eNewsletters
Taking Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom
Hello, Folks - It's been a busy few weeks in DC - so let's dive right in! Protecting Reproductive Freedom Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. That decision, made by a conservative-led Supreme Court, threatens reproductive freedom everywhere. Already, in the immediate aftermath of the Dobbs decision, at least nine states have put abortion bans in effect, and half of all states are expected to ban or severely limit reproductive freedom in … Continue Reading
July 11, 2022
Updates on My Bill to Save Taxpayers Money - and Securing New Investments for Our Region
Hello, Folks - It's been a busy few weeks - so let's dive right in! Saving Taxpayers Money & Improving Government Efficiency Tomorrow, I'm heading back to DC with a full slate of items to tackle. There's a lot on the docket for the week… Legislation to protect reproductive freedom in light of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision; The National Defense Authorization Act, which is comprehensive legislation to support our servicemembers and their families (and which includes provisions … Continue Reading
June 27, 2022
Updates on Protecting Reproductive Rights, Keeping Our Kids Safe, and Securing Investments in Our Region
Hello, Folks - I hope you and your loved ones have been staying well. As you have likely seen, on Friday, the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. That decision, made by a conservative-led Supreme Court, threatens reproductive freedom everywhere. We know that at least 25 states are expected to severely limit or ban abortion in the wake of this ruling - and Republicans in even more states, including Washington, will now undoubtedly make efforts to limit access to … Continue Reading
June 13, 2022
Updates on Cutting Costs, Tackling Gun Violence, and Helping Veterans Secure Affordable Housing
Hello Folks - In this job, it's important for me to hear from the folks I represent. That's why I was excited to host a town hall in Bremerton last week to take questions about all sorts of issues - from lowering the costs of health care, to holding oil companies accountable for price gouging, to having the backs of our federal workers and our veterans. Thanks to who everyone who came out! Now… on to the news! Cutting Costs for American Families Now that the economy has shown … Continue Reading
May 31, 2022
Keeping Our Kids Safe From Gun Violence and Addressing the Baby Formula Shortage
Hello, Folks - Yesterday, on Memorial Day, our nation paused to remember and honor the brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. The day wasn't about cook-outs or appliance sales - it was about recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of so many Americans. I was grateful to join folks in Mason County to remember and appreciate all those who died in service to our country. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten. Ending the Epidemic of Gun Violence in America Over … Continue Reading
May 16, 2022
Making Progress on Cutting Costs
Hello Folks - In this job, it's important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our region about the issues that matter to them. That's why I was excited to host a town hall at Tacoma Community College recently to take questions from folks across our region about all sorts of issues - from lowering the costs of health care, to holding oil companies accountable for price gouging at the pump and creating an energy-independent future, to having the backs of our veterans. I … Continue Reading
April 18, 2022
Details on This Week's Telephone Town Hall, New Legislation to Support Small Business, and My Work to Fix Congress
Hello Folks - Just when you think spring has finally sprung - hail and snow hit the region (hopefully that's the last time we'll see winter for a while)! Despite the rugged April, I'm excited that the Mariners finally held their home opener and got the baseball season underway here in the Pacific Northwest. I want to remind folks that on Wednesday at 6:00 pm PT, I'll be hosting a telephone town hall. In this job, it's important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our … Continue Reading
April 04, 2022
Updates on Lowering the Costs of Insulin, Making Government Work Better, and Delivering New Federal Investments for Our Region
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well. It's been a busy few weeks - so let's dive right in! Lowering the Costs of Insulin In the greatest country on the planet, you shouldn't go broke if you or a loved one needs medication. Unfortunately, prescription drug costs in our nation are simply unacceptable. For my family and for so many families, these issues regarding the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs are not theoretical policy conversations. They are real, and they … Continue Reading
March 21, 2022
Big News on New Federal Investments in Our Region
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well. It's been a busy few weeks - so let's dive right in. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have the opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping decide what investments our government makes. It's an opportunity to support investments for our region that will create jobs and economic opportunity, help underserved populations, fulfill unmet federal obligations, and support the communities I serve. This year, I've been able to make … Continue Reading
March 07, 2022
An Update on Ukraine – and Working to Bring People Together
Hello Folks - I hope you have been staying well. It's been a busy few weeks - so let's dive right in! As you know, since the last newsletter, Russia took the unprovoked and aggressive action of invading Ukraine. The invasion is not only illegal - but a reckless breach of global peace and stability. It has long been an American value that we respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our allies. Our nation has supported the notion that countries should be able to choose their own … Continue Reading
February 07, 2022
Growing Jobs in America – and in Our Region
Hello, Folks - It's been a busy few weeks in DC - so let's dig right in! Strengthening America's Competitiveness and Creating Jobs As many readers of this newsletter know, before running for Congress, I worked for over ten years professionally in economic development, working to keep and grow jobs in our region. When I worked in that role, I had a sign on my wall that said: "We're competing with everyone, everywhere, every day, forever." I admit that I often found that sign a bit … Continue Reading
January 24, 2022
Updates on New Investments in America’s Infrastructure & Making Progress for Our Veterans
Hello, Folks - I hope this finds you and yours doing well. Last week marked the one-year anniversary of President Biden's inauguration - and it's been a busy year. As we think about all that has happened in 2021 - I think it's worth remembering how far our country has come. Just one year ago, the headlines were rather dire. As 2021 opened, there were articles about food banks facing record demand and about the American people facing record housing instability. Far too many of our local … Continue Reading
January 10, 2022
Here’s How the Infrastructure Law Will Help in Our Neck of the Woods
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you and yours safe and healthy. Last week, our nation marked a dark anniversary - the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. As someone on Capitol Hill while the events of that day transpired, the attempt to overturn our democracy was a searing moment for me personally. Seeing the Confederate flag paraded through the Capitol and seeing law enforcement officers beaten mercilessly are images that are hard to get past. I hope that every American took time … Continue Reading
December 27, 2021
A Year in Review
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you safe and enjoying a wonderful holiday season with loved ones. Over the holiday weekend, I got to spend some quality time with my kiddos, got to re-watch It's a Wonderful Life (and Die Hard), got to eat far too many Christmas cookies (and way too much pie), and even got some great gifts (including a new Star Wars t-shirt... Santa really knows me!). This morning, I shoveled my driveway and I can report firsthand - It's cold out there! So, make sure to check … Continue Reading
December 13, 2021
Updates on Protecting Our Democracy, Fixing Congress, and Supporting Our Troops
Hello, Folks -My Christmas tree is up and decorated (with a special section for Star Wars ornaments). Our house is all lit up like the Griswold home in Christmas Vacation. Cookies have been baked, and I even have some eggnog in my fridge! It's official - the holiday season is upon us!Having said that, it's been a busy few weeks in DC. Congress has been making progress on issues that matter to our region. So, let's dive right in!Protecting Our DemocracyLast week, President Biden hosted a … Continue Reading
November 29, 2021
Investing in Middle Class Families to Build Back Better
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you well and having had your fill of turkey, football, and... rain. It was terrific for me to get to spend some time with my family over the Thanksgiving weekend. We ate a lot, played a few board games, watched a couple movies, and counted our blessings. My wife and kiddos (and the roof over our heads) are among the many things for which I'm thankful. But that's not all. I'm thankful for the opportunity to represent you. As most of you know, I was born and … Continue Reading
November 15, 2021
A Huge Win for Jobs
Hello Folks - Well, it's official: for better or for worse, rainy season is back. These past few weeks have been a reminder of the old saying that here in Washington we don't tan - we rust. I hope folks have been able to stay dry but most importantly, safe, during the recent wave of storms across the region. Back in DC, there have been some big developments when it comes to creating jobs and addressing significant infrastructure needs in our region, so let's get into the details! … Continue Reading
November 01, 2021
Building Back Better & Honoring Our Veterans
Hello Folks - I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Halloween! At the Kilmer household, we kept with some familiar traditions and welcomed trick-or-treaters with a few classic Star Wars themed pumpkins! After much deliberation, I've decided that my favorite Halloween candy is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (though I'll take a Twix or a Kit Kat any day of the week). It's been a busy few weeks in DC - so let's dive right in! Building Back Better Last week, President Biden announced the … Continue Reading
October 18, 2021
An Update on the Work to Highlight Our Region's Priorities - and to Make Health Care and Child Care More Affordable
Hello, Folks - Let me start this week with some promising news! As of last week, over 77% of all Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and over 71% of Washingtonians are fully vaccinated. That's great news as we look to get this virus under control (if you haven't been vaccinated, you can visit the Washington Department of Health's Vaccine Locator or call 833-VAX-HELP to make your appointment today). Importantly, those higher vaccination rates have … Continue Reading
October 04, 2021
An Update on the Progress Being Made to Build Back Better
Hello Folks - Like many folks, I was glued to the television on Sunday afternoon hoping our Mariners could make it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, they came up just short - but not before Dave Sims sparked a whole lot of joy in our region on Saturday afternoon with a classic "hey now" call as they made the final push! Hopefully, next year, we can get some October baseball here in our region! It's been a busy few weeks in DC - so let's dive right in. Working to Help America Build Back … Continue Reading