eNewsletters
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
April 05, 2021
Investing in Infrastructure and Creating Jobs in our Region
Hello Folks - I hope you were able to have a relaxing Easter weekend. I confess, I had three pleasant surprises this weekend… The Mariners already have a winning record! I made a carrot cake … and it was surprisingly edible! My eldest daughter, Sophie, turned 15 on Sunday. (OK … not officially a "surprise" but - wow - time has really flown!). Speaking of time flying … The last two weeks have been jam-packed - starting with a telephone town hall I hosted … Continue Reading
March 22, 2021
Providing Economic Relief to Washingtonians - and Don’t Miss My Telephone Town Hall
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you safe and healthy. It's been a busy couple of weeks in DC and Congress has been making progress on a number of important issues that impact the lives of folks in our region. Let's get right into the details! Providing Economic Relief Over the last year, I've spoken with folks across our region who have lost their jobs, lost their small businesses, and lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I've heard a lot of pain. People in our region need help. … Continue Reading
March 08, 2021
An Update on Providing Relief to Combat COVID-19 and Making Government Work Better
Hello Folks - I hope this finds you safe and healthy. We've seen some tremendous progress in the past few weeks as the federal government has worked to ramp-up COVID-19 vaccination efforts - with the United States now averaging two million vaccinations per day. However, we can't let our guard down now; the CDC continues to recommend that in addition to social distancing and washing your hands frequently, that folks wear masks in public settings and anywhere they might be around other people. … Continue Reading
February 22, 2021
Growing Jobs and Protecting Our Natural Treasures
Hello, Folks - This week, Congress will debate and work to pass the American Rescue Plan-an emergency legislative package to deal with the COVID-19 public health crisis and the economic fallout from it. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has now cost nearly a half-million lives, equaling the number of American's lost in combat from the Vietnam War, World War I, and World War II combined. To address the pandemic, the bill funds more vaccinations and directs more relief to public health. Sadly, … Continue Reading
February 08, 2021
Working to Deliver the Relief Needed to Combat this Crisis
Hi Folks - I hope you all enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday. Honestly, I found the game kind of "meh." But I had delicious snacks (wings!), enjoyed the commercials (Will Ferrell may be my MVP), and - while I was rooting for Kansas City - was mightily impressed with Tom Brady. I've had a busy few weeks in D.C. as the federal government works to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. I've been pushing to give our communities the resources they need to help beat back this virus and distribute vaccines, … Continue Reading
January 25, 2021
Hitting the Ground Running to Get Our Economy and Our Government Working Better for the American People
Hello, folks - Last week, I was honored to represent our region at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. It was an extraordinary event with a lot of memorable moments. Watching Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotoymayor, the first Latina Member of the Supreme Court, administer the oath of office to the country's first Black, Asian, and female Vice President. Hearing Lady Gaga perform the national anthem (for the record, I was prepared to do a duet of Shallow … Continue Reading
January 13, 2021
Holding the President Accountable
Good Afternoon - I know it's only Wednesday (you'd usually get my e-newsletter next Monday!), but due to the gravity of today's vote to impeach President Trump, I wanted to make sure you heard directly from me today. It's a unique experience working in the U.S. Capitol. I say that, in part, because it's not only an office building. It's also a museum. And it's also a symbol of our representative democracy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would - on occasion - give constituents tours of … Continue Reading
January 04, 2021
Kicking Off the New Year
Hello Folks - Happy New Year! I, for one, am hoping 2021 is a better year than 2020 (admittedly a low bar… but still). Honestly, I'm looking forward to what the new year will bring. I've made my personal resolutions (average at least 16,000 steps per day, keep it to one caffeinated beverage, fit into my gray trousers again, join Sophie in learning to play the guitar), but my most important resolution is to represent you well. Yesterday, I was sworn in as your representative for the … Continue Reading