Chair's Press

Senator Murray: “We’ve seen such an outpouring of determination and passion to finally make paid leave happen, and let me tell you, I’m not surprised.  Because we’ve been told time and time again on paid leave: ‘It’ll get done next time.’ Well, I’m here to say enough. The time is...

45 Democrats write urging Treasury, IRS to revise old guidance that permits retirement plans to discriminate against same-sex couples   Under current law, some individuals in same-sex relationships who lost their partners shortly after being married or before they were able to legally marry are being denied survivor benefits by retirement...

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson, which allows Texas’ SB8—the most extreme and harsh abortion ban in the United...

Senators Murray, Wyden to Biden Administration: “We have heard alarming reports that insurers are flouting the ACA’s contraceptive coverage protections, threatening women’s health and economic security … Your robust enforcement of the ACA’s contraceptive coverage requirement is vital to the women who rely on its...

Republican-led resolution aims to block rule that would protect 84 million workers through COVID-19 vaccines and testing Senator Murray: “Let’s get something straight:  The big threat to our workforce and our economy is the virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and shuttered businesses, not the safety standard that...

Sen. Murray: “If we are going to build a stronger, fairer nation in the wake of this pandemic, that has to include building a health care system that is focused on patients’ health, not drug companies’ profits.”   Build Back Better would cap insulin costs at $35 per month for millions of patients with health insurance...

In speech on Senate floor, Senator Murray sets record straight on how Build Back Better’s child care & pre-K policies will dramatically lower parents’ costs; give parents more options for quality providers   Murray: “What Democrats want to do is make sure there are more affordable options out there for parents. What...

Senator Murray: “It should be obvious to everyone: we cannot build back from this crisis stronger and fairer if we leave mothers behind. This is a priority for women and families, and it has to be a priority for us.”   ***TO WATCH THE PANEL CLICK HERE***   (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),...

Senator Murray: “We simply can’t get our economy back on track, can’t get people back to work, can’t return from this crisis stronger and fairer, if we don’t, at long last, address our nation’s child care crisis.”   ***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY’S FULL REMARKS HERE***   (Washington, D.C.) –...

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a mark-up on nominees to the Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Endowment for the...

Senator Murray: “I will not sit silently while Republicans try to end the rights affirmed by Roe v. Wade, while they try to turn the appalling law in Texas into a model for the country. No matter what happens, I will never stop fighting for reproductive rights, and that starts by passing the Women’s Health Protection Act—to ensure...

The BE HEARD Act is comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice   (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator...

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to President Biden announcing his intent to nominate Dr. Robert Califf to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Califf previously served as FDA...

Nationwide coalition of over 300 early learning and child care providers, advocates, and organizations: “A turning point for a just and equitable child care and early learning system”   The Atlantic: “Arguably the greatest victory for American families in several generations. ... It is no exaggeration to say that this will be...

COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths have all gone down since President Biden announced his plan to fight the Delta surge   Vaccination rates have risen, with nearly 80 percent of those 12 and older having received their first dose   Earlier today the Biden Administration announced an Emergency Temporary Standard to protect...

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the issuance of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) impacting over 80 million workers in private...

Senate confirms Raj Nayak by a vote of 54-45   Senator Murray: “If we are going to build back stronger and fairer from this pandemic, then our federal agencies must be fully staffed with highly qualified people who will help us tackle the many challenges hurting workers, retirees, and their families. And Mr. Nayak already has an...

House bill includes recently announced deal to give Medicare new power to negotiate lower drug prices in Build Back Better   Deal would also cap insulin costs at $35 a dose, and out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities at $2,000 a year   Murray: “This deal represents a long overdue first step on...

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on Speaker Pelosi including paid leave in the House Build Back Better Act. Senator Murray has long fought for paid family and medical leave, and has been helping lead...

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on key provisions to protect workers and hold corporations accountable that were included in the Democrats’ Build Back Better package. These provisions increase...