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 Choices
Since 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 governing is all about choices.
Unfortunately, earlier this month we saw a bad choice by Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans to backtrack on the bipartisan budget agreement that had been reached as part of the debt ceiling agreement. I don’t say this in a partisan way; rather, I just say it as a statement of fact.
I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t love everything in the debt ceiling agreement. But, at the time, I thought that maybe, just maybe, having an agreement on overall budget numbers might enable Congress to get a spending bill passed on time, averting future continuing resolutions or potential government shutdowns. Unfortunately, just one week after that agreement, my colleagues across the aisle reneged on that agreement, instead choosing to put forward appropriations bills with significant cuts. That’s a choice that adds uncertainty and increases the likelihood of a shutdown later this year.
Not only that, they made a choice to propose cuts to funding for essential services – from workforce development to veterans’ health care to affordable housing – that people rely on. They made a choice to propose cuts in funding for civilian Defense Department workers. They made a choice to cut funding for programs to combat climate change. As the party in control, they have the right to propose these things – to make those choices. But it’s my job to stand up for our community and push for better choices – and for a less partisan approach.
Just last week, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I encouraged my colleagues in the Republican majority to make better choices on behalf of the folks we represent.
I’ll keep fighting to make sure that Congress makes better choices for the American people, and to prevent further cuts to federal programs folks depend on in our neck of the woods.
An Update on RECOMPETE
I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and was in high school right around the time the timber industry took it on the chin. I saw a lot of folks in our community lose their jobs. It had a big impact on me – and I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to figure out how to ensure we’re doing a better job of protecting workers and communities so that no one gets left behind in our economy.
That’s why I introduced the RECOMPETE Act a few years ago – to provide flexible, multi-year grants to help economically distressed communities create new jobs and unlock opportunities. That bill was included – in pilot form – in the CHIPS & Science Act that passed last year.
I’m excited to share that the Commerce Department recently released a map detailing which communities in our neck of the woods are eligible to compete for a share of this new federal funding. This five-year federal program aims to revitalize economic activity in distressed communities, including right here at home in western Washington.
Several regions in Washington state – including the entire Olympic Peninsula – are eligible for funding. Eligible communities also include several Tribes in our region, which may also apply for funding. A map showing eligible regions across the United States is available here. Applications will be rolling out soon, and I’m partnering with leaders throughout our region to make sure they’re ready to pursue this funding.
These competitive grants will help distressed communities meet local economic development goals and create good-paying jobs. And I hope we will see the benefits in our neck of the woods!
Addressing the Military Mental Health Crisis
Earlier this year, I became a Co-Chair of the House’s Military Mental Health Task Force. Highlighted in this article from the Port Orchard Independent, the bipartisan task force is working to address issues surrounding military mental health and suicide prevention.
As the representative for more than 78,000 veterans and more than 15,000 active-duty service members, I know all too well how crucial it is that we improve and expand upon mental health resources for both service members and veterans alike.
In a meeting with a military leader a few years ago, I asked him what kept him up at night. He didn’t say “budget cuts,” or “terrorists.” Rather, he told me, “The thing that keeps me up most is mental health. I’ve lost more soldiers to suicide than I have to enemy combatants.” Unfortunately, that conversation wasn’t unique. For too long, service members and veterans have struggled with these challenges in silence. And that has got to change.
That’s why I recently introduced the Servicemembers Mental Health Improvement Act, legislation to develop and provide recommendations for a comprehensive strategy to tackle mental health issues across the U.S. Department of Defense.
This isn't a Democratic issue or a Republican issue – it’s an American issue. And I fundamentally believe we should embrace the notion if you serve our country, we should have your back.
And on the topic of health – veterans should know that VA Puget Sound will hold a Veterans Town Hall tomorrow, June 27, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by VA Puget Sound Health Care System Executive Director Dr. Thomas Bundt, it’s an opportunity to get updates on the PACT Act, VA’s new masks optional policy, community care, women’s health, and more.
The PACT Act is a new federal law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law requires the VA to cover healthcare and disability benefits for veterans who were exposed to these hazards during their service and developed a toxin-exposure-related illness. Qualifying veterans who enroll in the program before August 9 will be eligible for an entire year of benefits (dating back to August 10, 2022). You can learn more about what the PACT Act means for you and how to enroll to receive your benefits here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to my office.
Here’s how you can participate in VA Puget Sound’s Veterans Town Hall:
- Phone: (866) 478-3406
- Internet: access.live/VAPugetSound
- Facebook: streamed on facebook.com/vapugetsound
Getting People Connected
We’ve gotten some great news recently on the effort to expand internet access in our state. On Friday, the Department of Treasury announced the approval of $186 million in broadband infrastructure projects in our state. This was made possible by the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law that I supported last year.
On top of that, I was recently pleased to announce a $13.8 million award for Public Utility District No. 1 of Jefferson County (PUD). The award, including an approximately $9.2 million grant and $4.6 million loan from the Agriculture Department’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, will support Jefferson County's plan to bring high-speed internet to rural electric customers without access.
We all know that access to the internet isn’t just about whether you can stream The Mandalorian on Disney Plus – though that is important. It’s about whether you can have a telehealth appointment or take an online class or participate in an online meeting. And in our neck of the woods, too many folks can’t because internet infrastructure hasn’t reached them.
That’s why these investments matter. And having the federal government chip in means the costs of these projects aren’t entirely borne by local ratepayers and taxpayers.
Working for You
Celebrating in Hoodsport
I recently had a blast at Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport. It was fun to chat with kayakers, visit Hardware Distillery, and ... to put on unusual helmets. Thanks to everyone who showed up!
Commemorating Juneteenth
What an incredible turnout in the City of Destiny for the Juneteenth celebration! It was great to see my colleague, Rep. Strickland, Mayor Woodards, Councilwoman Walker, and so many other great Tacomans!
Strengthening Our Communities
It was great meeting with AmeriCorps members and site leads to discuss the value of the AmeriCorps program in our region – and some proposals to strengthen it.
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer