Press Releases
"Throughout his career as a psychiatrist, member of the United States Navy, and as an elected official, Jim McDermott has always put service above self. As one of the strongest progressives in the United States Congress during his 14-term tenure, Jim has served his constituents in Washington's 7th congressional district with vigor, grace, and tenacity.
"Today I voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill provides for $1.067 trillion of discretionary spending, following the two-year budget agreement signed into law in October 2015, as well as $73.693 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds. The Omnibus bill passed by the House and the Senate today funds our national and economic security for the next year, and is an important step towards Congress fulfilling its responsibility to the American people to meet our fiscal obligations for the next year.
"I voted against the tax extender bill considered in the House today because it is inequitable and leaves our nation's finances worse off. The $622 billion tax package extends many tax breaks while ignoring the reality that we simply do not collect enough revenue to fund the important programs that help create a strong economy.
Our nation's diversity is our greatest strength. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn Donald Trump's recent proposal to bar all Muslims from entering the United States. This rhetoric follows earlier absurd statements from Mr. Trump calling for the creation of a database to track Muslims in our communities, under the guise of protecting national security. With these irrational statements, Mr. Trump both misrepresents Americans and puts our national security at risk by doing exactly what ISIS wants.
A well-functioning and efficient surface transportation network is critical for future economic growth. Investment in our nation's infrastructure and public transit provides jobs for thousands, allows for the efficient movement of goods that keeps our economy growing, and ensures the safety of countless lives.
I am pleased that the House passed a bipartisan reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that replaces the flawed policies of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I voted for S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) because reauthorizing the ESEA is the most important action Congress can take to fix the flawed NCLB law. The ESEA technically expired on September 30th of 2007, yet until now Congress had failed to pass a new reauthorization, resulting in devastating impacts on our schools' ability to succeed.
"I applaud Secretary of Defense Ash Carter for taking action on policy guidelines that close certain combat occupations to women. As a result of these changes, anyone, regardless of gender, who can meet operationally relevant standards, will have the opportunity to serve in any position in the Armed Forces of the United States.
"Today, the President signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. Taking into account the terms of the Congressional Budget Agreement passed by the House on October 28th, this version of the National Defense Authorization Act gives the Department of Defense and our troops a predictable budget with which to plan, incorporates needed acquisition reform, and provides for the protection of our national security. Recent acts of terror throughout the world highlight the importance of this bill and the need for predictable funding for our Armed Forces.
Washington State Leaders: Reject Fear & Panic Surrounding Refugee Resettlement
Today I join our nation and the world in mourning those who lost their lives in Friday's terror attacks in Mali. During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those killed and injured. I extend my sincere thanks to the diplomatic security staff and members of the United States military who assisted in the evacuation efforts, as well as the French and Malian military forces for their heroic actions during the hostage situation in Mali.