Press Releases
Kilmer Goes to Bat for Pay and Protection for Shipyard Workers
Bremerton, WA - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) led a group of lawmakers calling on the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to expand support for the tens of thousands of federal civilian workers who are serving at the Navy's four public shipyards during the coronavirus pandemic. The lawmakers, who represent the shipyards, called for the federal government to support incentive pay for these essential workers who report for duty during the public health emergency, as well as additional Per… Continue Reading
04.10.20
Kilmer Secures Over $3 Million for Community Health Centers Combating the Coronavirus
Tacoma, WA - This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded more than $3 million to three health centers in Washington's sixth congressional district to combat the coronavirus. This funding stems from the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, legislation which was supported by Rep. Kilmer. The three health centers in the region were granted the award as part of a $1.3 billion awarding of funds by HHS through the Health Resourc… Continue Reading
04.08.20
Kilmer, Heck Lead Call to Increase Access to Food Assistance for Washingtonians
Tacoma, WA - U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10) called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to modify income verification requirements for food banks receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support in order to get more Washingtonians access to critical food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Under current requirements, CDBG recipients must verify clients' income by having each client complete and sign a form. While this sy… Continue Reading
04.08.20
Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Call for Improvements to Program to Help Small Businesses Weather the Coronavirus
Tacoma, WA - On Tuesday, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration to take steps to improve the Paycheck Protection Program and increase access to loans for small businesses being impacted by COVID-19 across Washington state. The Paycheck Protection Program, which was created in the third COVID-19 emergency relief package, provides forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employ… Continue Reading
04.07.20
Kilmer Urges Congress to Prioritize Anti-Hunger Efforts in Next Relief Package
Tacoma, WA - Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined over 135 Members of Congress on Monday urging House and Senate leaders to prioritize assistance for hungry and food insecure families in upcoming COVID-19 emergency relief packages. "SNAP is one of our country's most vital social safety nets, and it will continue to play a critical role in reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty throughout the COVID-19 health crisis," wrote the lawmakers in their letter. "We urge you to incorporate prov… Continue Reading
04.03.20
Washington State Delegation Pushes for Rapid Implementation of Coronavirus Relief Funds
Lawmakers: "The Department must target areas most in need, move quickly in disbursing funds, and provide clear, specific guidance to providers on how to apply" WASHINGTON, D.C. - Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), today the entire Washington state Congressional Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar requesting swift implementation … Continue Reading
03.27.20
Kilmer Applauds House Passage of Third COVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation
Washington, DC - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) applauded the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act to provide immediate relief to workers and families, while bolstering America's medical response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). "Across our region and our entire country, the coronavirus is putting extraordinary strain on our healthcare system, our economy, and on families. It's important that the federal government is taking bold an… Continue Reading
03.24.20
Kilmer Co-Sponsors Legislation to Minimize COVID-19 Impact on Student Veterans
Tacoma, WA - On Monday, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) co-sponsored the bipartisan Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act Of 2020, introduced yesterday by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN). The legislation aims to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student veterans as schools and universities have taken proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. "If you serve our country, the federal governmen… Continue Reading
03.24.20
Kilmer to Hold Telephone Town Hall Thursday to Discuss COVID-19
Tacoma, WA - On Thursday, March 26 at 7:00pm PT, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall regarding the federal government's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to a discussion on the legislation passed by Congress to support workers and families, the telephone town hall will feature experts to help answer constituent questions regarding best practices and ongoing medical efforts to address the COVID-19 public health emergency, including: Dr. P… Continue Reading
03.23.20
Kilmer, Heck Introduce Bill to Provide Rental Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis
Tacoma, WA - Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10) introduced H.R. 6314, the Emergency Rental Assistance Act of 2020. This legislation would increase short-term rental assistance for most Americans by significantly expanding the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program. H.R. 6314 would provide $100 billion to ESG for short-term rental assistance. This funding would be given out to states in two chunks: $50 billion over the first 60 days, then $50 billion over the fol… Continue Reading
03.21.20
Representative Kilmer Joins Senator Murray, Washington State Lawmakers in Urging President Trump to Issue Major Disaster Declaration to Address Coronavirus
Tacoma, WA - Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and the entire Washington state congressional delegation in urging President Trump to issue a major disaster declaration to help address the coronavirus outbreak in Washington state. This declaration would open up a full suite of Individual Assistance Programs as requested by Governor Inslee for Washington state, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Care Management, C… Continue Reading
03.20.20
Kilmer Joins Pacific Northwest Delegation in Calling for More Ventilators to be Sent to Region, Produced Nationally
Tacoma, WA - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined a bipartisan group of 17 members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest in calling for more ventilators to be sent to the region as it continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the administration to develop a national manufacturing goal for new ventilators. "Our hospitals across the region have grown more concerned that in a short time they will be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients as intensive care unit capacity is reache… Continue Reading
03.18.20
Washington Congressional Delegation United in Calling for Increased Economic Support for Washingtonians in Third Coronavirus Response Package
Tacoma, WA - Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led the Washington congressional delegation in urging Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, and five House Committee Chairs to address some of Washington state's growing economic challenges in the next coronavirus-related stimulus bill. The delegation called on House leaders to support workers and businesses to mitigate the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak by expanding access to economic assi… Continue Reading
03.15.20
Kilmer to Hold Telephone Town Hall Monday to Discuss COVID-19
Tacoma, WA - On Monday, March 16 at 6:30pm PT, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall regarding the federal government's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to a discussion on the recently passed $8.3B emergency funding supplemental and legislation passed by the House to support workers and families, the telephone town hall will feature experts to help answer constituent questions regarding best practices and ongoing medical efforts to address t… Continue Reading
03.14.20
Kilmer Votes to Support Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Washington, DC - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at bolstering the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak and addressing the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Americans' personal safety and financial security. In addition to including a bipartisan measure led by Rep. Kilmer to provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coro… Continue Reading
03.13.20
Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Lead 29 Members in Calling for Clear Guidance to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led a bipartisan group of 29 lawmakers in calling for urgent action and clarity from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist small businesses being impacted by COVID-19 and related containment efforts. "Congress approved $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, including $20 million for the Small Business Administ… Continue Reading
03.12.20
Rep. Kilmer Statement on the Closure of Pierce, King, Snohomish County Schools
"The health and safety of folks in our region is the number one priority for me and for leaders across the state. The decision to close schools in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties in hopes of protecting public health will undoubtedly cause serious disruptions in everyday life. A lot of families are likely asking how they will navigate this. In my view, it's important for the federal government to step up and help to ensure folks can pay their bills and feed their families. That's why I've pu… Continue Reading
03.12.20
Kilmer, Rutherford, Herrera Beutler Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Unemployment Assistance to People Unable to Work Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
Washington - Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), John Rutherford (FL-04), and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) introduced the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act. The new bipartisan, bicameral legislation will provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance will be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circu… Continue Reading
03.10.20
Kilmer Receives Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s ‘Congressional Youth Innovation’ Award
Washington, DC - Last week, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) was awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 'Congressional Youth Innovation' Award for his commitment to helping young people reach their full potential. Representatives of the Boys & Girls Clubs honored Rep. Kilmer's innovative leadership in sponsoring the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, a bill which aims to equip young people with skills to succeed in the workforce, increase job accessibility, and end the cycle of pover… Continue Reading
03.10.20
Kilmer-led Legislation to Reform Congress Passes House
Washington, DC - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress' bipartisan legislation to make Congress more effective, efficient and transparent. H.Res.756, the Moving our Democracy and Congressional Operations Towards Modernization Resolution, includes nearly 30 of the recommendations made by the Select Committee, chaired by Rep. Kilmer, to make Congress work better for the American people. Today marks the first time in recent history that… Continue Reading