Last week, I returned to the Senate floor to continue to put pressure on my colleagues in the House to pass the Middle Class Tax Cut Act, which the Senate passed in July. The bill would extend tax cuts for 98% of workers and 97% small business owners, and would let the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans expire as scheduled. I also discussed Speaker Boehner’s recent proposal that would protect the rich from paying higher rates. I believe the easiest way to raise revenue from the wealthiest Americans is simply to allow the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% to expire as scheduled. It would move us a long way toward the balanced and bipartisan deal we are aiming toward.
Watch my speech on the Senate Floor.
“Murray: GOP protecting wealthy against tax increases is ‘detrimental’”
– The Hill
A Historic Day for Equality in Washington
Last Thursday, Washington state began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, after passing the marriage equality bill earlier this year. I am so proud of our state for taking this huge step toward providing equality for all members of our community. And while this is a time for celebration, it is also a time to recommit to ongoing efforts for equality, and there is still a great deal of work to be done. I remain committed to ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and equally. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to continue the fight to finally end this fourteen-year-old policy and make sure all married couples are treated equally in the eyes of the federal government.
“A license to marry: It’s official” – The Seattle Times
“A historic day for same-sex couples seeking marriage rights”
– The Seattle Times
Caring for Our Men and Women in Uniform
Last week, an amendment I sponsored that would require the Pentagon to implement a standardized and comprehensive suicide prevention program passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. I crafted the amendment after a major study by the RAND Corporation showed that there are serious gaps and a lack of consistency in military services’ suicide prevention programs. The amendment’s passage comes as the number of active duty suicides rose to 166 for 2012, already more than the total number for 2011.
Our servicemembers and veterans have faced unprecedented challenges: multiple deployments; difficulty finding a job here at home; and isolation in their communities. Some have faced tough times reintegrating into family life, with loved ones trying to relate but not knowing how. These are the challenges our servicemembers and veterans know all too well. But even as they turn to us for help, we have been losing the battle. Time and time again, we’ve lost servicemembers and veterans to suicide. Thankfully, this amendment seeks to reduce wait times and improve access to mental health care; ensure proper diagnosis; and achieve true coordination of care and information between the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. With these effective suicide prevention programs in place, no longer will our nation’s heroes be told ‘sorry, we are too busy to help you.’ I am proud this amendment will give our servicemembers and veterans a medical evaluation system that treats them fairly, gives them the proper diagnosis, and provides access to the mental health care they have earned and deserve.
“Suicide prevention efforts up for change” – The Olympian
“Sen. Murray: Veteran’s suicide prevention bill passes Senate” – The Examiner
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