United States Senator Patty Murray

Senator Murray’s Statement on I-5 Bridge Collapse

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Tonight, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement in response to the I-5 bridge collapse in Skagit County, WA.

"I am closely monitoring the situation at the I-5 bridge in Skagit County, and my staff is working with Governor Inslee, WSDOT, and local officials to assist in any way possible."

Op Ed: A strategy to combat military sexual assaults

Senator Murray and Senator Ayotte — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

When our best and brightest don a U.S. military uniform, they do so with the understanding that they will sacrifice much to defend our country from dangerous threats. But they shouldn’t have to face a threat from within their own ranks. Twice in two weeks, the very people in the military who are responsible for protecting victims of sexual assault have been accused of committing these crimes. These incidents are disturbing — and the secretary of defense must act swiftly to re-examine sexual assault services across the department. It is also time for Congress to enact legislation that gives victims the protections they deserve to seek justice and provides the Pentagon with the necessary tools to deal with this growing crisis. When a service member fails to live up to our values and commits sexual assault, we must ensure he or she is held accountable and that victims can come forward without fear of retribution. While the Pentagon has made good faith efforts to address this problem, it has fallen well short. This month, the Pentagon released its annual report on sexual assault in the military, showing an alarming increase in the estimated numbers of sexual assaults, from 19,000 in 2010 to 26,000 in 2012. Equally disturbing is that while the number of assaults rose, the number of assaults that were reported did not change significantly. With 3,158 cases reported in 2010 and fewer than 3,400 being reported in 2012, the vast majority of sexual assaults continue to go unreported. As military sexual assaults are becoming increasingly common, too many victims are suffering silently, unable to receive the care they need and the justice they deserve — all while continuing to bravely serve our country. - Politico

Murray Calls On Senate Republican Leaders To Listen To Their Own Members, Agree To Bipartisan Budget Conference

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Murray joins McCain in criticizing obstructionist Republicans’ preconditions for conference...

Murray, Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Disappointed By Air Force Decision on KC-46A Tanker Program

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) expressed their disappointment with the Air Force’s decision to base the KC-46A tanker program at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, despite the strong bid from Fairchild Air Force Base in Eastern Washington.

“Today’s decision by the Air Force is extremely disappointing, and seems to ignore the obvious advantages Fairchild has to support the military’s regional and global priorities and major flight programs like the KC-46A,” said Senator Murray. “While pressing the top levels of the Pentagon for answers on today’s decisions, I will continue to work with the full delegation for future investments in Fairchild, including new tankers in the next rounds of basing decisions.”

"The Secretary of the Air Force stated today that Fairchild will be a strong contender for future tanker basing decisions,” said Senator Cantwell. “While today’s preliminary tanker decision is disappointing, I will work with the Washington delegation and local leaders to bring new tankers to Fairchild and ensure it remains a vital asset for our nation's tanker program. With Fairchild's 50-year history as a vital resource in the U.S. tanker refueling program, Spokane remains a strong choice for locating future refueling tankers.”

“This is not a loss. The Air Force has plans to procure 179 KC-46A refueling tankers. It is important to remember that this is only the first installment of 36 tankers. While it was our hope that Fairchild would be the preferred base to host the next-generation refueling tankers, today’s announcement continues to bolster Fairchild’s vibrant mission. In the next few years, the Air Force will continue to base KC-46A refueling tankers at additional installations,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “Moving forward, Fairchild will compete very well and is in an excellent position to receive them. “For over a decade, our community has worked together to let the Air Force know we would welcome the tankers at Fairchild. Today’s decision demonstrates that our hard work was appreciated by the Air Force. I want to thank our community leaders – civilian and military; public sector and private sector; and by officials in both parties – for their commitment and teamwork. We have a lot to be proud of, and our efforts for Fairchild will continue.”

In December 2011, May 2012, and most recently in April 2013, Murray, Cantwell, and McMorris Rodgers led Washington state delegation letters to U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, highlighting the unique benefits that Fairchild offers the Air Force and the KC-46A tanker program, specifically. Fairchild, which is ideally situated to support the Department of Defense’s broad-based focus on the Asia-Pacific region, is already home to the Active Duty 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing, which both fly the KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, and has continually modernized its facilities through more than $400 million in military construction investments.

The Washington state delegation strongly advocated for Fairchild’s bid for the tanker program and has helped direct significant federal investments to the base. Those investments have included:

$11 million to fund a new Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Force Support Complex
$4.15 million for a Refueling Vehicle Maintenance Facility
Funding for a redesigned hangar, energy efficient improvements, mission support complex, resistance training facility, and Armed Forces Reserve Center
Funding for a new 14,000 foot runway, a new, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a new wing command headquarters to better integrate active-duty Airmen and Air National Guardsmen

LABOR: Murray Applauds Passage of NLRB Nominees Through Key Committee

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Wednesday, May 22^nd, 2013, U.S. Senator Patty Murray voted for five nominees to be members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) at a Senate Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing. The nominees passed through the committee and their confirmation will now go to the full Senate for consideration.

"As families continue to struggle through tough economic conditions, it is more important than ever that we fill the empty seats on the NLRB to ensure the board can protect the rights of American workers," Senator Murray said. "These five candidates are well qualified to serve on the board and I will continue to advocate for their confirmation on the Senate floor. I was very disappointed to see some of my colleagues use this vote today to score political points. I am hopeful that as we move their consideration to the full Senate, these politically-motivated attempts to gut this critical independent agency and take away rights from our nation’s workers will end.”

The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act, the primary law governing relations between unions and employers in the private sector. The statute guarantees the right of employees to organize and to bargain collectively with their employers, and to engage in other protected concerted activity with or without a union, or to refrain from all such activity.

Murray Demands Briefing From High-Ranking USAF Officials on Tanker Basing Decision

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

USAF officials will brief Murray in her office this week...

BUDGET HEARING: OMB Deputy Director Nominee Brian Deese

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Murray: “Brian possesses the kind of experience, knowledge, and judgment necessary to succeed in this leadership position – and to help bring a balanced and responsible approach to our budget challenges.”...

Murray Calls on Senate Republicans To Stop Giving Excuses and Move to a Bipartisan Budget Conference—McCain and Collins Agree

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Murray asks to move to conference with the House for ninth time, blocked by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) ...

Senator Murray’s Statement on Confirmation of Ernest Moniz as Energy Secretary

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Ernest Moniz as the Secretary of Energy.

“I’m very pleased that Dr. Moniz has been confirmed as Secretary of Energy to take on the difficult job of addressing our nation’s long-term energy needs and important priorities for Washington state like the Hanford site and the Bonneville Power Administration.

“I worked with Dr. Moniz when he served as undersecretary of energy during the Clinton Administration, and now that he has been confirmed, I look forward to working with him directly to ensure the federal government meets its legal obligations in the cleanup process at the Hanford site.”

Murray Continues Calling for Republicans to Choose a Bipartisan Budget Conference Over Brinkmanship

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Murray asks to move to conference with the House for eighth time, blocked by Senator Mike Lee, UT...

Senator Murray’s Statement on HELP Committee Vote to Confirm Thomas Perez as Labor Secretary

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after the Senate Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to confirm Thomas Perez as the next Secretary of Labor.

“Thomas Perez will bring a lifetime of unique experience and expertise to the Labor Department at time when it needs strong leadership, and today’s committee vote is an important step forward for his confirmation process.

“Unfortunately, since Mr. Perez was nominated, Senate Republicans have used his confirmation process to fight political battles, but I am hopeful the Senate will move forward decisively to confirm him as our next Labor Secretary.”

Senators Introduce Murray-Backed Legislation to Prevent Student Loan Rate Hike

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Fully paid-for bill closes special interest tax loopholes to keep college affordable for millions of students; rates set to double on July 1 unless Congress acts...

Army sexual assault reveals culture of silence

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Military sources tell NBC News the man in charge of sexual assault prevention in Fort Hood, Texas, may have allegedly coerced a female soldier into prostitution. NBC’s Jim Miklaszewski reports. - NBC Nightly News

Murray Statement on WRDA Provision to Address Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Issues

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Key provision would help Seattle, Tacoma ports prevent cargo diversion caused by the Harbor Maintenance Tax...

Senator Murray’s Statement on Furloughs for Civilian Military Employees Across Washington state

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Announcement will likely impact over 20,000 Washington state employees...

Murray Cosponsors Bill to Protect Pregnant Women from Workplace Discrimination

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This critical legislation would ensure pregnant women are not unnecessarily forced out of jobs or denied reasonable job modifications during pregnancy. Currently, pregnant workers are being denied simple adjustments, such as permission to use a stool while working a cash register or to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, that would keep them working and supporting their families while maintaining healthy pregnancies. The legislation will close legal loopholes and ensure pregnant women are treated fairly on the job.

“No working woman should have to make a choice between a healthy pregnancy and her job,” said Senator Murray, an original cosponsor of the legislation. “Unfortunately, far too many women in America are faced with this decision each and every day. In addition to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation like the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Fair Minimum Wage Act, and the Healthy Families Act are long overdue fixes I wholeheartedly support to fill the gaps in our workplaces and help provide a more level playing field for working women.”

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and prevents employers from forcing women out on leave. The bill also bars employers from denying employment opportunities to women based on their need for reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

In recent and startling examples, Amy Crosby, a hospital cleaner in Tallahassee, Florida, was forced into unpaid leave from her job when the hospital refused to accommodate her doctor’s request that she not lift more than 20 pounds because of her pregnancy; Heather Wiseman, a retail worker in Salina, Kansas, was fired because she needed to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and prevent bladder infections; and Victoria Serednyj, an activity director at a nursing home in Valparaiso, Indiana, was terminated because she required help with some physically strenuous aspects of her job to prevent having another miscarriage.

The federal legislation has the support of a broad coalition of civil rights and women’s advocacy organizations, unions, and business associations, including: A Better Balance; AFL-CIO; American Association of University Women; American Civil Liberties Union; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; California Women’s Law Center; Equal Rights Advocates; Hadassah; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center; Legal Momentum; Main Street Alliance; National Partnership for Women & Families; National Organization for Women Foundation; National Women’s Law Center; and many others.

Fort Hood: Senator Murray's Statement on Sexual Misconduct

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement in response to reports that a sexual assault prevention officer at Fort Hood has been charged with sexual misconduct:

"This is sickening. Twice now, in a matter of as many weeks, we've seen the very people charged with protecting victims of sexual assault being charged as perpetrators. It's an astonishing reminder that the Pentagon has both a major problem on its hands and a tremendous amount of work to do to assure victims - who already only report a small fraction of sexual assaults - that they are changing the culture around these heinous crimes. Secretary Hagel needs to act swiftly to reexamine sexual assault services across the Department to ensure that these disturbing betrayals of trust are ended. Its also time for Congress to move on legislation like the bipartisan bill that Senator Ayotte and I introduced last week that gives victims the protections they deserve to seek justice and that gives the Pentagon tools to deal with this growing crisis."

Chairman Murray’s Statement on Continued GOP Budget Obstruction

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Today, Chairman Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Majority Leader Harry Reid asked for consent to move to a budget conference but then withdrew it after no Republicans came to the floor to respond.

“It has now been 51 days since the Senate and House have passed our respective budgets. Senate Democrats have tried five times to move to a conference committee where we can work together toward a balanced and bipartisan budget deal, but Senate Republicans have stood up and objected each time. This obstruction has lasted too long already, and I call on my Republican colleagues to stop blocking the budget process and allow us to move to conference.

“It’s not just Democrats who think we should move to conference, many Republicans agree. One of my Republican colleagues said it was ‘incomprehensible’ that his own leadership is blocking a budget conference after spending so much time talking about the importance of the Senate passing a budget and Congress returning to regular order. Another Senate Republican said he would ‘like to see a conference now.’ Hopefully Senate Republican leaders start listening to their own members and stop blocking what shouldn’t be a controversial step in the budget process.

“Instead of joining us in a bipartisan conference, House Republicans seem to be more focused on their party’s conference this week where they plan to decide what they’ll demand in exchange for not tanking the economy. This kind of brinksmanship is wrong, and it needs to end.

“The debt limit should not be a pawn that Republicans use to keep their Tea Party base happy. Republican leaders admitted earlier this year that, despite their rhetoric, they were not actually willing to drive the government into default and the economy over a cliff. The Boehner rule is already dead, even if the Tea Party won’t allow Speaker Boehner to admit it. So Republicans should stop stalling and playing political games that will do nothing more than hurt the economy and cause needless uncertainty.

“The American people are sick and tired of the lurching from crisis to crisis that is hurting the economy and causing uncertainty for families and communities across the country. I call on Republicans to allow us to move to a budget conference and join us at the table willing to make compromises and work toward a bipartisan deal.”

Chairman Murray’s Statement on the House Passage of HR 807, Debt Prioritization

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

“Instead of working with us to avoid another manufactured crisis, House Republicans now seem like they are actively working to drive us toward one.

“The bill the House passed today would put foreign creditors ahead of American seniors, veterans, students, and small business owners—and it would do nothing to ease the economic harm and uncertainty caused by a new round of Republican brinksmanship. The President has said he would veto this bill and it is a nonstarter in the Senate.

“Instead of debating with each other about what ransom they should demand in return for not tanking the economy, Republicans should join Democrats in a budget conference and allow us to get back to regular order and away from the constant crises.”

Murray to Senate Republicans: Return to Regular Order; End the Constant Lurching From Crisis to Crisis

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Senate Democrats try to move to conference with the House for fifth time, blocked by Minority Leader McConnell...