VETERANS: Sen. Murray Urges President Trump to Uphold Campaign Promise and Put Veterans First, Exempt Entire VA from Federal Hiring Freeze
(Washington, D.C.) —Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined members of both the Senate and House to demand President Trump exempt the entire Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and all veterans seeking federal jobs from his executive order that freezes federal hiring. The members’ letter emphasized that the hiring freeze will add to the chronic workforce shortages that are plaguing the VA, and that more doctors, nurses and administrative staff are needed at VA facilities to reduce wait times across the country and make payments on time. Washington state VA facilities have reported at least 300 current job openings. According to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the VA has reported it currently has more than 45,000 vacancies nationwide.
“At a time when we are working to help veterans get the care they earned in their service to our country, this action would only impede the department’s ability to follow through, including at facilities in our state,” said Senator Murray. “I strongly urge President Trump not to break the promise he made to put veterans first while he was on the campaign trail, and exempt the VA from the hiring freeze to allow caretakers, claim processors, and so many others to be hired and get to work.”
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http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=B26E3126-A096-4029-86B7-D94445676F12
IMMIGRATION: Sen. Murray Statement on President Trump’s Executive Orders Issued Today
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement after President Trump issued executive orders concerning immigration, including ramping up immigration raids that tear families apart, constructing a wall on the border between U.S. and Mexico, and punishing cities that prioritize local control of policing and public safety.
“It’s deeply disappointing but not surprising to see President Trump turn his divisive, campaign rhetoric into the actions we are seeing today. There’s no question the U.S. immigration system is in need of a serious overhaul, but targeting hard-working families, constructing an extremely costly wall, and burdening law enforcement in cities in Washington state and across our country does not even begin to address the complexities of this issue and in fact could set us back. I urge this Administration and the Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats on comprehensive immigration reform that truly works for families, for the economy, and for the security of our country.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=39FD9005-1F61-486F-AD21-A13F96BD05FC
Murray, Cantwell Join Bipartisan Group of Senators to Introduce Global HER Act to Permanently Repeal the Global Gag Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After President Trump issued an executive order to reinstate the Global Gag Rule on Monday, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined their colleagues Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and 39 other senators to introduce the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the harmful policy.
The Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, bans federal funds for foreign non-governmental organizations that provide abortion services or provide information about abortion as part of comprehensive family planning services, forcing clinics to choose between providing limited reproductive health services while accepting U.S. foreign aid or providing inclusive family planning and reproductive healthcare with a limited budget. The executive order expanded the policy from the Bush Administration to apply to every program that falls under global health assistance at the Department of State, USAID and the Department of Health and Human Services.
“There are few Republican traditions more shameful that restricting access to reproductive health care in ways that most burden women who can least afford it—and President Trump’s expansion of the global gag rule, which would threaten the lives of women worldwide, is unfortunately a clear continuation,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to support the Global HER Act and I’m going to fight every step of the way against extreme policies that would take women backwards, here at home and abroad.”
“It is unfortunate President Trump is attacking women’s healthcare just days into his presidency,” said Senator Cantwell. “I support a woman’s right to choose, and am proud to co-sponsor this bill putting an end to the Global Gag rule. This rule impacts women around the globe who will be cut off from services essential to leading a healthy life.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=31971058-6D91-4D3A-9730-DB27EBBF50AE
Murray, Cantwell Join Bipartisan Letter to Exempt Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Navy Shipyards Around the Country from Federal Hiring Freeze
Recent presidential memorandum signed by President Trump may have serious implications for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and five senate colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. The senators are calling for Department of Navy shipyard civilian employees to be exempt from the recent presidential memorandum signed by President Trump that freezes federal hiring.
While the President’s memorandum states that it does not apply to military personnel or positions considered essential to meet national security responsibilities, the uncertainty has caused shipyards across the country to suspend all hiring.
The consequences of the hiring freeze may be particularly harsh for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton because of the size of the workforce, the number of vacancies, and the importance of the shipyard to Washington state’s $30 billion dollar maritime economy.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/murray-cantwell-join-bipartisan-letter-to-exempt-puget-sound-naval-shipyard-and-navy-shipyards-around-the-country-from-federal-hiring-freeze
Kilmer Tapped to Fill New Leadership Role on House Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) was selected by his Democratic colleagues to fill the role of Vice Ranking Member for the House Appropriations Committee. The position was created after the House Democratic Caucus unanimously approved the creation of Vice Ranking Members for each standing committee. Members tapped for the role will serve for one full term.
Vice Ranking Members positions were designated for newer members to better gain insights and contribute to the committee process. Among other obligations, as Ranking Member, Kilmer will be the committee's designated liaison to the Democratic Budget Group and the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
“It will be an honor to serve in this role and ensure this committee focuses on building an economy that works better for everyone,” said Kilmer. “I look forward to joining with Ranking Member Nita Lowey and the rest of my colleagues to champion our priorities. This opportunity puts me in a better position to stand up for quality jobs and education opportunities, honoring our commitment to those who serve, and ensuring a secure retirement remains in reach for everyone.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-tapped-to-fill-new-leadership-role-on-house-appropriations-committee-
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