Press Releases
Kilmer Announces Grants for Grays Harbor College to Help Students Succeed
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) announced that Grays Harbor College received U.S. Department of Education grants to help students succeed. The two grants awarded to the college will boost its TRiO Student Support Service program and last for five years. One award will invest $231,103 each year in the general program that helps low-income students, first generation students, and those with disabilities get needed academic support. Another award will invest $2… Continue Reading
07.15.15
Leading Conservation Group Recognizes Kilmer as a Champion for National Parks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) presented Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) with the Friend of the National Parks Award. The honor was given to highlight Kilmer’s work protecting and enhancing the national park system. NPCA is focused on preserving our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage. With more than one million members, the organization is a voice for national parks and the National Park Service. “I have the honor of repres… Continue Reading
07.14.15
Kilmer Secures Provisions to Help Coastal Communities Prepare for Severe Weather
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes provisions authored by Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) that direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take additional steps to help coastal communities prepare for severe weather events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that sea levels have risen every year since 1992. Residents and tribes on the Olympic Peninsula increasingly face the threat of rising… Continue Reading
07.14.15
Kilmer Statement on Iran Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after President Obama announced a nuclear agreement with Iran. “The proposed agreement with Iran is historic, with the power to shape not only the Middle East but the entire world. As a dad of two little girls, I want us to take a path that will make it less likely that Iran ever develops a nuclear weapon and that protects America and its allies abroad. With that in mind, my sincere hope is tha… Continue Reading
07.10.15
Bipartisan Group Including Kilmer Announce Effort to Break Impasse over Sustainable Funding for Highway Trust Fund
Washington - Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) today led a bipartisan press conference announcing their effort to break the current impasse over long-term funding for the Highway Trust Fund. If Congress fails to act by the end of the month, federal funding for repairing crumbing roads and bridges across the country will expire. In a letter to Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released at the press conference, lawmakers recommended the use of a ‘Queen o… Continue Reading
07.09.15
Kilmer Statement on Breach of OPM Personnel Database
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after the Office of Personnel Management announced that an outside hack of their system compromised the files of more than 25 million people - including family and friends of current and former government employees. “It’s unacceptable that outside hackers can so easily blow holes in America’s cyber defenses and snatch the sensitive information of our federal workers and those they are close to. … Continue Reading
06.26.15
Kilmer, Renacci Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fix America’s Election Watchdog
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Jim Renacci (R-OH) introduced a bipartisan bill to fix the commission charged with enforcing federal election laws. The Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act would reform the Federal Election Commission so it can more effectively carry out its original mission to oversee campaign finance laws. Representatives Lou Barletta (R-PA) and John Carney (D-DE) are also original cosponsors of the bill. Much of the dysfunc… Continue Reading
06.24.15
Kilmer Facebook Cover Photo Contest
Representative Derek Kilmer today announced his third Facebook Cover Photo contest for residents of Washington’s 6th District. All residents are encouraged to enter an original, high-quality photograph of the region for an opportunity for it to appear as the cover photo on Representative Kilmer’s Facebook page. “Washington state is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and I’m excited to see how my constituents will capture the beauty of our region,” said Representative… Continue Reading
06.22.15
Kilmer Statement on WSU President Dr. Elson Floyd
“Every member of my family went to the UW, so I was raised to root for the Huskies and against the Cougars. I admitted to Elson Floyd recently that -- having worked with him over the years and having admired his leadership -- I suddenly found myself rooting for WSU too. I was proud to call Elson a friend and partner. Presiding during a challenging time in our economy, he never hesitated to make the tough decisions that he believed would be best for his university, his students, and for all of hi… Continue Reading
06.18.15
Kilmer, Cantwell, Murray, and Heck Reintroduce Maritime Heritage Legislation to Promote WA Tourism
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06) and Denny Heck (D-WA-10) announced the reintroduction of bills that would establish a National Maritime Heritage Area in Washington state to help preserve and promote the state’s maritime history and culture for future generations to enjoy. The “Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Act” would cover most of Western Washington’s shoreline and help promote m… Continue Reading
06.11.15
Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Call for Negotiations on the Columbia River Treaty to Begin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 11, 2015 - The House Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes a provision authored by Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) to push negotiations forward on the Columbia River Treaty. The report accompanying the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2016 includes language directing the U.S. State Department and other agencies involved to begin working directly this year with Canada on the treaty. Th… Continue Reading
06.11.15
Kilmer: ‘It’s Time for Canada to Take Care of this Mess’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes a provision authored by Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) seeking to make progress on the dumping of raw sewage from Canada into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The report accompanying the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2016 includes language encouraging the U.S. State Department to work with Canadian counterparts on a solution to the sewage problem. “It’s time for Canada to… Continue Reading
06.10.15
Kilmer Reintroduces Bill to Help Coastal Tribes Facing Threats from Severe Weather
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) reintroduced a bill to support Native American tribes living in coastal areas and facing threats from severe weather. The legislation, entitled the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act, would expand the Coastal Zone Management Act to provide the resources tribes need to protect their community and sacred historical sites from increasingly changing weather patterns brought on by climate change. Coastal tribes are increasingly confronting per… Continue Reading
06.08.15
Kilmer to Hold Campaign Finance Focused Telephone Town Hall on June 11th
Washington D.C. - Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) will hold a telephone town hall with constituents focused on how campaign finance reform is one important way to revitalize our democracy. The event on Thursday, June 11th, at 6:20 p.m. Pacific Time will feature special guest Trevor Potter, former Federal Election Commission Chairman. Along with working as General Counsel to the presidential campaign of John McCain, Potter was the lawyer that helped Stephen Colbert form his Political Action Co… Continue Reading
06.05.15
Cantwell, Kilmer Lead Bipartisan Call for GAO Review of Derelict Vessel Response Policies
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) led a bipartisan letter with a number of their colleagues calling for a formal study on the impact of derelict vessels to waterways and coastal communities. In a letter sent to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) led by Senator Cantwell, Representative Kilmer and Senator Wicker, the members urged the agency to conduct a review of how the U.S. is working to stop the threat derelict vessels pose… Continue Reading
06.04.15
WILD OLYMPICS: Senator Murray and Representative Kilmer Renew Push to Designate Wilderness, Protect Rivers on Olympic Peninsula
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2015 to protect environmentally sensitive parts of the Olympic Peninsula, support outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserve and grow jobs on the Olympic Peninsula. “The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of Washington state’s most prized wild spaces, and I look forward to working with Congressman Kilmer to make sure this … Continue Reading
05.28.15
Kilmer Urges Navy to Maintain Scrapping of the USS Enterprise at Kitsap Shipyard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) urged the Navy to maintain the workload assigned to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. In a letter to Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, Kilmer raised concerns about recent reports that detailed how the Navy was exploring opening up the USS Enterprise nuclear compartment dismantlement to private sector firms and other Naval facilities around the country. Currently, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Facility (PSNS&IMF) is t… Continue Reading
05.27.15
Key Veteran Organization Presents Kilmer with Award for his Work to Support Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week, AMVETS leaders (or American Veterans) presented Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) with the 2015 Silver Helmet Award. The silver replica of a World War II GI helmet is awarded each year to one member of Congress whose work to support and create opportunities for veterans stands out. AMVETS is focused on assisting all United States veterans. There are over 250,000 members and the organization is open to anyone who is currently serving, or served honorably, in the … Continue Reading
05.21.15
Kilmer-Backed Provisions Included in Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Appropriations Committee passed a bill that includes several provisions authored by Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA). The Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Commerce, Justice, & Science Appropriations Bill contains measures from Kilmer that encourage groundbreaking investments in ocean acidification research, push for development of innovative timber products in rural communities, increase trade enforcement, and boost efforts to recover salmon populations in Washingt… Continue Reading
05.15.15
Kilmer Statement on Passage of House Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after he voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA). The legislation includes Kilmer-backed proposals to authorize an extension of overtime payments to civilian shipyard workers and to stop a policy that lowers compensation for federal employees and active-duty servicemembers who travel for work. “Our vote in the House today was the first step in the process … Continue Reading