Press Releases

Senate votes to confirm Julie Su by a vote of 50-47   Senator Murray: “With millions out of a job and millions more struggling to get by, it’s clear that workers need a Deputy Secretary of Labor committed to building back a stronger, fairer economy … This is why I’m so glad to support Julie Su’s...

Senator Murray: “It’s clear all of our witnesses are well qualified for the positions they have been nominated for, and I look forward to hearing from them about how we tackle the challenges facing schools and students across the country.”   (Washington, D.C.) – Today, during a hearing, Senator Patty Murray...

Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held itsnomination hearing for Catherine Lhamon to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, Elizabeth Brown to be General Council of the Department of Education, and Roberto Rodriguez to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and...

In June, Garcia and Murray led 27 of their House and 18 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in re-introducing the Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act   Washington D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia...

Murray, Democrats to Secretary Cardona: “We encourage the Department to pursue policies that reduce disparities in the burden of student debt, simplify loan repayment, close donut holes in forgiveness programs, and improve the overall confidence of borrowers in the federal student loan system.”    Washington,...

  After full implementation in 2022, the No Surprises Act will end the practice of surprise billing for medical care, which leaves patients with exorbitant, unexpected charges   The No Surprises Act was passed after years of bipartisan work led by Senators Murray and Alexander   Murray: “This is a significant new protection for...

Murray, Scott to President Biden: “The relief provided by the current pause has been a financial lifeline to tens of millions of student loan borrowers nationwide.”    (Washington, D.C.)–Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Representative...

Legislation would expand access to home care and community supports for seniors and people with disabilities and invest in home care workers   Almost 820,000 Americans sit on wait lists to receive home and community-based services   40 Senators support legislation   (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair...

Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, announced three new areas of bipartisan oversight as part of their ongoing work to develop policy proposals aimed at improving the nation’s...

Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), released a new report on the role of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommended reforms. The policy...

Today, Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) introduced the Verifying Accurate Leading-Edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act. This bipartisan legislation would level the playing field by establishing a new regulatory framework for the review and approval...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senator Richard Burr, Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee, announced three new areas of bipartisan oversight as part of their ongoing work to develop policy proposals aimed at improving the...

Murray, Ives-Rublee hosted a Twitter live on the 22nd anniversary of the Olmstead decision, which held that people with disabilities have the right to home- and community-based services they need to live independently   Murray, Ives-Rublee pushed for a historic investment in home care in order to make the rights affirmed by Olmstead a reality...

ICYMI: “About 65% of American adults are at least partially vaccinated as of Wednesday…” – MORE HERE FROM CNBC   As the U.S. vaccination rate slows, the Senate HELP Committee held a hearing on how to get people vaccinated and get on track to reach the Biden Administration’s goal of 70 percent of adults vaccinated...

Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing entitled, “Vaccines: America’s Shot at Ending the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Ranking Member Richard Burr’s Prepared Opening Statement: “Chair Murray, I am glad we are able to hold this important hearing together today. “The COVID-19...

TICAS: “…would make college more affordable and accessible for millions of students and help drive an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”   Third Way: “…sends a clear message to low-income students and students of color that the federal government will continue to support and invest in their...

  Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29 D) led 27 of their House and 18 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act. The legislation...

Senator Murray: “We have a lot of work to do to make sure every single student has the opportunity to achieve a higher education in a safe environment, free from debt.”   (Washington, D.C.) – Today, during a Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) highlighted how the American...

Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing entitled, “COVID-19 Response and Recovery: Supporting the Needs of Students in Higher Education and Lessons on Safely Returning to Campus.” Ranking Member Richard Burr’s Prepared Opening Statement: “Chair Murray, thank you for...

Supreme Court refused to strike down the Affordable Care Act entirely as Republicans urged, in a 7-2 ruling   Murray: “This ruling is cause for celebration—but it must also be a call to further action, not an excuse for complacency.”   Senator Murray and Congressman Pallone have announced plans to develop legislation...