Chair's Press

Weeks after Hurricane disasters, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands continue to lack safe, running water, electricity, fuel, & other critical public health needs   President Trump has threatened to withdraw resources amid criticism over federal government’s response   In new letter, Sens. seek answers from Acting Sec. Hargan...

  “[We] need this Administration to be a partner in fighting this epidemic and unfortunately today’s announcement is simply not enough”   (Washington, D.C.) – Senate HELP Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement today on President Trump’s opioid announcement:   “The opioid...

In hearing, Senator Murray celebrated the First Amendment as the “cornerstone of our democracy,” while emphasizing need for colleges and universities to protect students and speak out against the rise of hate speech and violence on their campuses   College campuses around the country have noted increases in harassment of...

“Rep. Bridenstine’s Denial of Climate Science & Consistent Opposition to Equal Rights for Women, Immigrants, and LGBTQ Individuals Should Disqualify Him From Consideration”   (Washington, D.C.) – In a letter today to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Assistant Democratic Leader Patty...

  WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on today’s court ruling rejecting a temporary stay that would have required the Trump Administration to resume out-of-pocket cost reduction...

HHS Inspector General Report Requested by Sens. Murray, Warren after Administration Officials Pulled ACA Enrollment Outreach Ads   Washington, DC – United States Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) today released a report written by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (IG) that details results...

“On net, CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that implementing the legislation would reduce the deficit by $3.8 billion over the 2018-2027 period relative to CBO’s baseline. …   “CBO and JCT expect that insurers in almost all areas of the country would be required to issue some form of...

Incidents of harassment, intimidation have increased in K-12 schools, as well as colleges & universities since the election, raising questions about whether all students truly have equal access to education in a safe & supportive environment   In new letter, Murray, Senators call on Trump Administration to protect students’ civil...

(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement on Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ decision to rescind guidance outlining rights for students and workers with disabilities.   “I’m deeply...

(Washington, D.C.) –Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released the following statement on Secretary DeVos’ decision to further delay the effective date of the “borrower defense” rule for another two years, which provides relief to students...

  (Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement on press reports that the Republican tax proposal may cap the amount of pretax money working families can contribute to their retirement plans:   “From...

Disturbing Reports Find Trump Officials Personally Denying Abortions To Undocumented, Pregnant Teens   In New Letter, Senate Democrats Call On Trump Administration To Immediately Cease “Unprecedented” Interference; Request Immediate Briefing, All Related Documents, Correspondence From Acting HHS...

Murray joins Alexander in announcing bipartisan group of first round of cosponsors:   12 Republicans & 12 Democrats   Murray in speech: “We’re able today to put forward an answer: a bipartisan solution that prevents families from paying the price for sabotage and uncertainty”   *Video of Murray’s remarks...

Bill spearheaded by Sens. Murray & Casey would nullify President Trump’s attack on ACA’s birth control mandate; Protect women’s continued access to contraceptive coverage   (Washington, D.C.)  – Led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)...

  GAO report, the result of Murray’s 2015 request, finds funding for gun violence prevention research is a fraction of other public health investments   Murray: “There is so much we can and absolutely should be doing to address gun violence”   **Video of Murray’s remarks HERE**   (Washington, D.C.)...

On Senate floor, Murray & Alexander announce bipartisan deal to stabilize & strengthen health care market   Bipartisan deal negotiated by Murray and Alexander: Funds payments to help lower costs for families – Provides added flexibility to states while protecting essential health benefits for patients  – Restores...

Senate HELP Committee holds second hearing on high cost of prescription drugs   At hearing, Murray cites several Dem priorities to tackle drug prices & hold manufacturers accountable: increased transparency from pharmaceutical companies, crack down on price gouging & anti-competitive practices   Murray also calls out President...

Despite pressing need for families to access clear nutritional information, FDA continues to “unreasonably postpone” food labeling requirements   In new letter, Murray urges FDA Commissioner Gottlieb to comply with timeline & protections as intended; “Cease FDA’s recent practice of pushing off compliance for key...

On September 27, Secretary DeVos rescinded guidance that directs schools on how to handle sexual assault investigations, and issued confusing interim guidance   Advocates warn DeVos’ interim guidance may result in fewer survivors coming forward and may make it harder for survivors to seek justice   Senators: “The interim...

In yet another affront to women’s health & rights, Texas has attempted to block women’s access to health care by preventing Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding    5th Circuit Court of Appeals expected to hear case challenging Texas’ “purely ideological” decision   Today, Senate...