eNewsletters
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
September 20, 2021
Go Time in DC – and a ‘Day in the Life’ During the District Work Period
Hello Folks - As I write this, I'm heading back to Washington, D.C., where there is a LOT of work to do over the next few weeks. But it's an exciting moment - since we're poised to make some real progress for our nation and for working families. That includes work to advance the President's Build Back Better Agenda -which will provide one of the biggest middle class tax cuts in history. In fact, 15 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics wrote in an open letter this week that Biden's agenda … Continue Reading
September 07, 2021
Celebrating Hard Working Americans & Serving You
Hello, Folks - In my family - and in many others - today is a big day... the first day of school! My kids were excited (and admittedly a bit anxious) about getting back to school today. And they were a bit bummed about the end of summer vacation. As for me - I had a very active "August District Work Period" (you'll notice I didn't call it "August Recess"). If you've followed me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you'll notice that I didn't treat the time Congress wasn't in session as … Continue Reading
August 23, 2021
An Update on Afghanistan & A Historic Visit from the Interior Secretary
Hello, Folks - As I write this, I'm heading back to DC as the House prepares to make progress on some big-ticket items. First, the House will move to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act, also known as HR4. This important legislation, which honors my former colleague, the civil rights icon John Lewis, will safeguard voting rights by putting the teeth back into the Voting Rights Act and ensuring equal access to the ballot box for EVERY American citizen. As we see efforts across … Continue Reading
August 10, 2021
A trip to the Oval Office … and some more wins in Appropriation
Hello, Folks -Before getting to the news from Congress, let me acknowledge two big challenges we are grappling with in our Washington this summer. First, we've seen wildfires impacting far too many families in our state. You can track information regarding wildfires through the State Department of Natural Resources site. In addition, it is expected that we will see compromised air quality this week. Folks can check the air quality forecast here. And second, the Washington State Department of … Continue Reading
July 27, 2021
An Important Proposal to Help Recover Our Economy
Hello, Folks -I hope everyone enjoyed the glorious weekend we just had! I saw a whole lot of our neck of the woods over the last three days. Over the last three days, I had meetings in Port Orchard, Olalla, Manchester, Tacoma, Neah Bay, Port Angeles, Sequim, and Gig Harbor. By the end of the weekend, I was singing the Johnny Cash song, "I've Been Everywhere."As I write this, I'm headed back to DC for a big week. Read on for details!Reinvesting in Our CommunitiesAs mentioned in my last … Continue Reading
July 12, 2021
Making Progress on Rebuilding Our Infrastructure
Hello, Folks - After a busy few weeks in D.C., I was home last week for the 4th of July holiday. It was terrific visiting folks from Aberdeen to Kingston, from Tacoma to Bremerton, and a bunch of points in between (and getting to spend a little time with my kiddos too). But if you're like me, there's one thing you're tired of spending time doing… SITTING IN TRAFFIC! With that in mind, I'm excited to share news of some significant progress to address infrastructure needs in our region. … Continue Reading
June 28, 2021
An Update on Making Congress Work Better, Restoring Puget Sound, and Supporting Working Families!
Hello, Folks - Greetings from DC! I hope this update finds you well (and in a cool place – if you’re seeking assistance or a cool spot, check out these resources from across our region!). It’s rare that being in Washington, DC provides me a break from the heat. But after the scorcher of a weekend we just had, I’m admittedly somewhat relieved to be back in our nation’s capital. Having said that, things are also heating up in Congress. There’s been … Continue Reading
June 14, 2021
Helping Our Students Get a Great Education
Hi Folks - I think it's just about the favorite time of year for every school-aged kid in our region and across the country - the beginning of summer! And for so many, graduation!!! There is no doubt that this pandemic has undeniably turned things upside-down for educators, students, and families. As the son of two retired public-school teachers and as the dad of two kids in public school, I recognize that this year has been challenging for everyone. I've spoken with educators who have gone … Continue Reading
June 01, 2021
An Update on Making Progress for Veterans and Their Families, Celebrating & Standing Up for AAPI Communities, Raising Awareness for Mental Health, and more!
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. Though this year's commemorations looked a bit different than many other years, I was grateful to remember and appreciate all those who died in service to our country. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten. It's … Continue Reading
May 17, 2021
Pushing for Affordable Housing, Ensuring Older Americans Can Live With Dignity, Supporting Our Coastal Seafood Economy, and More!
Hi Folks - Holy cow was that a beautiful weekend! While I had to do some work this weekend, I was grateful to be able to take in some of that amazing sunshine. My dogs got an extra-long walk, and I even went kayaking for a couple of hours. It felt good to get some Vitamin D! While we're making real progress against COVID-19, it is critical that we each do our part to curb the spread of the virus - particularly as some counties in our region have recently experienced spikes in cases. With … Continue Reading
May 03, 2021
Investing in Families and Growing the Middle Class
Hi Folks – It’s been a busy few weeks! Perhaps one of the most newsworthy moments since the last newsletter was President Biden’s Address to Congress to mark his first 100 days in office. I appreciate that President Biden has worked so hard to get folks vaccinated, to help small businesses stay afloat, and to provide immediate and direct relief to families bearing the weight of the COVID-19 crisis. The President’s speech last week was a recognition, though, that while … Continue Reading
April 19, 2021
An Update on the Progress We're Making for Families Across the Region
Hi Folks - I hope this finds you safe and healthy. This weekend brought two pieces of really good news. First, there was that giant yellow orb in the sky! I don't know about you, but it was hard for me to remember a more beautiful weekend than the one we just experienced. Second, and perhaps more importantly, I'm thrilled that our country reached an important milestone in the battle against COVID-19 over the weekend - half of U.S. adults have now received a COVID-19 vaccine! One of the … Continue Reading