Protecting women and their families from violence should not be a partisan issue. Last week, I joined with other female Senators in calling on Republicans to join us in reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This critical legislation, aimed at curbing domestic violence, is a bipartisan bill that advances efforts to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assaults, and stalking. I have believed strongly in this legislation since it was first passed in 1994. I hope that our Republican colleagues will join us so we can move forward to pass this important legislation.
“Cantwell, Murray push passage of broader domestic violence bill”
– The Seattle Times
Mental Health Care for Our Nation’s Heroes
Last week, I applauded an announcement by the VA that it would be moving to hire 1,600 mental health care professionals. I am pleased that the VA has taken this desperately needed step toward providing timely access to mental health care. Too often we have seen staff vacancies, scheduling delays, and red tape leave those veterans who have been brave enough to seek help in the first place left with nowhere to turn. With suicide rates that continue to be high and an influx of new veterans into the system these barriers to mental health care are completely unacceptable. While VA’s action is welcome news, there is more work to be done. This week, as chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will hold a third hearing on this subject in order to hear the Inspector General’s findings.
“VA hiring more mental health workers”
– The Washington Post
“VA plans to add 1,900 mental health workers”
– The Hill
Training Our Nation’s Students for Success in the 21st Century Job Market
Last week, I was pleased to see the U.S. Department of Education’s release of their “blueprint” for reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. I want to applaud the Administration for focusing on this issue and building on the successes of the career and technical education programs that help so many students get the skills they need to be successful in the workplace. Making sure students and workers can move into positions in thriving industries is one of the most important things we can do to help students, businesses, and communities in this tough economy. I’ve been proud to have worked on the last two reauthorizations of the Perkins Act programs that have helped millions of students, businesses, and families, and I’ve also introduced career pathways legislation to make sure communities have the resources they need to prepare their students for in-demand regional industries and occupations. I will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to reauthorize and reform our nation’s workforce development system.
“Obama Administration seeks to remake career-tech programs”
– Education Week
Paying a Fair Share: Republicans Block Debate on Buffett Rule, Continue Protecting only the Wealthiest Americans
Last week, I was deeply disappointed after Senate Republicans filibustered the Paying a Fair Share Act, also known as the “Buffett Rule.” This bill would call on millionaires and billionaires to pay a minimum fair rate so they can’t use loopholes and gimmicks to pay lower rates than many middle class families. It’s truly a shame that Senate Republicans are so committed to protecting the rich from paying a penny more in taxes that they won’t even allow us to debate a bill that makes sure millionaires and billionaires are playing by the same set of rules as middle class families.
At a time when middle class families continue to struggle, it’s only fair to call on the wealthiest Americans to pay just a bit more toward their fair share. We all know that our country has serious debt and deficit challenges. And it’s not going to be easy to get our budget back on track. But I feel very strongly that everyone needs to share in the sacrifices. We can’t simply ask the middle class and most vulnerable families to bear this burden alone—the wealthiest Americans need to be a part of this solution too. I am going to keep fighting for the Buffett Rule and I hope Republicans will join us and eventually allow this common-sense change to be enacted.
“Senator Patty Murray pushes ‘Buffett Rule’ tax on millionaires”
– The Seattle Times
“Sen. Murray: Buffeting the very rich”
– The Seattle PI
Twitter Round-up
English 
Spanish