Extending Unemployment Benefits for Thousands of Struggling Washington Families
On Tuesday, I spoke about the need to pass an extension of Emergency Unemployment Insurance for thousands of Washington state residents who are out of work. In my speech, I described the struggles of some of the people who have contacted me on the need for this extension. The stories include unemployed Washingtonians who have had to sell their belongings, can no longer afford their mortgage, and whose unemployment is running out. In passing this critical bill, we can provide a measure of financial stability for up to 18,000 Washington state residents who are struggling to get by as their unemployment runs out.
Details | Listen to my speech | Watch my speech
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Answering Your Questions on Health Insurance Reform
On Wednesday, I joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for a live video chat on health insurance reform. We answered questions sent in from Washington state residents as well as those submitted live through the White House’s video chat Facebook application.
During the chat, I shared with Secretary Sebelius some of the most common concerns of Washington state families and small business owners. To date, I have received over 7,000 stories and questions through my health insurance reform website. – Watch the chat
Emergency Relief Funding for Nile Valley Landslide
On Monday, I announced the release of $1 million in Emergency Relief Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding that I secured to help accelerate the reconstruction and repair of the section of SR-410 near Naches. This Emergency Relief funding will help the community get back on its feet after a landslide that damaged a critical road, destroyed homes, and endangered the well-being of so many families. – Details
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Funding for Projects throughout Our State
Last week I announced funding for various projects that will provide good, family-wage jobs and make strong investments in the future of Washington state. These projects include funding for medical research, agriculture and clean energy. Click below for more information on the funding projects:
- Clean Energy Research on Algae
- Biofuels Cancer Research in Kennewick
- Columbia Basin Water Project
- WSU Agricultural Research Service Center
- Support for Specialty Crop Farmers
- Priority Agriculture Research Projects
- Army Corps of Engineers Projects
- WSU Power Grid Research and Development
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Improving Relations with China
On October 8th, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid appointed me to chair the United States-China Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG). The IPG is a critical way to continue an open dialogue between the U.S. Senate and the Chinese government. I believe we must have an open door and acknowledge that there are going to be disagreements and conflicts but that the way to resolve them is through discussion and engagement. I am honored to take on this new challenge and work in the best interests of our state, nation and partnership with China.
– Details
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