I’ll be serving pancakes in Kingston, walking in a few parades, and then hopefully watching the fireworks. Here’s hoping you all have a safe and festive holiday.Now … on to the news!Governing is About ChoicesSince my first day on the job, I’ve been focused on trying to make choices that make things better for folks across our region. In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that … Continue Reading
June 12, 2023
My Work to Protect Our Environment and Fight Back Against Cancer
Hello Folks -Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard a lot about the nation’s debt ceiling and the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that resolved the crisis.It’s not a perfect deal. But overall, the bipartisan agreement helped our country avoid economic catastrophe - and protected critical services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, health care, and funding for education. Last week, I spoke with Joe Kernen of CNBC’s morning program, “Squawk Box,” to discuss the Bipartisan … Continue Reading
May 30, 2023
An Update on America’s Fiscal House and Reducing Barriers to Housing That People Can Afford
Hello Folks -Yesterday, on Memorial Day, we paused to honor and remember brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation. The day wasn’t about cookouts or appliance sales - it was about recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of more than a million Americans who have died in military service since the Civil War. I was grateful to join folks at Ivy Green Cemetery to remember and appreciate all those from our community who died in service to our country. Their sacrifices should … Continue Reading
May 15, 2023
A Blueprint for Supporting Our Troops
Hello Folks –I hate to start my newsletter with tough news, but our region suffered a difficult blow last week when the Hurricane Ridge Lodge was destroyed in a fire. Having grown up in Port Angeles, I have countless memories from my time on the Ridge, and – like many people in our region – I understand its significance to our economy.I’ve had a lot of people ask me: “So what happens now?”Well, first, it’s important to note that Olympic National Park … Continue Reading
May 03, 2023
So, what’s the debt ceiling about?
Hello Folks –May has arrived. The Seahawks drafted some great new players. The Kraken won their first playoff series ever. And we finally broke 70 degrees. On top of that, it’s been quite a busy few weeks with plenty of news to share, so let's get right to it!America’s Fiscal HouseRecently, there’s been significant press attention surrounding the nation’s debt ceiling (also known as the debt limit). In January of this year, the federal government reached its debt … Continue Reading
April 17, 2023
An Update on Investing in Our Communities, Protecting Our Environment, and Ensuring Access to Health Care for Our Military
Hello Folks –This week we’re certainly feeling the April showers... Here’s hoping that there are warmer days ahead (and more wins by our Mariners!).Let's dive into what's been happening these past few weeks.Investing in Community SafetyFolks in local law enforcement have tough jobs, and it’s important that they have the training and resources that they require to keep us safe.As your representative, I've been working to support the important work they do by providing … Continue Reading
April 03, 2023
A Day in the Life in D.C. and Updates on Rural Health Care
Hello Folks –I hope this finds you I hope this finds you well. It’s been a busy few weeks – so let’s dive right in!OK – on to the news.Showing Up in D.C.Members of Congress spend a lot of time running from pillar to post across their districts, meeting with folks to hear their concerns and answer their questions. But what about when we’re in D.C.? I’m frequently asked, “what does the average day look like for you?”So, I thought I’d … Continue Reading
March 20, 2023
An Update on Rebuilding Local Economies, the 2023 Congressional Arts Competition, and the Return of the “Fix Congress” Committee
Hello Folks –I hope this finds you well as we press onwards into March Madness (Go Zags!) and warmer, sunnier weather! It’s been a busy few weeks in DC and across our region – so let’s jump right in!Rebuilding Local EconomiesAs many readers of this newsletter know, I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in the district I now have the honor of representing. I was in high school when the timber industry took it on the chin, and I saw a lot of my friends’ parents … Continue Reading
March 06, 2023
Serving You, Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Seniors, and Standing with Ukraine
Hello Folks –As we move into the month of March (and kick off March Madness), I’ve had a busy few weeks across our region. So, let’s dive right in!Serving YouI work for the people I represent, and it’s important that I get opportunities to hear directly from you. To the folks who attended my recent town hall meetings in Shelton and Tacoma, I appreciated the opportunity to give you an update on my work and to answer some of your questions. We talked about my efforts to … Continue Reading
February 20, 2023
In-Person Town Hall Meetings Happening This Week
Hello Folks –Happy President’s Day! February is well underway, and I’m knee-deep in a two-week district work period, meeting with folks from across our region to hear their concerns and answer their questions. This time of the year is always jam-packed with town halls, constituent meetings, local business visits, and more. I pride myself on keeping busy on behalf of the folks I represent. With that, let’s jump into the news.Happening This Week: In-Person Town Hall … Continue Reading
February 06, 2023
Upcoming Town Halls, Protecting Our Coast, Standing up for Our Region, and More
Hello Folks –February is here! That means new committee assignments, Super Bowl Sunday next weekend, and a whole lot of travel back and forth between the two Washingtons. All the while, I’m working hard for folks like you back home.OK – on to the news.Providing Valentines for VetsValentine’s Day is right around the corner and that means my “Valentines for Vets” program is back once again! We can’t ever thank our veterans enough, which is why I’m … Continue Reading
January 23, 2023
Housing, the Arts, and Getting America’s Fiscal House in Order
Hello Folks –I hope this finds you and yours doing well in the new year. January is well underway, and it’s all systems go in D.C. I’m up to my ears in constituent meetings and House votes, all while finding time to make it back to the district as much as possible, making myself available and accountable to you. Let’s jump right into the news.Getting America’s Fiscal House in OrderRecently, there’s been a fair amount of press attention around the … Continue Reading
January 09, 2023
Reflecting on Big Wins for Our Region
Hello Folks –Happy New Year!Hopefully you’re as excited as I am about the Seahawks making the playoffs after a drama-filled season.Speaking of drama… As we kicked off 2023, the 118th Congress witnessed a historic level of chaos.Let me explain: House Republicans, who now have a majority in the chamber, were split on who they want to be Speaker of the House. After 15 attempts to elect a speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy was finally elected Speaker of the House.For a little context, … Continue Reading
December 26, 2022
Investing in Our Communities + A BIG Win for Puget Sound
Hello Folks – I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! It was great to spend time with my family, share some presents and eggnog, and binge-watch Hallmark holiday movies. As we move into the New Year, I hope folks have a happy and healthy 2023, filled with prosperity and new opportunities! I’m also looking forward to another year as your representative. I’m honored to work for you! OK – on to the news. Puget SOS Act As folks may recall, the representative … Continue Reading
December 12, 2022
Updates on Honoring Promises to Native Nations, Defending Marriage Equality, and Supporting Our Servicemembers
Hello Folks – December is in full swing and that means it’s my favorite time of the year! From festive lights to holiday songs to time with friends and family, I’m not sure it gets much better than this. While everyone (including me) is celebrating their favorite things this time of the year, you can find me still fighting to make Congress work better for people in our region. From committee meetings in the Capitol to time with constituents in our communities, for me, the … Continue Reading
November 28, 2022
What I’m Thankful For – And Updates on Efforts to Fix Congress & Create Jobs
Hello Folks - I hope you all had a terrific weekend celebrating Thanksgiving with your loved ones. My family and I spent a lot of time at home eating (I think I crushed the pumpkin pie: see below!), watching the Apple Cup (way to go, Huskies!!), playing a few board games, and counting our blessings. I'm thankful for many things. For my family and friends. For the roof over my head. But that's not all. In addition, I'm thankful for the opportunity to represent you. As most of you know, I … Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Honoring Our Veterans - and A Big Win for Rural Health Care in Our Region
Hello Folks - I hope you had a terrific Veterans' Day weekend! Our community is stronger because we have so many people who served this nation who have chosen to call our region their home. As your representative, I'm committed to the notion that - if you serve our country, we should have your back. As we approach Thanksgiving next week, we should all be thankful for our nation's veterans. Speaking of veterans, let's dive right into some news! Honoring Our Veterans Between 1956 and 1975, … Continue Reading
October 31, 2022
Big Wins for Local Economies... and for Taxpayers!
Hello Folks - Happy Halloween! The Kilmer family is well-prepared for a lot of Trick-or-Treaters... though I'm hoping to have some leftover candy when the night is over! I'm all in on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (but I'll happily take some Twix and Kit-Kats... or any of it, really). Speaking of treats - let me kick this newsletter off with some big news! Our region got some amazing treats announced late last week by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria … Continue Reading