Fighting Against Cutting Off Unemployment Benefits for Washington Families
In a sp
colleagues to end blockage of unemployment benefits for millions of
American workers who lost their jobs to this recession. In the speech, I
discussed the struggles of out-of work families this holiday season
and told the story of one such family from Mill Creek who is on the
verge of running out of benefits.
I am a co-sponsor of the
recently introduced Unemployment Insurance Stabilization Act of 2010,
which would provide benefits through the end of next year. As I
emphasized on the Senate floor, extending unemployment benefits is also
one of the best ways to boost our overall economy.
Read my speech | Watch my speech
“Jobless would gladly trade unemployment check for work” – The Everett Herald
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USS Nimitz to be Stationed at Naval Station Everett
On Thursday, I announced that the Navy will be
stationing the USS Nimitz at Naval Station Everett following the
departure of the USS Abraham Lincoln. I have been pushing the Navy to
bring a new carrier to Everett, citing the station’s strategic
advantages, as well as first-rate quality of life and strong support
from the local community. Naval Station Everett will be a great home to
the USS Nimitz, and I know they will receive a warm welcome. – Details
“USS Nimitz to be stationed in Everett”– The Everett Herald
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Republicans Block Repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Even After Pentagon Report Indicates that It’s Not Working for our Troops
Last week, Senate Republicans blocked yet another attempt to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
This comes after the release of a critical Department of Defense
report that found that the policy is not working for our troop. Defense
Secretary Gates and other top military officials have also said the
report, which includes a survey of U.S. servicemember’s views, paves
the way for the Pentagon to institute a repeal.
We have heard the stories of the
lives this policy has ruined, we have heard from top-ranking military
officials that it simply doesn’t work, and now we have heard from
servicemembers that they too want it to change. I am glad that the
military has released this report. And last week, I urged my colleagues
in the Senate to stand with me to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” – Details
“End the military ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ ban”– The Seattle Times
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Recognizing Mariners Broadcast Legend Dave Niehaus
A letter
from Senator Maria Cantwell and I was delivered last week to the
Seattle Mariners celebrating the life of broadcast legend Dave Niehaus.
The letter, and a framed copy of a resolution
we introduced, were delivered ahead of Saturday’s memorial service for
the famed baseball broadcaster at Safeco Field. In 2000, he was the
second individual inducted into the Mariners Hall of fame, and while
his voice will be truly missed, it will never be forgotten.
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Social Security Adjustment for Washington State Seniors and Disabled Veterans Blocked by Republicans
On Wednesday, I voted to approve a one-time
payment of $250 for Washington state seniors and disabled veterans who
will not be getting a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in their social
security checks this year. Unfortunately, Republicans blocked this
common sense step to help those in our state who are struggling to get
by during this recession. I’m going to continue fighting for the needs
of middle class Washingtonians as we work to get our economy back on
track.
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Protecting Washington State Families from Food Borne Illnesses
Last week, I helped to pass the
first major overhaul of our food safety regulations in decades. The
bill, which is a result of two years of bi-partisan collaboration, will
go a long way toward making sure that the U.S. continues to have the
safest food supply in the world. My grandparents ran a family farm in
the Tri-Cities and I worked to make sure that this bill maintained the
right balance between allowing small farmers to operate and the need
for protections for families. – Details
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