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Patty in the News
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Wild Sky backers finally can celebrate
"I could not be more proud of the spirit of togetherness and dedication that has surrounded Wild Sky from the very beginning," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa. "Today is a tribute to so many people who never gave up and never lost sight of the goal -- preserving the heart and soul of this beautiful land."
- Everett Herald - May 9, 2008
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Editorial: Murray's asking good questions about tanker
"These are the people who are responsible for devising the Department of Defense's budget and yet the Air Force never consulted them on all the costs associated with awarding this contract to Airbus. That's like handing your teenager a credit card to go on a car shopping spree, no questions asked. No family runs like that, no business runs like that, and as taxpayers we certainly shouldn't allow the military to run like that."
- Everett Herald - May 9, 2008
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Congress finally OKs Wild Sky Wilderness
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who championed Wild Sky, said it was "an example of wilderness done the right way," with support from local groups and elected officials
- Seattle Times - April 30, 2008
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Wild Sky wilderness: well worth the wait
On Tuesday, Congress finally gave its approval for creating Washington's first new wilderness area in more than two decades. That's 3,405 days after the effort began, according to a triumphant Sen. Patty Murray, who with Rep. Rick Larsen led the arduous legislative charge.
- Everett Herald - April 30, 2008
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Democrats seek program to create summer jobs for young
The program would create jobs for people aged 16 to 19 at hospitals, parks and day care and senior centers.
"Young people are facing one of the toughest job markets in years," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chairwoman of the employment and workplace safety subcommittee of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions panel.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - April 18, 2008
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The cleanup of nuclear waste at Hanford must be high priority
Sen. Patty Murray is, as she should be, outraged. We all should be. Murray called the reduction in spending "disgraceful" saying the federal government has a moral and legal obligation to make the site safe.
- Walla Walla Union-Bulletin - April 16, 2008
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No one wants to jinx a bill that has been pummeled, held hostage and resuscitated so many times. But with victory in sight, Murray was eager to recognize a critical factor: the bipartisan support of Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo. She lavishly praised his work to help make Wild Sky happen.
– Seattle Times - April 14, 2008
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Murray rips administration for no funds for Chehalis flood project
"In Centralia and the surrounding areas, we still have people who are picking up the pieces from homes that were damaged or destroyed and businesses that went under water... "Now I know that this is not an inexpensive project. The federal portion is authorized around $74 million with the state taking responsibility for about $50 million...
"But in the budget we are discussing today the president has requested zero dollars."
– The Olympian - April 10, 2008
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Sen. Murray rebukes DOE over Hanford budget
Among changes to the proposed 2009 budget is a $77 million cut for cleanup of Hanford along the Columbia River, a project that is making admirable progress, Murray said.
"I don't understand why we are going to pull the rug out from under a high performing project," Murray said.
– Tri-City Herald - April 10, 2008
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Island leaders plead with senator for housing help
“We expect approximately two million homeowners this year to go into foreclosure,” Murray said. “But they don’t have to.”
Homeowner counseling will be tantamount to turning the impending foreclosure tsunami into manageable tidal action. Education, she said, needs to come before the damage is irreparable.
– Whidbey News Times - March 29, 2008
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Sen. Murray hears from emergency workers
Murray said after the meeting that she took two major suggestions from Skagit County’s first responders at the Wednesday forum: Volunteer firefighters need more incentives to join and stay with their community departments, and emergency personnel need long-term steady funding.
– Skagit Valley Herald - March 27, 2008
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Foreclosure forum puts face on crisis
"We are not doing enough to help educate people about the complexities of buying a home or the help they can get if they find themselves in trouble, whether it's a health care crisis or a divorce or a loss of job, and they get in a position where they can't afford to pay their mortgage," Murray said afterward. "There's help out there, but if they sit at home and don't ask for it, they get to a point where it's too late."
- The Spokesman Review - March 25, 2008
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Boeing Machinists say tanker decision is 'outsourcing our future
But it's going to be a long, uphill battle to do so, said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Not everyone in Congress understands or supports Boeing and the unions' position on the tanker.
"We've got to spread the word: if we do not protect our aerospace industry, we will lose it," she said.
– Everett Herald - March 20, 2008
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Sen. Murray hears veterans' concerns during local stop
Local veterans told a key lawmaker on Monday that they need quicker access to health care, more beds in veteran hospitals and more rural veteran clinics.
But U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said she was most shocked to learn 1,100 veterans in Cowlitz County are homeless or living in transitional housing.
"That's appalling," she said.
– Longview Daily News - March 18, 2008
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U.S. Senator Patty Murray got an earful Monday about Southwest Washington’s housing woes, amid the national mortgage crisis and rising foreclosures.
“I think it’s one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation,” said the Washington Democrat, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
– The Columbian - March 18, 2008
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U.S. aerospace industrial base causes alarm
"The Air Force seems to be acknowledging that ... there are factors of concern that were outside what was requested by the law to be considered," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., during a Senate Defense Appropriations hearing.
– Everett Herald - March 13, 2008
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Hot pursuit of answers on tanker decision
Sen. Patty Murray squares off today with Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. Murray will pursue the national-security risks with having the refueling tankers built by Northrop Grumman and EADS, the European parent of Airbus
– Seattle Times - March 12, 2008
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Boeing to Protest Loss of Tanker Contract
“The Air Force’s short-sighted decision to place the future of America’s aerospace industry and national security in the hands of an illegally subsidized foreign competitor is simply wrong for America,” Ms. Murray said.
– New York Times - March 10, 2008
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Boeing to challenge tanker decision
"Since their beginnings as a small company in Seattle, Boeing has never once protested a contract decision," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. "It is my hope that the GAO moves forward with its review in a thorough manner."
– The Everett Herald - March 11, 2008
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Air tanks contract award dumb move by Air Force
"Until now, our tankers have been built by manufacturers, designers, and engineers who have been able to pass on the skills and knowledge that 50 years of experience brings -- and who are bound by law from selling technology to countries that sponsor terrorism," she added.
Murray wonders how we're supposed to control the fate of our national security when we put other countries in charge of building essential military aircraft.
– Tri City Herald - March 10, 2008
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At Boeing, shock -- and then anger
The state's senior senator said she couldn't understand the choice of giving a massive contract to a foreign-based business, considering that the U.S. is teetering on a recession.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - February 29, 2008
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Murray Delivers Hard-Hitting Speech On Senate Floor
She started off telling her fellow senators that Boeing workers in Everett are frustrated, angry and dismayed that they'll no longer be building the refueling tankers. Boeing has had the military contract for 50 years. Murray said one worker called the decision a slap in the face.
– KIRO 7 Seattle - March 4, 2008
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Military planes must be made by U.S. firms
"Instead of securing the American economy and military at a time while we are at war we are creating a European economic stimulus package at the expense of U.S. workers," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
– Walla Walla Union Bulletin - March 5, 2008
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VA starts treating veterans in Mount Vernon
Both Murray and Larsen have long sought a clinic to serve veterans in the northern counties. The aim is to prevent long and tiresome drives to Seattle, and to cut down on time getting services, they said.
- Everett Herald - February 21, 2008
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VA to build $6.7 million unit for recovery in Walla WallaAbout 20 percent of those enrolled with the VA have a mental health diagnosis, said Sen. Patty Murray, who invited Peake and Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers to the medical center.
- Tri-City Herald - February 21, 2008
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Military Culture: Wrong sacrificesThere has to be some legislation requiring the government to not only research military sexual trauma (something Sen. Patty Murray is working on), but also a process that allows victims of such crimes to feel secure enough to report the incidents and name their attackers.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - February 21, 2008
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Warning on cuts in veterans' health care
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the proposals -- part of the Bush administration's budget request for fiscal 2009 -- "would close the VA's door to thousands of our nation's veterans."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - February 13, 2008
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Iraq war vets' suicide rates analyzed
"Until this administration understands that repeated and prolonged deployments are stretching our brave men and women to the brink, we will continue to see these tragic figures," Murray said.
- AP - February 13, 2008
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Hanford jobs could get axe under budget
"Instead of sending the critical dollars needed to meet our federal commitment to Hanford cleanup, the president's budget sends mixed messages," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a statement.
- Tri-City Herald - February 5, 2008
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U.S. Senate: Best care possible
Indeed, life expectancy for American Indians remains nearly six years less than the rest of the U.S. population. Murray's goal: "The Indian Health Service is badly in need of updating."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - January 27, 2008
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Murray listens after the storm
Grays Harbor leaders pleaded for better weather detection devices, federal aid for a slew of emergency generators and help in cutting through red tape on a number of disaster-related issues when U.S. Sen. Patty Murray visited the Harbor Tuesday for a follow-up tour of storm-damaged areas.
- Grays Harbor Daily World - January 9, 2008
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Murray acts for wounded warriors
Life for returning American soldiers is going to get better, thanks to the dogged determination of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
The Shoreline Democrat is being hailed by disabled veterans advocates and some Senate colleagues for her role in getting a bill passed to help returning soldiers get better and more-responsive medical attention they need.
- Seattle Times - December 20, 2007
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Country's veterans deserve better care
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray is an outspoken and effective spokeswoman for veterans as a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Last week she held a hearing in Yakima and got an earful of harsh words from area veterans about poor care and indifference from the Veterans Administration.
- The Yakima Herald - December 6, 2007
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In our view: Their 'Worst' Years?
But, as Murray said, care for veterans is not just the responsibility of the White house: "It's time for all of us to wake up to the reality and consequences of this war."
- The Columbian - November 16, 2007
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Report: Veterans health care costs around $650 billion
Murray was expected to announce that as many as 30 percent of injured soldiers have suffered a traumatic brain injury and research on the subject is still lacking.
The data from the heavily cited new report written by the group of physicians also says Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among returning soldiers is high, perhaps around 20 percent.
– KING5.com - November 8, 2007
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Spokesman Review: Three things we should be doing for war veterans
Sen. Patty Murray has been such a champion of military veterans that when President Bush threatened to veto health-care funding for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Washington Democrat was the natural choice to take him on.
Touting the $65 billion Veterans Affairs measure during last week's national Democratic radio address, Murray said, "More than 3,800 service members have died; thousands upon thousands have suffered physical and mental wounds at war. For all of President Bush's hollow talk of 'supporting the troops,' he has not done nearly enough to provide our veterans with the care and support they need. And that is simply outrageous."
- Spokesman Review - November 7, 2007
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Patty Murray becomes voice of veterans care
Her charges were young men who had returned from Vietnam. As Murray exercised their arms and legs, they described buddies blown apart and children, mistaken for guerrillas, shot and killed. Some stared vacantly; others shouted in anger.
Murray saw some of these same patients slip through cracks in the veterans-care network, left jobless, homeless and unable to find help.
"We didn't have a name for what they were suffering," Murray said of what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
– Seattle Times - November 4, 2007
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Farm proposal would aid Washington farmers
"I am thrilled that for the first time the Farm Bill includes specialty crops in a comprehensive and meaningful way," said Murray. "Specialty crop growers contribute greatly to making agriculture Washington's largest industry.
- The Chronicle - October 29, 2007
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Murray rips program for ill workers
"These workers and their families shouldn't have to struggle with a very frustrating bureaucracy as they seek their compensation," Murray said.
– Tri-City Herald - October 24, 2007
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Skamania County officials air concerns to Murray
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray came to Skamania County Monday to find out what was on people's minds.
– The (Vancouver) Columbian - October 9, 2007
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Panel tells Murray that area needs health care workers
"Everywhere I go in the state, I hear the same thing you do," she said of health care access, affordability and employment.
– The (Vancouver) Columbian - October 9, 2007
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Senate to OK law enforcement funds
The Senate has agreed to provide $20 million to help state and local law enforcement agencies along the 4,000-mile northern border pay for policing and prosecuting border- related crimes.
– Bellingham Herald - October 6, 2007
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Senate passes Murray bill to ban asbestos
Thursday, the Senate voted unanimously to pass Murray's ban on the importation of asbestos, which still is found in more than 3,000 consumer products. If approved by the House and not vetoed by the president, the United States will finally join more than 40 other nations that have banned the cancer-causing material.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - October 4, 2007
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"Bid to strengthen FBI in Northwest gains ground"
Sen. Patty Murray's quest to increase the strength of the FBI in the Pacific Northwest took a step forward Thursday, when the Senate approved a Murray proposal requiring the bureau to disclose exactly where and how its agents are deployed.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - October 4, 2007
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Senate discusses Crandall Canyon accident
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at a Senate hearing this morning that she plans to introduce legislation designed specifically to model mine accident communication after the National Transportation Safety Board's policies following plane crashes, which outlines how families of victims receive information.
- Deseret Morning News - October 2, 2007
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Murray-Clinton bill requires women be told of 'morning after' pill
"By raising awareness of the availability of emergency contraception, we will help protect women's reproductive health, reduce unintended pregnancies and decrease the number of abortions," Murray said in a statement.
- The Columbian - September 28, 2007
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Murray urges Bush to sign college aid bill
Speaking at the University of Washington on Thursday, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., encouraged President Bush to sign a bill that would make more money available for low-income college students and would lower interest rates on student loans.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - September 13, 2007
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Treating the mental wounds of war
The hearing, called by Sen. Patty Murray, comes on the heels of what she called a “heartbreaking” new Department of Defense report indicating that Army suicides are at a 26-year high. Murray on Friday said that Department of Defense and Veterans Administration need to do a better job of treating both physical and mental wounds.
- The Spokesman Review - August 18, 2007
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At last, a clinic for 'our heroes'
Helman and Murray applauded the efforts of the local veterans who fought to have the clinic established. Two of the group's leaders, Elwood "Bud" Link and Bill Forte, died before they were able to see their persistent political lobbying come to fruition. Murray submitted legislation earlier this year to have the clinic named for Bud Link, but the name has yet to become official.
- Wenatchee World - August 17, 2007
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FAA dedicates new control tower
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray was at the dedication and was cited for her role in finding more than $16 million in federal funds for the project.
“This tower insures and increases the efficiency and safety of travelers and military flights in Spokane,” Murray said. “It’s good to know the eyes and ears of the people we count on to keep us in the air safely will soon be in a newer facility.”
– Spokesman Review - August 10, 2007
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Murray delivers payload to port
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray heard how an intersection of rail lines in Vancouver created a choke point that affected the entire West Coast.
– The Columbian - August 8, 2007
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U.S. Sen. Patty Murray met with housing and veterans services officials Tuesday in Vancouver to find out how well the federal government is meeting the needs of homeless military veterans here.
– The Columbian - August 8, 2007
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Murray's Asbestos bill advances
"My bill is moving forward quickly with strong bipartisan support, and we shouldn't jeopardize this historic opportunity to finally protect American workers and their families from deadly asbestos," she said.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - July 31, 2007
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Murray: Senate’s Woman of the People
In a town known more for long-winded discourses on intricate policy minutiae or partisan bomb-throwing than average work-a-day talk, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) has earned a reputation as a bastion of common sense in the Senate.
- Roll Call - July 26, 2007
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Don’t expose state to terrorism, Murray says in defense of funds
Sen. Patty Murray delivered an impassioned plea Tuesday for an increase in anti-terrorism funding for ports and cities, saying that just as intelligence experts are projecting an increase in the threat of domestic attacks the Bush administration is trying to cut preparedness spending.
- The News Tribune - July 25, 2007
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Murray criticizes federal cuts in homeland security funding
Sen. Patty Murray delivered an impassioned plea Tuesday for an increase in anti-terrorism funding for ports and cities, saying that just as intelligence experts are projecting an increase in the threat of domestic attacks the Bush administration is trying to cut preparedness spending.
- The News Tribune - July 24, 2007
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Murray applauds departure of VA chief
"The VA secretary's duty is to protect veterans, not a dishonest administration," Murray said. "Our veterans deserve to know that the head of the VA system can stand up to the White House and fight for the resources and benefits our veterans need."
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - July 17, 2007
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Reserve visitors center supported
A bill that would provide $850,000 to renovate the visitors center at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., included the money in the interior and environment appropriations bill, which now goes to the full Senate for debate.
- The Columbian - June 22, 2007
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Murray inspects Seattle VA hospital
We are all clearly very, very concerned about the report that has come out,” Murray told the administrators when she arrived at the hospital. “It set alarm bells off for all of us.”
- The Bellingham Herald - June 16, 2007
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Sen. Murray outlines bill to improve care for wounded soldiers
“The days of not paying attention to our service members are over,” declared Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a leading force behind the legislation for the Senate Democratic leadership.
- The News Tribune - June 14, 2007
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Murray asks VA for WW clinic funds
``Our veterans in Southeast Washington and Northern Oregon rely on the Walla Walla (VA medical center) for their care, and it is the VA's responsibility to make sure that this facility meets their needs,'' said Murray, D-Wash.
- Walla Walla Union- Bulletin - June 14, 2007
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Temporary VA clinic opens its doors
Opening of the limited-service clinic is an encouraging sign for thousands of regional veterans who have previously had to travel long distances to claim their military benefits. Several veterans under the lead of Elwood "Bud" Link led the campaign to get the clinic established beginning in 2001. With the help of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Doc Hastings, congressional appropriations were won to open the clinic in February 2006.
- Wenatchee World - June 14, 2007
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Murray pushes for asbestos ban this year
"It's been shocking to me that after six years and a number of deaths of good people, we're still sitting in a committee. I have more hope this year than I've had in six years," Murray said after her bill was the focus of a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 12, 2007
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Wash. Senators sound off about Gonzales vote
"I voted against Mr. Gonzales' nomination two years ago because I believed the he lacked the independence and honesty to be Attorney General and because his record did not ensure public confidence in the fair administration of justice. Unfortunately, his tenure at Justice has confirmed these fears," said Murray.
- King5.com - June 11, 2007
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Congress considers court in Vancouver
Baird and Murray, both Democrats, introduced identical legislation in each house Thursday that would add Vancouver to the list of locations where court can be held.
– The Columbian - May 25, 2007
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Wild Sky bill passes key committee
"The finish line is finally in sight for all of us who have worked over the years to protect the Wild Sky area and improve recreational opportunities in our state," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who has been Wild Sky's prime sponsor in the Senate.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - May 24, 2007
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Gas May Have Harmed Troops, Scientists Say
On May 2, after learning about the research, Senators Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, and Christopher S. Bond, Republican of Missouri, wrote the Defense and Veterans Affairs Departments, asking about their plans for outreach and expanded benefits for exposed troops.
– New York Times - May 17, 2007
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VA official vows better information
While he received generally friendly comments and questions about the VA’s ability to treat soldiers back from Iraq and Afghanistan, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said she had “serious doubts about the level of frankness we can expect from a VA that has tried to minimize the cost, both in money and in lives, of this war.”
– Tacoma News Tribune - May 17, 2007
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DXM restriction proposed again
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, DWash., introduced legislation Monday to restrict the sale of unfinished Dextromethorphan, a drug found in cough medicines that teens increasingly are abusing.
– Bellingham Herald- May 15, 2007
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Port safety screeners tackle moving targets
"If we want to secure our ports, we have to work to develop and test new technologies and processes. We know that current technologies that are effective for trucks do not necessarily work for trains," said Murray, who has advocated increased port security and whose legislation SAFE Port Act of 2006 provides funding for the endeavor.
– Seattle Times - May 12, 2007
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In Our View: Wild Sky On Horizon
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has led the Wild Sky efforts in the Senate. "I remain completely optimistic that I will be standing there in Wild Sky for a signing ceremony," this summer, she said."
- The Columbian - April 20, 2007
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Bill calls for all vets to get VA care
Murray said the Bush administration cut off enrollment for new Priority 8 veterans in the face of budgetary problems and growing backlogs for patients when there were other options. “Instead of confronting the VA’s shortfall head on by asking for the resources necessary to address them, this administration cut off care to veterans of modest means,” she said.
- Army Times - April 19, 2007
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Senate eyes help for abuse victims
"Each day we get terrible reminders that domestic violence does not stay at home," Murray said.
Murray used the hearing to introduce a bill that would require employers to grant unpaid leave to employees seeking legal protection from abusers. It also would make domestic-violence victims eligible for unemployment benefits if they quit their jobs to get away from abusers.
- The Seattle Times - April 18, 2007
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Patty Murray, No Newcomer to Advocating for Veterans
Long before the uproar over the long-term medical care of troops returning home from Iraq made it fashionable to advocate for veterans rights, Sen. Patty Murray was on the front lines.
- The Washington Post - March 29, 2007
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Senate panel works toward bigger vet budget
“With the country at war, and with failures in veterans’ care being exposed each day, it is an absolute imperative that we take this step to correct the administration’s funding failures,” she said. “Shortchanging our veterans has become an unfortunate pattern in past budgets, and I am so pleased that we are breaking that cycle.”
- Military Times - March 16, 2007
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Army pledges to investigate injured troop charge
Murray took the lead over in the Senate during a hearing of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, peppering Geren and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker with questions about Salon's article that depicted an effort by the 3rd Brigade of that division to deploy troops with serious injuries, some severe enough that doctors had previously said the troops seemed unfit for combat.
- Salon.com - March 15, 2007
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The Walter Reed debacle -- a national disgrace
Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, cited reports of maltreatment of wounded veterans in her home state and said she holds Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, presently the Army's surgeon general and a former Walter Reed commander, "accountable for every disturbing story I'm hearing."
- Yakima Herald Republic - March 9, 2009
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Murray leads the fight for wounded vets of Iraq war
"They have lowballed the cost of this war, and the cost of caring for our soldiers. ... It goes to the top, to the highest level. The Bush administration wants this country to feel there is no cost to war," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said this week after a testy exchange with Army brass.
The fighting words come from a senator who voted against Congress' war resolution in 2002. Since then, Murray has emerged as a tireless, relentless advocate for the 23,000 non-fatal American casualties of the Iraq conflict.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 9, 2007
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In Our View: Treatment Trouble
We're glad Murray is involved and that Senate Leader Harry Reid has named her to oversee Democrats' response.
- The Columbian - March 9, 2000
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Military prodded on brain injuries
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., an advocate of improved brain injury treatment, called the panel's finding "outrageous." She added, "Four years into the war and we still don't have a systemwide plan."
– USA Today - March 8, 2007
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Wounded Soldiers: Do right by them
Speaking to Army Surgeon General Kevin Kiley, at the center of the Walter Reed scandal, Sen. Patty Murray sought assurances that the soldiers would be protected from such reprisal. "General, I want you to know many soldiers are very worried that if they speak out publicly they will be punished or it will end their military careers," said Murray in a meeting on Wednesday. Kiley responded, "Senator, you have my word." Uh-huh.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 8, 2007
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Leave whistle-blowers alone, Murray says
Murray questioned Kiley closely on reports that wounded soldiers at Madigan routinely received disability ratings that were lower than expected, meaning they would not qualify for some benefits.
– Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 7, 2007
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Murray to general: "I hold you accountable" for military health care
Murray questioned Kiley closely on reports that wounded soldiers at Madigan routinely received disability ratings that were lower than expected, meaning they would not qualify for some benefits. She also told Kiley that some soldiers had to wait more than two years for a clear diagnosis, of soldiers "being hurried out of DoD care'' before receiving surgery, and being "pressured'' to sign medical evaluations that separate them from Department of Defense medicine.
"I want answers,'' Murray told Kiley.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 7, 2007
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Murray blasts surgeon general over Madigan, other reports
Murray said it takes a 30 percent rating to qualify for an Army disability pension. But she said she was told that such ratings are rare compared to other military branches, citing the example of a woman soldier in a wheelchair, with a back injury and heart problems, who was given a 10 percent rating.
“I have to tell you there is suspicion that medical and physical boards are giving artificially low disability ratings simply to save money for the Army,” Murray charged.
- The News Tribune - March 7, 2007
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"I've been saying almost since the start of the war that there is a cost we cannot ignore, and that's the care of men and women after they return home," Murray says. Veterans being treated in military hospitals, she says, "have become the forgotten stepchildren of the war."
- The Oregonian - March 7, 2007
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Emboldened Murray re-introduces asbestos bill
"The stakes are just too high. To anyone who says, 'We don't need this bill,' I would just pose one question: How many more Americans have to die before our government finally does the right thing and bans asbestos?"
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 2, 2007
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The crux of the problem, says Murray, is that the administration is "low-balling the cost of this war," adding it's never been honest with the public or Congress.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - March 4, 2007
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VA to test all combat vets for brain injury
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee member, is not impressed. “My real worry is that this administration continues to be slow to react to these problems and rarely, if ever, takes proactive measures to stop the many problems before they even begin,” Murray said.
- Army Times - February 28, 2007
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Shortchanging Veterans' Health Care
The Department of VA predicts it will need to treat 5.8 million patients next year, including 263,000 Iraq and Afghanistan vets returning with serious injuries requiring expensive care. Murray and her Democratic colleagues believe the Bush budget will force new costs—such as increased prescription copayments and new enrollment fees—onto veterans themselves.
- Newsweek - February 26, 2007
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VA to test all combat vets for brain injury
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee member, is not impressed. “My real worry is that this administration continues to be slow to react to these problems and rarely, if ever, takes proactive measures to stop the many problems before they even begin,” Murray said.
- Army Times - February 28, 2007
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With the White House promising the president would approve a bill, Murray hopes for a bill signing in time for a Fourth of July party. After such a long wait, that would be wildly appropriate.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - February 19, 2007
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On war, Murray's voice is heard over others'
Calling the new strategy deeply disconcerting, Murray said, "The Bush administration is just trying to minimize the number of troops that will be required so we don't question it."
A few hours later, Murray took to the Senate floor and denounced the lack of a debate on the war. "I'm not going to let anyone silence me, the troops I speak for, or the constituents I represent," she vowed.
- The Seattle Times - February 10, 2007
.........................................
Wild Sky Wilderness area back in Congress' sights
Both Murray and Larsen hope that the bill will become law by summer. Murray said the White House has indicated President Bush would sign the bill into law.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - February 8, 2007
.........................................
Power shift gives Wild Sky Wilderness clear sailing in Congress
Murray's confidence stems from the power shift in which Republicans who kept it bottled up the past five years are now gone and Democrats who want it to happen are in charge.
- Everett Herald - February 8, 2007
.........................................
McKay got good review 7 months before ouster
"I would like the Justice Department to inform me exactly what it means by 'performance-related' reasons and reassure me that Mr. McKay was not dismissed solely on the basis of partisan politics," Murray wrote in a letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who chairs the judiciary committee.
- The Seattle Times - February 8, 2007
.........................................
Democrats here respond to some of the proposals
"We've had the Iraq study commission. You couldn't pick a more knowledgeable or experienced group of people, and he turned down their advice," she said. The Iraq Study Group was co-chaired by former Secretary of State Jim Baker.
As for the president's words about the consequences of failure in Iraq, she said, "No one wants failure in Iraq. That's why so many of us are opposed to the surge.
- Seattle Times - January 24, 2007
.........................................
Veterans plan rally to voice VA doubts
"The people on the ground told the VA what they need for it to happen. Now we'll see if the VA follows through," Murray said Monday. The proof will be when the president sends over his budget in a couple of weeks, she said.
- Tri-City Herald - January 23, 2007
.........................................
Yakima won't be losing postmark
Murray put pressure on postal officials by including language in a transportation appropriations bill that directed the service not to move ahead with consolidation in Pasco until an independent review was conducted. Murray said the postal service failed to subject its own study to rigorous public scrutiny.
- Yakima Herald-Republic - January 23, 2007
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Murray warns against burdening Veterans Department
A White House plan to send additional U.S. troops to Iraq will only increase the burden on an already over-stressed Department of Veterans Affairs, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., warned Thursday, saying soldiers returning from combat already face long delays in securing benefits and health care.
- The News Tribune - January 19, 2007
.........................................
Senators want to toughen air rule
"Northwest residents are exposed to some of the highest levels of benzene in the country, and the EPA's plan could make it even worse," Murray said. "There is a proven, cost-effective way to protect the health of our residents, and I want to know why the EPA has rejected it."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - January 13, 2007
.........................................
State's Democrats line up against Bush
Instead of escalating the war, Murray said troops Sen. Patty Murray said no one mentioned a new Iraq plan when she visited the White House on Dec. 8 to discuss Bush's ideas for strategy in the war.
After Bush's speech Wednesday, she said in a statement, "Despite
the warnings of his top generals, and the message sent by the American
people, the president has again decided to go it alone."
- Seattle Times - January 11, 2007
.........................................
Murray said Congress might not have a lot of leverage when it comes to halting any additional deployments because Bush is the commander-in-chief. She also said she would be reluctant to cut off military funding, though suggesting Democrats were exploring other options.
- The News Tribune - January 11, 2007
.........................................
Democrats take charge of Congress
Murray, in her third term, will play a vital role in the Senate. As secretary of the Democratic caucus, she will be among the Senate's top leaders and one of those determining what legislation will be brought to the floor for action.
"Rather than getting up in the morning and figuring out what to fight against, I'll be getting up in the morning and deciding what to fight for," she said.
- Everett Herald - January 5, 2007
.........................................
Senators act fast on sales tax deduction
Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray introduce a bill to make the deduction permanent.
- Everett Herald - January 5, 2007
.........................................
Murray has key role as Democrats take reins in Congress
After more than a decade in the "minority wilderness," Washington will command more raw power in Congress than the delegation has had in a generation. Murray will lead both the gender and power charge, relying on her clout as the fourth-ranking member of the Senate leadership and her senior position on the Appropriations Committee.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - January 4, 2007
.........................................
Editorial: Wild Sky a welcome addition to wilderness
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) who has guided the bill to unanimous passage in the Senate three times, said she'll reintroduce it in that chamber next month, too, where easy passage is expected again. The Bush administration has said the president will sign a Wild Sky Wilderness bill when it reaches his desk.
- The Everett Herald - December 19, 2006
.........................................
Murray outlines Democratic priorities
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray says Democrats who take over Congress next month are ready to pass legislation to raise the minimum wage, tighten ethics and curb budget "earmarks" that lead to pork-barrel spending.
- The Olympian - December 15, 2006
.........................................
PI Editorial Board: Family Planning: Slap in the face
The problem is that Keroack doesn't even need a Senate vote. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray called the appointment a "slap in the face for women" who value the ability to make their health decisions.
- Seatlle Post-Intelligencer - December 5, 2006
.........................................
Audio of the Senator's Ed Board visit with the Seattle PI
Yesterday we met with Sen. Patty Murray. She talked about the new Democratic leadership -- and a new sense of responsibility in the nation's capital.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - November 29, 2006
.........................................
Power swings to Sen. Patty Murray
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the new majority whip, said Murray was the leaders' first choice for the post. He cited Murray for being an early and lone voice warning that the Veterans Administration had woefully underestimated its budgets needs.
- Seattle Times - November 28, 2006
.........................................
Murray fourth from top in Senate
Senate Democrats on Tuesday selected Patty Murray as their fourth-ranking leader, giving the Washington state lawmaker major influence over the issues and priorities that the Senate will confront next year.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - November 15, 2006
.........................................
“I hope to bring to this leadership team a reminder of who we are,” Murray said, singling out students with college loans, seniors trying to figure out Medicare prescription drug benefits, middle- class families without health insurance, and veterans — particularly those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Bellingham Herald - November 15, 2006
.........................................
Wild Sky headed for fast approval
"Pombo is gone and the Democrats are in the majority, so we have all the cards in line," Murray said. "And this is a top priority of mine."
- Everett Herald - November 13, 2006
.........................................
Government must do better by our veterans
"I talk with a lot of these people who are coming back from Iraq for the second time and can't get a job," Murray said. "We've got to find out why and provide transition assistance. But we haven't even had a chance to have hearings to find out where we're coming up short."
- Everett Herald - November 13, 2006
.........................................
Monday's event included a visit by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to the top of the nearly 272-foot-tall tower. Murray, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a key part in obtaining $16.6 million in federal dollars for the tower, said Spokane Airport Board Chairman David Brukardt.
- Spokesman Review - November 7, 2006
.........................................
Sen. Murray hears complaints about Medicare drug plan at Sequim Senior Center
Washington's senior senator, a Democrat from Shoreline, came to the Sequim Senior Center to gather ammunition for what she called ``an uphill battle in Congress,'' to change Part D's parameters and perhaps lift patients out of the ``doughnut hole,'' where Medicare premium payers receive no help from their drug plans.
- Peninsula Daily News - October 31, 2006
.........................................
Murray listens to Tri-City wish list
Murray met Thursday afternoon with city managers, mayors and other community leaders during a panel discussion presented by TRIDEC at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. "I feel like Sam Volpentest is looking down over us as we look toward the future," she said, referring to the longtime TRIDEC leader who died last year at 101.
- Tri-City Herald - October 27, 2006
.........................................
Patty Murray Makes Swing Through Kitsap
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray listened Wednesday morning as government officials from Kitsap County told of their needs, from better funding to preserving the funding that exists to reduced paperwork to get the money in the first place — and to simple encouragement from the federal government.
- Kitsap Sun - October 26, 2006
.........................................
East Pierce mayors bend Murray’s ear
Sen. Patty Murray visited Puyallup on Monday and listened to East Pierce County mayors share their needs and plead for help from the federal government.
- The News Tribune - October 24, 2006
.........................................
Schools ask Murray for No Child help
Southwest Washington school leaders met with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray on Monday, not to blast the controversial No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, but rather suggest ways to improve it.
- The Columbian - October 10, 2006
.........................................
State worker speaks up at SafePlace event
She introduced and continues to work to pass the Security and Financial Empowerment Act to provide economic assistance and employment security to women seeking legal protection.
- The Olympian - October 7, 2006
.........................................
Speaking at a celebration at the Port of Everett, Murray said her Green Lane Act, approved last week by Congress, is scheduled to be signed into law by the president a week from today.
- Everett Herald - October 6, 2006
.........................................
Murray listens to traffic woes
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., invited the public officials to a roundtable discussion in Marysville to pinpoint the county's needs and give her a flavor of how she may be able to help.
- Everett Herald - October 6, 2006
.........................................
Audit: V.A. used flawed methods to determine budget
Murray's anger was intensified by the GAO's conclusion that the VA failed to comply with a legal requirement to fully inform Congress each quarter of its budget.
The report found that the VA left out key information about the cost to treat patients in its reports and submitted the information months late.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - September 21, 2006
.........................................
"They took us to war and didn’t have a plan," charged Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the second-ranking Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and one of VA Secretary Jim Nicholson’s sharpest critics on Capitol Hill.
- The News Tribune - September 21, 2006
.........................................
Murray gets dual credit for creativity and tenacity.
Government and business have to cooperate to make more secure ports a reality. Murray worked tirelessly to keep the topic in front of Congress.
- Seattle Times Editorial - September 18, 2006
.........................................
Senate
OKs measure to tighten port security -
Murray's bill approved 98-0
And in a personal victory for Murray, the bill would establish a "green lane" in which businesses would win expedited handling of their cargo in return for proving that they have a robust security system. The program, Murray said, would improve security because standards would be set by the federal government and aggressively monitored to ensure compliance.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - September 15, 2006
.........................................
Nobody campaigns for these awards
The "Plugging Away Prize," for refusing -- ever -- to get discouraged, goes to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Murray has spent the past five years pointing to omissions and gaps in security at the nation's ports.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - September 15, 2006
.........................................
Port Security: It's about time
Murray has been a tireless champion of beefing up security at the nation's most obvious terrorist targets: its marine ports, including those at Seattle and Tacoma.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - September 15, 2006
.........................................
Senate unanimously backs port security effort
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the bill's lead author, who has been pushing for tougher port security since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, said Senate approval cleared the way for possible final action before the end of the year.
"A big hurdle has been passed," Murray said. "It's a huge step in a very positive direction."
- The News Tribune - September 15, 2006
.........................................
Senate should endorse good port security bill
The opportunity lies in a port security bill long championed by Washington’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and now embraced by leading Republicans in the Senate. The measure is expected to come to a floor vote today or Friday.
- The News Tribune - September 14, 2006
.........................................
NW Newsmaker: Senator Patty Murray on her Port Security Bill (Video)
- Northwest Cable News - September 14, 2006
.........................................
Senator Murray Pushes Port Security Bill (Video)
Senator Patty Murray works to push through a bill to beef up security at U.S. ports.
- KIRO TV - September 13, 2006
.........................................
Thanks largely to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, Congress is finally paying proper attention to port security. Murray's GreenLane bill co-authored with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine has been approved by the House and passed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Last Thursday, senators announced agreement on port security legislation, and they are expected to vote on the measure this week.
- The Columbian editorial writers - September 11, 2006
.........................................
Fully fund Murray's bill on port security
On Thursday, Congress sent a signal that it may be ready to give port security the serious attention it needs. Senators announced an agreement on bipartisan legislation that Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced shortly after the 9/11 attacks and has been pushing ever since.
- Everett Herald - September 10, 2006
.........................................
On pill victory, Murray pulled out all stops
Murray doesn't jump on every issue. But she has embraced two as though they were her own children: veterans' welfare and women's health, including choice. Like the Little Engine, she has pushed them forward over rough terrain. From now on, call her Persistent Patty.
- Seattle Times - August 26, 2006
.........................................
President Bush's political advisers and a succession of ranking Food and Drug Administration officials repeatedly blocked, sidelined or delayed proposals that had received thorough scientific review. U.S. Sens. Patty Murray of Washington and Hillary Clinton played key roles in forcing action, by holding approval of an FDA commissioner nominee.
- Seattle PI Editorial Board - August 25, 2006
.........................................
Plan B Pill Cleared for Sale Over the Counter
Caught up in the controversy is President Bush's nomination of acting FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach to permanently lead the agency. Angry about FDA delay in acting on Plan B, Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Patty Murray of Washington had prevented a Senate vote on the nomination. But after Thursday's FDA action, they said they would withdraw their objections.
- LA Times - August 25, 2006
.........................................
Murray, Cantwell were pressed on vote
Both Murray and Cantwell voted against the bill Thursday. The two Washington senators have said they favor increasing the federal minimum wage and some form of change in the federal estate tax. But they said they couldn't support the present bill, which they said would have cut the wages earned by employees who receive tips as part of their pay.
- Seattle Timses - August 4, 2006
.........................................
After days of heavy lobbying from all sides, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell on Thursday voted against advancing a bill that would cut estate taxes for the wealthy, worried that the complex measure would bloat an already large deficit and cut wages of workers in Washington state who rely on tips for part of their income.
"I must oppose this bill because it directly overrides the will of Washington state voters," she said. "By initiative, Washington state residents supported a minimum wage law that keeps pace with inflation because we understand the needs of our working families and our communities."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - August 4, 2006
.........................................
Labor Dept. Nominee Is Nearly Unnoticed in Hearing
DeCamp also drew criticism for having represented Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in a class-action lawsuit by 1.6 million low-wage female workers over alleged sex discrimination. "Have you ever defended a worker in a lawsuit against an employer?" asked Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). "I have not," DeCamp replied.
- Washington Post - August 2, 2006
.........................................
Plan B should be readily available
Although the Food and Drug Administration's acting head, Andrew von Eschenback, is seeking more information on the proposal, Democratic U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Hillary Clinton are properly cautious about lifting a hold on his nomination as permanent director. Both in D.C. and here, progress on the issue is uncertain at best.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer Ed Board- August 2, 2006
.........................................
Contraception: Politics of Plan B
Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., placed a hold on his nomination, pending an overdue FDA decision on the drug manufacturer's 3 ½-year-old application to make Plan B available over the counter. The FDA's handling of the Plan B application has been frustratingly ham-handed and, as a Government Accountability Office report indicated, political. Three years ago, an FDA advisory committee ruled 23-4 to make the drug available without a prescription or age restrictions.
- Seattle Times Editorial - August 2, 2006
.........................................
Driven in part by the fatal shooting last week in Seattle, Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell of Washington, Barbara Mikulski of Maryland as well as Republicans Pete Domenici of New Mexico and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania and others sharply criticized the department for not issuing a single grant more than nine months after Congress approved the money.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - August 2, 2006
.........................................
F.D.A. Shifts View on Next-Day Pill
Assuming that the committee approves Dr. von Eschenbach’s nomination, Mrs. Clinton and Ms. Murray said they would block a floor vote on his confirmation until the F.D.A. made a final yes-or-no decision on the drug’s sale. Under Senate rules, any senator may place a “hold” on a floor vote to approve a nominee.
- New York Times - August 1, 2006
.........................................
FDA to Reopen Discussions With Plan B Manufacturer
Sens. Murray and Clinton yesterday reasserted their intention to keep their "hold" on von Eschenbach's nomination until the agency makes a "yes or no" decision on Plan B, saying they had been fooled before by FDA intimations that it was ready to make a decision.
- Washington Post - August 1, 2006
.........................................
Plan B Pill May Be Approaching Wider Release
Murray pointed out that as recently as last year, the Bush administration had promised a final decision -- only to backpedal after a prior FDA commissioner won Senate confirmation. "Fool me once," she said. "We're not going to go there again. We will keep our hold on this nomination until we get a 'yes' or 'no' on Plan B."
- LA Times - August 1, 2006
.........................................
Sen. Murray keeping pressure on VA
It all sounds good on the surface, but he offered no cost estimates or timeline for when the improvements would be made. That lack of data concerned Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, who always has been a strong supporter of veterans.
- Tri-City Herald - July 26, 2006
.........................................
Murray urges placing new veterans clinic in Bellingham
A new proposal urges placing a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Bellingham, though VA officials only say one will be put somewhere north of Seattle. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., inserted language into the VA’s appropriations bill to encourage placing the clinic in Bellingham.
- Bellingham Herald - July 20, 2006
.........................................
VA secretary to meet with Murray; pledges NW Wash. clinic
Veterans Administration Secretary James Nicholson on Thursday agreed to meet with Sen. Patty Murray and provide details on a so-far cryptic plan to preserve medical services for military veterans in the Walla Walla area.
- The Columbian - July 20, 2006
.........................................
Nicholson defends decision to withdraw credit monitoring for veterans
Testifying to a Senate panel, Nicholson acknowledged there were no 100 percent guarantees that names, birthdates and Social Security numbers stored on a VA employee's stolen laptop and external drive were not accessed or copied. But he said the low risk did not justify a year of personalized monitoring at a taxpayer cost of $160.5 million.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - July 20, 2006
.........................................
VA politicking does nothing for veterans
The announcement surprised Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., ranking Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. In years past, Murray has toured VA medical facilities with secretaries from administrations of both parties. She was not informed of Nicholson's visit.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - July 10, 2006
.........................................
Nicholson did not offer a price tag or a timeline. He also had no details about redevelopment of the property. Those decisions, he said, will need to be made through further community meetings.
The lack of details left a bad taste for some, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a proponent of the facility since the CARES recommendation. Murray said she was not invited to the meeting and heard about the plan second-hand.
- Walla Walla Union Bulletin - July 10, 2006
.........................................
Nicholson's arrival kept secret
A press release announcing the visit was sent to media Friday morning. Murray never did receive official word. In a telephone interview after the secretary touched down, the senator was clearly frustrated. "We've been waiting for him to make a decision, but the lack of communication is just symbolic of what is wrong with the VA right now,'' Murray said.
- Walla Walla Union Bulletin - July 10, 2006
.........................................
U.S. may slap China with suit in intellectual-property dispute
Instead of demonizing China, Murray said, the U.S. needs to keep an open door, stay engaged, hold it accountable for trade violations and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
- Seattle Times - July 7, 2006
.........................................
Amtrak outsourcing idea decried by Byrd
Amtrak should not send jobs to foreign countries, Sens. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Thursday
- Charleston Gazette - July 7, 2006
.........................................
Senators Criticize Payment Plan for Monitoring Veterans' Credit
Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington, said, "It's outrageous to first expose millions of Americans to credit fraud and identity theft, and then try to cut food stamps, student loans and youth programs to pay for it."
- The New York Times - June 28, 2006
.........................................
Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a comprehensive mental
health program.
“They (the administration) have put blinders on and been dishonest
about the cost of the war,” the senator said in an interview.
“As I see it, treating veterans is part of the cost. They don’t
see it that way.”
- The News Tribune - June 26, 2006
.........................................
The VA provoked sarcasm from a senator when it said it would pay for the monitoring: "I don't think it's acceptable to tell our veterans we lost your personal information, and by the way, we're going to cut your health care to pay for it," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Neither do we.
- The Journal News - June 24, 2006
.........................................
Sen. Murray welcomes war debate
"Back home, people want us to talk about Iraq," Murray said that day. "They want answers. But here in the Senate the Iraq war is the proverbial elephant in the room. It's right there, everyone can see it, no one talks about it. ... Well, I'll tell you, we're not going to get better results in Iraq if we ignore it here in Congress."
- Seattle Times - June 23, 2006
.........................................
Iraq at center of emotional day in Senate
"Like all of us, I want the troops home as soon as possible. In fact, I think they should start coming home this year. It is absolutely time for a new strategy in Iraq. An arbitrary date for full withdrawal, however, could force us to ignore facts on the ground -- facts that could have a direct impact on the security of our troops, or the interests of our nation."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 23, 2006
.........................................
Missing data puts hospital in limbo
Sen. Patty Murray and her peers in Idaho and Oregon have been asking the VA's Nicholson about the Walla Walla facility's future.
- Tri-City Herald - June 20, 2006
.........................................
Murray seeks federal curbs on ID theft
"The issue of identity theft is catching up with the government that has incredible, vast information about a lot of people and is not taking the steps needed to be taken to protect and encrypt that information," the Washington state Democrat said.
- Seattle Times - June 14, 2006
.........................................
Stolen computer puts 575,000 vets in state at risk
Three things need to be done, Murray said.
First, the Veterans Affairs Department needs to provide a "full
story" about what happened. Second, the department needs to help
military personnel and their families deal with the potential breach.
Last, she said, the department needs to put safeguards in place so this
can't happen again.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 13, 2006
.........................................Port laments loss of extra security funds
“I absolutely cannot understand the mindset of this administration when it comes to port security,” Murray said. “You can’t do this for free.”
- The News Tribune- June 9, 2006
.........................................
Congress drops financing for increased port security
Murray said that ports need the kind of hardened security now present at the airports, and that the cost of doing so far exceeds the bill's budget for it.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 8, 2006
.........................................
Democrats Blast Administration Over Data Theft
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who joined Senators Leahy and Jack Reed of Rhode Island at a Capitol Hill news conference, said the data theft was undermining faith in the veterans agency. "Can you imagine being a young woman with a couple of children, your spouse is overseas in Iraq, and now you find out that your address has been stolen and your personal safety is at risk?" Ms. Murray said.
- New York Times - June 7, 2006
.........................................
Gay marriage debate draws accusations of political pandering
"I went to Rotary Club meetings and chambers of commerce all over the state and nobody asked me about flag burning or estate taxes or gay marriage," a fuming Murray said, referring to her travels during the weeklong break for Memorial Day.
"We have so few days left (in the legislative year). We should be ashamed of a Senate leadership who sends smoke screens to avoid dealing with issues that people care about."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 7, 2006
.........................................
Pipeline safety sees 'good step forward'
"So you have a lot more people on the ground who are inspecting these pipelines so when they find something, they get it fixed. That is a huge difference between now and seven years ago," Murray said.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - June 5, 2006
.........................................
Iraq dominates talk during Murray visit
“I think the challenge is we don’t have a president who has defined what the mission is,” the third-term Democrat from Seattle said, noting that the original goal of getting rid of dictator Saddam Hussein is completed. Murray also urged those in a position to hire staff to “reach out” to veterans, to give them jobs and give them help, which the government hasn’t done enough of.
- The Olympian - May 31, 2006
.........................................
Time for action
The Senate, thanks largely to Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Patty Murray, D-Wash., has taken a far more balanced and reasonable approach while rightfully demanding progress from the Department of Homeland Security. Despite concerns on certain clauses, the trade seems largely OK with the legislation moving through Congress.
- Journal of Commerce - May 29, 2006
.........................................
Memorial Day: Duty to veterans
Nearly 1.3 million U.S. military men and women have returned from duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, and like veterans of previous wars, they may face mental health issues as a result.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is concerned that the military is not sufficiently prepared. The senator points to alarming comments by the VA's undersecretary for health policy coordination, Dr. Frances Murphy.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer Editorial Board - May 29, 2006
.........................................
Murray, Congress assail VA over loss of data
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., sharply criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs Thursday for losing private data on 26 million veterans, calling the episode "just another demonstration of the agency's incompetence."
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - May 26, 2006
.........................................
Murray lashes out at VA over data theft
The theft of personal data involving 26.5 million veterans is part of a “pattern of incompetence” at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sen. Patty Murray said Thursday, adding that the 700,000 vets in Washington state need to be aware that their identities are vulnerable.
- The News Tribune - May 26, 2006
.........................................
Senators question Bush's FDA moves
"It is outrageous that under this Administration, an agency entrusted with making unbiased decisions based on science, has abused its authority and allowed ideology to govern its decision-making," Clinton and Murray said in a prepared statement. "The FDA should not be playing politics with the health of American women."
- Newsday - May 26, 2006
.........................................
State's lawmakers express outrage over NSA data collection
Sen. Patty Murray raised a frequent concern -- that the White House has refused to fully describe the program to lawmakers and dodged questions.
"Today's press reports that our government is amassing phone records of millions of ordinary Americans are very concerning. It is yet another example of the administration keeping Congress and the American people in the dark on issues of national security," she said.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - May 12, 2006
.........................................
Deadline Looms for Senior Medicare D Benefit
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., came to Kitsap County last month to specifically hear from the professionals and volunteers who’ve been working with seniors. They bent her ear with sad tales of long delays and information glitches that kept the neediest in limbo and required a temporary state bailout to make sure they got their drugs.
- Kitsap Sun - May 11, 2006
.........................................
Editorial: Port Security Bill Poised to Succeed
Murray’s port measure is not about demagoguery. It’s a solid, well-crafted piece of legislation that she has patiently advanced by working with members of the Senate’s Republican majority.
- The News Tribune - May 7, 2006
.........................................
Improved cargo screening is a cornerstone of Sen. Collins' legislation. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, has five parts: standards for cargo security; higher standards that give shippers preferred treatment under a voluntary program called GreenLane, which tracks their cargo from factory until it reaches the United States; protocols for restarting port operations after an attack; $400 million for security grants for ports; and deadlines and accountability for the Department of Homeland Security to ensure port security occurs.
- The Bangor Daily News - May 4, 2006
.........................................
Port Security: Not a Stepchild
An important step is the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. It would provide incentives to shippers who voluntarily meet the highest levels of security and container screening. Their cargo would get preferential treatment and move faster through the system. And time is money.
- Seattle Post Intelligencer - April 30, 2006
.........................................
Slipping through the net - and into our ports
According to the findings in Murray's bill, only 17.5 percent of cargo assessed as high-risk is inspected overseas, and the inspections are carried out by foreign officials using equipment that is "untested and of unknown quality."
The Seattle Times - April 22, 2006
.........................................
Officials decry cuts in funds to fight meth
Murray came to Vancouver to ask law enforcement officials what else the U.S. Department of Justice could do for them. Judging from Thursday's discussion, they still regard combating meth as their biggest unmet challenge.
- The Columbian - April 21, 2006
.........................................
Murray offers 'pragmatic' approach to immigration
Border patrols