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"This month's tunnel breach at the Hanford Nuclear Site underscores the importance of policies that prioritize worker health and safety. While the complete collapse of the tunnel was averted, I remain concerned. The Department of Energy (DOE) is relying more on luck than on certainty that all measures have been taken to avoid a potential incident that could release radiation and contamination. Such an incident would cause unacceptable harm, endanger lives and require long-term evacuations of the area and huge remediation costs.

"President Trump's decision to fire FBI director James Comey is deeply disturbing. It comes as Comey is in the midst of an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. We know the Russians were behind the hacking of DNC emails and that they did so to try and give Trump an advantage in the election.

"The executive order President Trump signed today allows for discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. I respect the fundamental right of free exercise of religion, but not at the expense of women's personal health decisions that should be left between them, their doctor, and their family. Freedom of religion does not include the right to impose those beliefs on others.

"House Republicans voted today to eliminate essential health benefits and protections for Americans. No one'especially not those Republicans who voted to pass it'bothered to consider the costs or the actual impacts of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) on working Americans, those with pre-existing conditions, and people who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was by no means a cure to all of our healthcare challenges, but today's bill ignores any opportunity for meaningful changes, and instead represents a dangerous leap backwards.

"It is my honor to recognize the Odle Middle School team from Bellevue, Washington, for winning their regional competition in this year's National Science Bowl. They have advanced to represent Washington state in the National Science Bowl's National Finals, which will be held in Washington, D.C. this weekend.

"Our current tax code is overly-complex; there is no question it needs reexamination and overhaul. The tax proposal released today by President Trump would be disastrous. Its almost singular focus on cutting taxes for wealthy people and companies will harm working people and undermine a healthy economy.

"Protecting the planet and defending the environment must be a key priority for all of us. I am proud to represent a Congressional District where we care deeply about protecting our environment for generations to come. Earth Day has a strong history in our region, with community leader Denis Hayes serving as the coordinator for the first Earth Day in 1970. Today, those that call the Pacific Northwest home aspire to have a sustainable relationship with nature.

"Today is Equal Pay Day, 94 days after the new year, and the day when women's wages finally catch up to what men were paid in the previous year. It is unacceptable that 53 years after passing the Equal Pay Act, women still make 79 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Congress must act now to make equal pay for equal work a reality and close the gender pay gap.