Dear Friend,
As my time serving as your representative in Congress comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me over these years. Representing Washington’s 6th Congressional District has been the honor of a lifetime.
During my time to Congress, I've worked to bring the voices of our community to the table and to fight for solutions that create opportunity and improve lives. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on key priorities—from investing in our region’s economy and infrastructure, to modernizing Congress and pushing for a government that works better for the people it serves.
Working to Fix Broken Politics
For four years, I had the privilege of chairing the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. This bipartisan effort was all about making government more transparent, efficient, and accessible to the American people. Together, we delivered over 200 recommendations to improve how Congress operates—streamlining constituent services, increasing accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration over partisanship. I’m proud to say that over half of these recommendations have already been fully implemented, with more in the works. The Committee’s work was
described by author Amanda Ripley
as a story of “shocking function.” And while there’s more work to be done, I’m hopeful these changes will help Congress better serve the American people for years to come.
Creating More Economic Opportunity
Before coming to Congress, I worked for over a decade in economic development, I brought this experience to DC and have fought to create more economic opportunity for more people in every corner of our district. A huge priority for me has been securing federal investments in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), our district’s largest employer. Recently, I
secured millions
of dollars for seismic upgrades and improvements to help the shipyard meet its critical mission. As co-founder of the bipartisan
Public Shipyard Caucus
, I’ve also worked hard to bring attention to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which is slated to bring billions of dollars to PSNS over the next several years.
Growing up in Port Angeles, I saw firsthand how the challenges facing the timber industry hit families hard. It’s why I studied economic development policy, why I worked in the field professionally before coming to Congress, and why I chose to pursue public office in the first place. No community should have to fear that its main export will be young people. This experience shaped my desire to find solutions and build stronger, more resilient economies in the places that need it most.
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is the RECOMPETE pilot program, which I helped create to support regions facing long-term economic challenges. This program provides flexible, long-term federal funding to communities where traditional industries have struggled and recovery has been slow. RECOMPETE enables us to invest in the jobs and industries of the future—bringing new jobs and opportunities to areas that have been left behind.
This summer, I had the privilege of announcing that the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition was
awarded $35 million
through the program. This award is a game-changer for our region. The funds will go toward revitalizing the maritime and natural resources industries on the North Olympic Peninsula—sectors that have always been central to our identity and economy. The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, led by Clallam County, will drive economic growth, create well-paying jobs, and set our region up for long-term success.
I’ve also been focused on driving investments in our region’s ports to spur economic opportunity and job growth. These efforts have included securing
$54 million to the Port of Tacoma
for improvements at Husky Terminal,
$9.4 million to the Port of Bremerton
for the replacement of the breakwater in Port Orchard,
$8.6 million to the Port of Port Angeles
for repairs and improvements to its industrial waterfront at its Intermodal Handling and Transfer Facility, and
$25.5 million to the Port of Grays Harbor
for a new export facility. These projects will play a crucial role in driving long-term economic development and job creation across our region.
Upholding Tribal Treaty Rights
Representing the 12 federally recognized tribes that call Washington’s sixth congressional district home has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Congress. I’ve worked hard to ensure that the federal government lives up to its treaty and trust obligations, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.
One of the proudest achievements in this regard was leading the charge to spur the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to draft the Broken Promises Report, which documented the federal government's systematic failure to meet its treaty and trust obligations to Native American tribes. In response, I introduced historic
legislation
to address chronic underfunding and barriers to sovereignty faced by Indian Country, while ensuring the federal government honors the country’s legal promises to Native peoples. I hope that Congress will pass it in the years ahead.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to partner with our region’s tribes to secure significant federal funding for projects that directly support tribes in our region. Together, we’ve secured millions of dollars for projects to help coastal tribes move to higher ground, to enhance tribal health care and housing, and to improve infrastructure.
Additionally, I led the effort to pass the
Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land Into Trust Act
, which was signed into law by President Biden earlier this year. This legislation restores more than 17 acres of ancestral land to the Puyallup Tribe, facilitating new economic development and job creation opportunities at the Port of Tacoma and on the Tacoma waterfront.
These investments are vital to strengthening the sovereignty and future of Native communities. While we’ve made great strides, there’s more to be done, and I remain committed to advocating for the needs of our region’s tribes.
Championing Environmental Restoration
Protecting and restoring our natural environment has always been a top priority for me, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in safeguarding Puget Sound and supporting efforts to recover vital ecosystems.
As co-founder and co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I’ve worked to bring attention and resources to the recovery of Puget Sound. In 2022, I was proud to see the
PUGET SOS Act
that I authored become law, creating a stronger partnership with the federal government to support critical recovery efforts by establishing a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office at the EPA. I also secured
a historic funding increase
for the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which supports the efforts of the EPA, Puget Sound tribes, and other partners to restore the Sound.
A key priority for me has been salmon recovery. I led the effort to
create a new $1 billion program
focused on culvert removal and replacement, a critical step to help restore fish passage. Additionally, I’ve fought for funding increases to support salmon recovery efforts and to ensure the commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries that rely on salmon have the resources they need to thrive.
As someone who grew up with Olympic National Park in our backyard, I helped lead the charge to
pass the Great American Outdoors Act
, which fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides historic funding to address maintenance backlogs in our national parks. The park is a jewel of our region and making sure the Park Service has resources to maintain it is important for our environment and our economy. I also led the charge in passing the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Act. That new law designated a majority of Western Washington’s shoreline as a National Heritage Area to help promote maritime-related tourism, economic development and maritime history as told through Washington state’s museums, historic ships, fishing culture and other activities.
Supporting Military Families and Veterans
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve been committed to standing up for military families and veterans. I led the charge to establish a new
Community Based Outpatient Clinic
in Silverdale, making healthcare more accessible for veterans in our region. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve also pushed for increased funding to support mental health, housing, and educational programs for military families, and worked to improve military pay and benefits to ensure service members are fairly compensated. I also
passed legislation
to ensure civilian defense workers are paid overtime when working overtime overseas and to improve travel reimbursements for those sent elsewhere to work.
Looking Ahead
While my chapter in Congress is coming to an end, my dedication to our district remains steadfast. The work we’ve done together is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose, and it’s been an honor to advocate for the values and priorities that make our region so special.
I want to thank my dedicated team, whose tireless efforts have helped deliver real results for our district. And I want to thank all of you—whether we met at a town hall, worked together on a community project, or exchanged ideas through letters and emails—for your input, encouragement, and engagement. The needs of our community—and the voices of those who live here—have inspired me and shaped every decision I’ve made and every vote I’ve cast.
I recently had the opportunity to reflect on my 12 years in the House and thank folks with whom I’ve partnered. You can watch it
here
.
As I move on from this role, I will carry with me the lessons, relationships, and inspiration that this work has given me. Together, we’ve laid a foundation for a brighter future.
Thank you for your engagement and your ideas. As always, it’s been an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer
IN OTHER CONGRESSIONAL NEWS:
Chair Murray Statement on Government Funding
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the path forward to fund the government:
“I’m ready to stay here through Christmas because we’re not going to let Elon Musk run the government. Put simply, we should not let an unelected billionaire rip away research for pediatric cancer so he can get a tax cut or tear down policies that help America outcompete China because it could hurt his bottom line. We had a bipartisan deal—we should stick to it. The deal that was already agreed to would responsibly fund the government, offer badly needed disaster relief to communities across America, and deliver some good bipartisan policy reforms.
“The American people do not want chaos or a costly government shutdown all because an unelected billionaire wants to call the shots—I am ready to work with Republicans and Democrats to pass the bipartisan deal both sides negotiated as soon as possible.”--Sen Murry
https://www.murray.senate.gov/chair-murray-statement-on-government-funding/
Senator Murray Secures Major Federal Support for WA Ports, Water Infrastructure in Biennial Water Resources Development Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan and bicameral Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, biennial legislation that authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and programs and provides key resources to ports and waterways throughout the country, including in Washington state. Senator Murray voted for the bill, which passed the Senate in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 97-1. The legislation passed the House 399-18 last week and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law./Press release issued 12.18.24
Murray Secures Full Funding to Rebuild Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge in Disaster Supplemental Package
ICYMI: Senator Murray Visits Hurricane Ridge, Discusses Efforts to Rebuild Visitor Center with Olympic National Park Staff—Photos and B-Roll HERE
ICYMI: At Senator Murray’s Urging, President Biden Includes Funding for Hurricane Ridge Repair in Supplemental Funding Request./Press release issued 12.17.24
Cantwell Bill to Improve Fentanyl Overdose Tracking Unanimously Passes Senate
The Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act would expand use of tools that record fatal and nonfatal overdoses in near-real-time; WA first responders confirm that better data collection could help identify overdose hotspots so they can deploy resources faster & save lives./From press release issued 12.18.24
PNW High-Speed Rail Planning to Begin Thanks to New Federal Money
Cascadia High-Speed Rail could enable travel between Seattle and Portland in less than an hour./from press release issued 12.18.24
STATE NEWS HEADLINE:
Planning for future Cascadia High-Speed Rail will advance with $49.7 million in federal funding.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) $49.7 million in Corridor Identification and Development Program grant funding to advance planning work on the Cascadia High-Speed Rail program. Future high-speed rail service would connect the Cascadia megaregion, including the metropolitan areas of Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C./Governor's office
WSDA, USDA announce eradication of northern giant hornet from the United States
OLYMPIA – After three years without confirmed detections, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have declared the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) eradicated from Washington and the United States. /WSDA
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=41658
AG Ferguson files felony charges against Clark County defense attorney
VANCOUVER — Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office has filed felony criminal charges against a Clark County defense attorney who is accused of forging a court order to deceive law enforcement and prevent her client’s arrest./WAAG
Department of Commerce offers clean building performance grants.
OLYMPIA, WA– The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Clean Building Performance Grants program, which provides funding to help private and public building owners make improvements and meet Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). This initiative aims to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and create jobs across the state.--WA COMMERCE DEPT.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/department-of-commerce-offers-clean-building-performance-grants/
State and federal agencies respond to public comments, move forward on plans for cleaning up tank waste at Hanford Site.
RICHLAND –
State and federal agencies responded today to public comments received and are moving forward on revised plans for treating and disposing of millions of gallons of radioactive and hazardous waste currently stored in underground tanks at the Hanford Site in southeast Washington. /DOE
WORLD, NATION, BUSINESS:
WORLD:
General Assembly Takes Action on Second Committee Reports by Adopting 39 Resolutions, 2 Decisions
Acting on the recommendations of its Second Committee (Economic and Financial), the General Assembly today adopted 39 resolutions — eight by recorded vote — and two decisions on topics ranging from Palestinian natural resources, entrepreneurship and small island States to international trade, adverse climate impacts and global tax cooperation./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12670.doc.htm
Outraged by Killing of Three World Food Program Staff Members in Sudan, Secretary-General Calls for Thorough Investigation/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22502.doc.htm
Senior UN Official Tells Security Council That ‘Unbearable’ Numbers of Civilians Killed, Injured in Sudan, Urging End to Violence, Funding for Aid
‘I Was Burying the Corpses Myself,’ Recalls Masalit Leader./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15947.doc.htm
Explanation of Vote Delivered by Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield Following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution on Children and Armed Conflict/USUN
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a UN Security Council Meeting on Sudan./ US STATE DEPT.
https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-un-security-council-meeting-on-sudan/
NATION:
Statement from National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on November 2024 PCE and Third Quarter 2024 GDP/WH
DOD Announces 2,000 Troops in Syria, Department Prepared for Government Shutdown./DOD
Rapid Health Agrees to Pay $8.2M for Allegedly Billing Medicare for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests That Were Not Provided to Beneficiaries/DOJ
CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States.
December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus ("H5N1 bird flu") infection in Louisiana. This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13. Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States./CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/m1218-h5n1-flu.html
HUD Invests $12 Million to Strengthen Rural Communities
With nearly $550 million invested, grants empower non-profits to expand affordable housing and boost community development for families in rural America./HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_321
BUSINESS:
Treasury Releases Report on the Uses, Opportunities, and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services./US TREASURY DEPT.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2760
United States Charges Dual Russian and Israeli National as Developer of LockBit Ransomware Group./DOJ
USDA Announces Final $300 Million in Automatic Assistance for Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers
Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, more than 47,800 distressed borrowers have received $2.5 billion in assistance to help keep them farming./USDA
IRS requests feedback on draft Instructions for Form 6765, Credit for Increasing Research Activities./IRS
FTC, Illinois Take Action Against Leader Automotive Group for Overcharging and Deceiving Consumers Through Add-Ons, Junk Fees, Bogus Reviews
Proposed settlement requires Leader and its Canadian parent company, AutoCanada, to turn over $20 million, include full offering price in ads, and get consent for all charges./FTC
IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS:
IN FOCUS: Inslee releases future-focused budget proposal, highlights the growing costs of income inequality.
December 17, 2024
Today, Gov. Jay Inslee released a balanced budget proposal that protects progress on the programs and services that working families and businesses depend on — public safety, education, early learning, housing and behavioral health.
Washington is among several states facing a budget shortfall. The costs to maintain current services and program levels for the next four years went up approximately $12.6 billion due to inflation, higher projected caseloads in several safety net programs, expansion of popular programs like early learning, and workforce costs. Revenues dipped lower than forecasted due to lagging home sales and collections for sales and capital gains taxes.
Inslee’s proposed 2025–2027 budgets hold steady or minimize reductions in priority areas including:
Housing: $905 million for 5,000 additional affordable housing units, homelessness services, and preventing evictions and foreclosures.
Behavioral health: $719 million to continue expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment and recovery services.
K-12: An additional $1.3 billion for K-12 schools to support increased costs for maintenance, supplies, technology and educator compensation.
Childcare and early learning: $510 million to improve provider subsidy rates for Working Connections Child Care. $48 million for increased ECEAP rates school and right-sizing of the program to reduce unused part day slots and create 750 school day slots. Expanded entitlement for ECEAP is delayed.
Public safety: $3.5 million to maintain the recent expansion of training for local corrections officers. $7 million for 60 additional state law enforcement officers, and $13 million for deployment of speed cameras to reduce work zone injuries and deaths. $33 million to open a new juvenile rehabilitation center.
College and career training: $6 million to continue full funding for Career Connect Washington and $182 million to maintain the nation’s most generous financial aid program, Washington College Grant.
Clean energy transition: $982 million of funding from the Climate Commitment Act continues popular and emission-reducing programs such as Washington’s EV rebate program, cost-saving weatherization improvements, electric school buses, hybrid-electric ferries, and free transit for youth.
Retention and recruitment: Most Washington state employees will receive small cost-of-living adjustments of 3% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. The consumer price index — a measure of inflation — increased 3.0% in the Seattle area over the past year.
Transportation: Sustained funding for new ferries and improved ferry service, and increased funding for fish barrier removal projects to meet the state’s legal responsibilities. Climate Commitment Act funding allows for additional bike and pedestrian projects and more transit services across the state. A funding gap for highway projects will require legislators to explore options to adjust delivery timelines or funding.
“Rolling back our work in areas like mental health, housing and education is not something we can afford, particularly at the moment we’re finally seeing the results of years of work and investments,” Inslee said. “This is a budget that keeps us moving forward, puts working families first, and continues creating a fairer tax system.”
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 12.23.24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/af92d497-a18b-47db-8f82-3da34bdf8283
Weekly devotional
Luke 2:6-7 (New International Version)
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
What About Keeping the Sabbath?
Some today, such as the Seventh-day Adventists, teach that we should still keep the Sabbath (Saturday) as the special day of worship. They disregard all the evidence from the New Testament that Christians are commanded to worship on the first day of the week.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/what-about-keeping-the-sabbath
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Come and See
https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:
3 INFURIATING Reasons to REJECT the New Spending Bill.
Republican leadership in the House of Representatives is trying to push through a “continuing resolution” bill right before Christmas. But this CR bill has grown so bloated that it’s practically an omnibus, which Speaker Mike Johnson promised he wouldn’t back. Yet here we are again … Glenn and fellow BlazeTV host@lizwheeler review 3 of the worst things included in this bill – but just ONE of them should be enough to make every TRUE conservative in Congress vote AGAINST it. First, it includes a 1-year renewal of the Global Engagement Center, which is a State Department sub-agency that has become “the nexus of the censorship-industrial complex” against Americans. Then, there’s an expansion of the “Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Response Act”, which would give the government the power to conduct gain-of-function research in the case of a national emergency. And lastly, it holds hurricane relief hostage. "Does that sound like you’re negotiating with honest people?" Glenn says. Maybe we should just let the government shutdown happen. Turn it off and back on again--Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ88Dt5iRVo
Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 12/20/24
On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, the latest spending bill has passed in the House. This is good news, but we need to do something about the massive budget. The bigger problem is that the system is broken, it’s corrupt. About 80% of Republicans in the House voted yes for the bill. Will the Republicans who voted against this bill have a problem with Trump’s populist agenda going forward? This is concerning because we must be united to advance Trump’s agenda. Also, are tax cuts required to be offset? If that’s the case radical Democrats will do everything to kill them and would vote with freedom caucus members. This could be problematic to Trump’s promises of cutting taxes and no tax on tips. Yes, we need off-sets but not for tax cuts because that’s not government spending. Later, Newt Gingrich calls in to discuss the House spending bill that passed. Trump and Elon Musk saved America billions of dollars. They took off thousands of pages without even being in office. Also, is George Mason University cultivating a nest of anti-Israel and antisemitic terrorist supporters? A student was arrested for “distribution of information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of the commission of a federal crime of violence” to an FBI informant. Finally, Benjamin Netanyahu will not be able to attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp fearing he may be arrested by the Poland government for ‘war crimes.’ This is outrageous.---Mark Levin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oAPHbPUH6o&t=408s
A Terrible Place to go to Hell From---Sunday morning worship at the Concord Street Church of Christ on December 15, 2024. David Pharr preached a sermon titled “A Terrible Place to go to Hell From”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srhK-LmXnJY
Other News Sources:
Putin: Joe Biden Is Corrupt, Unpresidential… and Less Honorable than Stalin!--PJMEDIA
Trump’s Success: Who’d Have Thunk It?
His current dominance owes something to the man’s uncanny persistence and shrewd insight.--Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/113027-trumps-success-whod-have-thunk-it-2024-12-20
Democrats Mistake Their People for ‘The People’
Democrats have become an elitist tribe that revels in their self-perceived superiority.--American Spectator
https://spectator.org/democrats-mistake-their-people-for-the-people/
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is published weekly by, Peter Ripley
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