Support Maria!
if you think you have some reason to not vote for Maria Cantwell in 2018, think again.
There is no good reason to not Support Maria. She works for Washington.
Her voting record matches Bernie Sanders.
Her being a Super-Delegate was not her doing and she did not electioneer for Hillary.
Super-delegates were put in place by the Democratic Party to make room for more regular, non-elected folks to be delegates and participate.
It is not strategic to support anyone other than Maria - It's downright stupid. Supporting anybody other than the seated Democrat only opens wide the opportunity for a Republican to take the election and the seat away from Democrats. And what do we need to keep in 2018? - Democratic seats!
Don't be a non-strategic fool - Support Maria Cantwell.
Sen Cantwell Defends National Monuments against Trump order
WATCH: Cantwell Defends The Protected Status Of National Monuments
President’s Executive Order Threatens San Juan Island and Hanford Reach
Download broadcast-quality video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement here.
Watch Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement on YouTube here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today defended the Antiquities Act and the protected status of National Monuments across the country.
Senator Cantwell took to the Senate floor to oppose the President’s short-sighted attempt to illegally roll back the National Monument status for some our country's most treasured public lands and national monuments, protected to preserve them for public recreation and enjoyment.
“The shortsighted move is a pretext to attack the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah,” Senator Cantwell said. “Sacred to five tribes, Bears Ears is a breath-taking sight for all Americans who come to experience what is the unbelievable unique beauty of the West.”
In Utah alone, outdoor recreation is responsible for $12 billion in consumer spending each year: more than twice the value of oil and gas produced in the state ($5 billion).
Just today, the Outdoor Industry Association released a new report on the economic contributions of the recreation economy. Nationally, the recreation industry currently creates $887 billion in consumer spending every year. That’s up more than $200 billion (from $646 billion) the last time this study was conducted, a few years ago.
In addition, outdoor recreation industry is responsible for 7.6 million jobs in this country today. That’s growth of 1.5 million jobs since the last time this study was conducted.
Sen. Cantwell explained that President Trump’s Executive Order calls into question more than just Bears Ears National Monument. “Reviewing any designation in the last 20 years, threatening the question of the San Juan Island or the Hanford Reach National Monument and the creation of other sites around the United States and threatening our economies. Time and time again, the Trump administration is pushing for policies that are harmful to our recreation economy, a disaster for our pristine places, and setting a terrible precedent for future conservation efforts.”
In Washington, the outdoor recreation economy generated $22.5 billion in consumer spending and $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Watch the video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement here.
###
Permalink: https://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/4/watch-cantwell-defends-the-protected-status-of-national-monuments
President’s Executive Order Threatens San Juan Island and Hanford Reach
Download broadcast-quality video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement here.
Watch Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement on YouTube here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today defended the Antiquities Act and the protected status of National Monuments across the country.
Senator Cantwell took to the Senate floor to oppose the President’s short-sighted attempt to illegally roll back the National Monument status for some our country's most treasured public lands and national monuments, protected to preserve them for public recreation and enjoyment.
“The shortsighted move is a pretext to attack the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah,” Senator Cantwell said. “Sacred to five tribes, Bears Ears is a breath-taking sight for all Americans who come to experience what is the unbelievable unique beauty of the West.”
In Utah alone, outdoor recreation is responsible for $12 billion in consumer spending each year: more than twice the value of oil and gas produced in the state ($5 billion).
Just today, the Outdoor Industry Association released a new report on the economic contributions of the recreation economy. Nationally, the recreation industry currently creates $887 billion in consumer spending every year. That’s up more than $200 billion (from $646 billion) the last time this study was conducted, a few years ago.
In addition, outdoor recreation industry is responsible for 7.6 million jobs in this country today. That’s growth of 1.5 million jobs since the last time this study was conducted.
Sen. Cantwell explained that President Trump’s Executive Order calls into question more than just Bears Ears National Monument. “Reviewing any designation in the last 20 years, threatening the question of the San Juan Island or the Hanford Reach National Monument and the creation of other sites around the United States and threatening our economies. Time and time again, the Trump administration is pushing for policies that are harmful to our recreation economy, a disaster for our pristine places, and setting a terrible precedent for future conservation efforts.”
In Washington, the outdoor recreation economy generated $22.5 billion in consumer spending and $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Watch the video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor statement here.
###
Permalink: https://www.energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/4/watch-cantwell-defends-the-protected-status-of-national-monuments
Demand an Anti-Hate task Force
In the past few months, Washington state and our nation have seen a distinct rise in extreme sexist, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric, and a rash of violence targeting racial and religious minorities.
In response to this unacceptable violence, I led a group of 13 of my Senate colleagues to demand the Trump administration create a task force to address the spike in hate-based violence against our most vulnerable communities.
Join me and insist that Trump establish a Presidential Task Force to make preventing and combating hate-related crimes a national priority.
From the Muslim bans to his inflammatory statements on the campaign trail, President Trump's history of intolerance is well-documented. And Attorney General Jeff Sessions is no better: As a U.S. Attorney, he famously supported voter suppression in black communities. He spent his career in the Senate blocking legislation to protect women from domestic abuse and obstructing bills to expand LGBTQ rights.
We must hold this administration responsible for ending these alarming attacks, and ensure that people of every gender, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and political affiliation are safe.
Demand today that the Trump administration create a Presidential Anti-Hate Task Force.
In response to this unacceptable violence, I led a group of 13 of my Senate colleagues to demand the Trump administration create a task force to address the spike in hate-based violence against our most vulnerable communities.
Join me and insist that Trump establish a Presidential Task Force to make preventing and combating hate-related crimes a national priority.
From the Muslim bans to his inflammatory statements on the campaign trail, President Trump's history of intolerance is well-documented. And Attorney General Jeff Sessions is no better: As a U.S. Attorney, he famously supported voter suppression in black communities. He spent his career in the Senate blocking legislation to protect women from domestic abuse and obstructing bills to expand LGBTQ rights.
We must hold this administration responsible for ending these alarming attacks, and ensure that people of every gender, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and political affiliation are safe.
Demand today that the Trump administration create a Presidential Anti-Hate Task Force.
Trump Tax Forms
Donald Trump still refuses to release his tax returns.
After dodging the question throughout his campaign, President Trump has become obstinate in his position, choosing to angrily lash out on Twitter rather than be open and honest with the American people.
This lack of transparency from our president is unacceptable.
On Saturday, more than 120,000 progressives like you took to the streets to compel Trump to release his tax returns. And I have joined a coalition of Democratic senators in supporting the Presidential Tax Transparency Act, which would require Trump -- and all future presidential candidates -- to release their taxes.
But it's going to take a lot more pressure to force Trump's hand.
Join me today -- on Tax Day -- and insist that President Trump release his tax returns.
For decades, Democratic and Republican presidential nominees have released their tax returns to confirm that they have no conflicts of interest with American businesses or businesses abroad.
We deserve to know how President Trump's businesses will benefit from his actions as president. The only way President Trump can give the American people a comprehensive report of his assets and any foreign entanglements is by releasing his tax returns.
The American people deserve transparency. Demand President Trump release his tax returns.
Thank you,
Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator
After dodging the question throughout his campaign, President Trump has become obstinate in his position, choosing to angrily lash out on Twitter rather than be open and honest with the American people.
This lack of transparency from our president is unacceptable.
On Saturday, more than 120,000 progressives like you took to the streets to compel Trump to release his tax returns. And I have joined a coalition of Democratic senators in supporting the Presidential Tax Transparency Act, which would require Trump -- and all future presidential candidates -- to release their taxes.
But it's going to take a lot more pressure to force Trump's hand.
Join me today -- on Tax Day -- and insist that President Trump release his tax returns.
For decades, Democratic and Republican presidential nominees have released their tax returns to confirm that they have no conflicts of interest with American businesses or businesses abroad.
We deserve to know how President Trump's businesses will benefit from his actions as president. The only way President Trump can give the American people a comprehensive report of his assets and any foreign entanglements is by releasing his tax returns.
The American people deserve transparency. Demand President Trump release his tax returns.
Thank you,
Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator
Our Clean Air & Water
The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are relentlessly attacking the progress we've made protecting and preserving America's clean water, clean air, wilderness, and mountains.
Protecting these vital resources is critical to our health, our economy, and our future, which is why I was honored that the League of Conservation Voters gave me a 100% rating on their 2016 environmental scorecard.
To preserve our progress, and our environment, it is going to take all of us working together.
Will you join me in the fight to protect our clean air and clean water?
With Trump as president and Republicans in control of the House and Senate, we must double down to protect the victories we've had in securing a cleaner environment.
The support of activists like you is critical in fighting back against President Trump's backward policies. Together, I know we can expand clean energy opportunities, ensure access to public lands, and protect our clean air and water.
Can I count on you to fight for the progress we've made? Pledge your support today and we'll protect and build on the victories we've made.
Thank you,
Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senator
No to Gorsuch
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
Washington
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt
(202) 224-8277
Washington
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt
(202) 224-8277
- Cantwell Statement on Judge Neil Gorsuch’s Nomination to U.S. Supreme Court
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:
- “I take very seriously the solemn responsibility of the Senate to provide advice and consent on nominations to our federal courts. If confirmed, Judge Gorsuch will have a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, and his impact on the lives of all Americans cannot be overstated.”
- “Judge Gorsuch is commonly referred to as a proponent of originalism and textualism. He believes the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted by following the original intentions of those who drafted it as closely as possible.
- “While no one expects Judge Gorsuch to reveal how he would rule on particular cases, during his Senate confirmation hearing he did not give Senators enough background about his judicial philosophy.
- “Gorsuch told the Judiciary Committee he recognizes privacy rights. However, his earlier writings on unenumerated constitutional rights contradict this statement. This contradiction raises questions about what Judge Gorsuch believes, and how and if he will protect critical privacy rights in the future.
- “I am also troubled by Judge Gorsuch’s decision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) case which was recently rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. Gorsuch ruled to limit education opportunities for children with disabilities. He had concluded that to comply with the law the school’s responsibility to the student was to make progress that was merely no ‘more than de minimis’ The Supreme Court held that public schools districts must give students with disabilities the opportunity to make meaningful progress. This ruling impacts more than one hundred thousand students across Washington state.
- “Judge Gorsuch has concluded Chevron vs. NRDC should be overturned. This long-standing precedent known as the Chevron doctrine provides that judges should defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous statutory language. It allows agencies to get expert input for agency decisions and regulations. Overturning this doctrine could make it easier for courts to overturn important agency decisions protecting public health and the environment.
- “Gorsuch has also ruled against women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. He has frequently sided with employers over employees and favored corporate interests over public interests.
- “Many difficult issues will come before the court in the months and years ahead. We need a U.S. Supreme Court justice who will stand up for equal justice for all. I still have questions and concerns about Judge Gorsuch. Therefore, I cannot support cloture and will not support the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.”
- ###
Sens. Cantwell & Murray Challenge Ryan on ACA
United States SenateWashington
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 23, 2017
Contact:
Kerry Arndt (Murray)
(202) 224-2834
Bryan Watt (Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Murray, Cantwell Deliver Warning to Speaker Ryan, House Republicans: We're Not Going to Help You Erode Health Care Coverage
Senators: “Our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance”
WASHINGTON, DC – As the House of Representatives prepares to vote on legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 40 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter today to House Speaker Paul Ryan warning that he will not have their support for legislation to eliminate essential health benefits and consumer protections as outlined in the Speaker’s “three phase” plan of repealing the ACA.
“We are writing today to inform you that our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance,” the Senators wrote. “Before you move forward with floor consideration of the AHCA, we urge you to choose another path.”
Speaker Ryan and President Trump have assured certain Republican House members that legislation will be passed, either in the current bill or at a later date, to eliminate essential health benefit requirements for insurance coverage, including maternity care, emergency services, prescription drugs, substance misuse and mental health treatment, as well as undermine other critical consumer protections.
“We will oppose any efforts to lessen our constituent’s access to basic preventative and primary care… Undermining the value of insurance and requiring that insurance plans cover rudimentary health care services is simply shifting more costs onto patients and taxpayers,” the letter continues. “We have always supported sensible improvements to the ACA and believe in working together to improve our health care system for the good of the patients it serves. Instead of supporting a fatally-flawed, incomplete, partisan bill, we hope you will take us up on our sincere offer to improve health care for all Americans.”
The letter clearly demonstrates that there are enough votes to sustain a point of order on repealing essential health benefits if this provision is included in the House reconciliation bill, or to block a vote if this provision considered as separate legislation.
In addition to Murray and Cantwell, senators who signed the letter are: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Thomas Carper (D-DE), Robert Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA),Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The senators’ letter can be read in full below:
March 22, 2017
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC
Dear Speaker Ryan,
As a vote nears in the House of Representatives to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you have repeatedly stated that consideration of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) is only the first phase in your plan to replace the landmark law that has resulted in the lowest uninsured rate in our country’s history. More specifically, you have promised consideration of several legislative proposals you falsely argue will help alleviate the devastating impact of the AHCA.
As we understand your plan, you will seek to enact these proposals after Congress uses expedited procedures to consider the AHCA, a bill the Congressional Budget Office estimated would cause 24 million Americans to lose their insurance coverage. Given your plans to pass subsequent legislation through regular order in Congress, we want to correct any misimpression you may have that we will support proposals you have cited as key to your effort. Simply put, these subsequent bills will worsen the damage the AHCA will cause.
Any assurances to your colleagues that future legislation to further scale back insurance coverage will pass through regular order if the AHCA is enacted are based on the flawed assumption that the Senate Democratic Caucus will vote to further erode the health care system and strip our constituents of coverage. We are writing today to inform you that our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance.
For example, we will oppose efforts to eliminate the ACA’s essential health benefits that ensure insurance companies cover maternity care, emergency services, substance misuse and mental health treatment, prescription drugs, pediatric dental and vision care and other vital services. We will also oppose any efforts to lessen our constituents’ access to basic preventative and primary care. Americans reasonably expect that the premiums they pay cover such basic needs, but before the ACA, consumers were often surprised to find their insurance did not. Undermining the value of insurance and requiring that insurance plans cover rudimentary health care services is simply shifting more costs onto patients and taxpayers. Eliminating the ACA's essential health benefits would merely force the same Americans to pay more out of pocket rather than actually reducing their costs and should not be the “solution” to the premium increases the ACHA will create.
Before you move forward with floor consideration of the AHCA, we urge you to choose another path. For many years, we have acknowledged that despite its successes, the Affordable Care Act is not perfect and it needs improvement. We have always supported sensible improvements to the ACA and believe in working together to improve our health care system for the good of the patients it serves.
Instead of supporting a fatally-flawed, incomplete, partisan bill, we hope you will take us up on our sincere offer to improve health care for all Americans.
Sincerely,
###
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 23, 2017
Contact:
Kerry Arndt (Murray)
(202) 224-2834
Bryan Watt (Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Murray, Cantwell Deliver Warning to Speaker Ryan, House Republicans: We're Not Going to Help You Erode Health Care Coverage
Senators: “Our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance”
WASHINGTON, DC – As the House of Representatives prepares to vote on legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 40 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter today to House Speaker Paul Ryan warning that he will not have their support for legislation to eliminate essential health benefits and consumer protections as outlined in the Speaker’s “three phase” plan of repealing the ACA.
“We are writing today to inform you that our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance,” the Senators wrote. “Before you move forward with floor consideration of the AHCA, we urge you to choose another path.”
Speaker Ryan and President Trump have assured certain Republican House members that legislation will be passed, either in the current bill or at a later date, to eliminate essential health benefit requirements for insurance coverage, including maternity care, emergency services, prescription drugs, substance misuse and mental health treatment, as well as undermine other critical consumer protections.
“We will oppose any efforts to lessen our constituent’s access to basic preventative and primary care… Undermining the value of insurance and requiring that insurance plans cover rudimentary health care services is simply shifting more costs onto patients and taxpayers,” the letter continues. “We have always supported sensible improvements to the ACA and believe in working together to improve our health care system for the good of the patients it serves. Instead of supporting a fatally-flawed, incomplete, partisan bill, we hope you will take us up on our sincere offer to improve health care for all Americans.”
The letter clearly demonstrates that there are enough votes to sustain a point of order on repealing essential health benefits if this provision is included in the House reconciliation bill, or to block a vote if this provision considered as separate legislation.
In addition to Murray and Cantwell, senators who signed the letter are: Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Thomas Carper (D-DE), Robert Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA),Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The senators’ letter can be read in full below:
March 22, 2017
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC
Dear Speaker Ryan,
As a vote nears in the House of Representatives to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you have repeatedly stated that consideration of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) is only the first phase in your plan to replace the landmark law that has resulted in the lowest uninsured rate in our country’s history. More specifically, you have promised consideration of several legislative proposals you falsely argue will help alleviate the devastating impact of the AHCA.
As we understand your plan, you will seek to enact these proposals after Congress uses expedited procedures to consider the AHCA, a bill the Congressional Budget Office estimated would cause 24 million Americans to lose their insurance coverage. Given your plans to pass subsequent legislation through regular order in Congress, we want to correct any misimpression you may have that we will support proposals you have cited as key to your effort. Simply put, these subsequent bills will worsen the damage the AHCA will cause.
Any assurances to your colleagues that future legislation to further scale back insurance coverage will pass through regular order if the AHCA is enacted are based on the flawed assumption that the Senate Democratic Caucus will vote to further erode the health care system and strip our constituents of coverage. We are writing today to inform you that our caucus will not support any efforts that jeopardize the consumer protections our constituents rely upon when they purchase insurance.
For example, we will oppose efforts to eliminate the ACA’s essential health benefits that ensure insurance companies cover maternity care, emergency services, substance misuse and mental health treatment, prescription drugs, pediatric dental and vision care and other vital services. We will also oppose any efforts to lessen our constituents’ access to basic preventative and primary care. Americans reasonably expect that the premiums they pay cover such basic needs, but before the ACA, consumers were often surprised to find their insurance did not. Undermining the value of insurance and requiring that insurance plans cover rudimentary health care services is simply shifting more costs onto patients and taxpayers. Eliminating the ACA's essential health benefits would merely force the same Americans to pay more out of pocket rather than actually reducing their costs and should not be the “solution” to the premium increases the ACHA will create.
Before you move forward with floor consideration of the AHCA, we urge you to choose another path. For many years, we have acknowledged that despite its successes, the Affordable Care Act is not perfect and it needs improvement. We have always supported sensible improvements to the ACA and believe in working together to improve our health care system for the good of the patients it serves.
Instead of supporting a fatally-flawed, incomplete, partisan bill, we hope you will take us up on our sincere offer to improve health care for all Americans.
Sincerely,
###
Sen. Maria Cantwell Works for Us
Drug Prices (2)
As promised, here is the information on the prescription drug importation legislation that Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Bernie Sanders put together which was introduced in both the House and Senate yesterday! Please feel free to share with your organizations!
United States Congress
Washington
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt(Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Omer Farooque(Jayapal)
(202) 450-0088
Cantwell, Jayapal Introduce Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act to Help Lower Skyrocketing Cost of Medicine
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans could not afford the medicine they were prescribed at some point in their lives.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) joined Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and 28 other members of Congress in introducing legislation in the House and Senate to lower the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs by allowing Americans to import safe, low-cost medicine from Canada.
Both measures would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services in two years to allow importation from other advanced countries while ensuring the highest levels of safety and consumer protections.
In Canada and other major countries, the same medications are available for a fraction of the price compared to the United States, despite being manufactured by the same company and in the same factory. In 2014, Americans spent on average $1,112 per person on prescription drugs while Canadians spent $772 and Danes spent $325.
"Washingtonians want access to more affordable prescription drugs from Canada. Under this legislation's new and stringent drug safety requirements, Americans will have more choice and affordability. This legislation also includes important new penalties to crack down on the illegal importation of opioids and other illicit drugs,” said Senator Cantwell.
“Drug prices have soared over the years, making it essentially impossible for patients to access necessary, lifesaving medicine,” said Rep. Jayapal. “In some cases, people have to choose between paying for their medicine and putting food on their table. The only ones who benefit from this situation are the large pharmaceutical companies who profit from people’s pain. This is atrocious. No one should have to make that kind of a choice. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, and ensuring that everyone has access to low-cost, life-saving medicine.”
The legislation, the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, introduced in the Senate and House, would instruct the secretary of Health and Human Services to put forward regulations allowing wholesalers, pharmacies, and individuals to import qualifying prescription drugs from licensed Canadian sellers. After two years, the secretary would have the authority to permit importation from countries in the Organizations for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with standards for the approval and sale of prescription drugs that are comparable to those in the United States.
The bill includes detailed provisions outlining safeguards and consumer protections that ensure the safety of imported drugs, including FDA certification of foreign sellers, a clear definition of what drugs may be imported, and supply chain security requirements.
Legally imported drugs under the bill must be purchased from an FDA-certified foreign seller and must have the same active ingredient, route of administration, and strength as drugs approved in the United States. The new agreement also cracks down on rogue online pharmacies.
Allowing the importation of safe and affordable prescription drugs is overwhelmingly supported by the American people with 71 percent in favor of allowing Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
In addition to allowing Americans to import safe, low-cost medicine from Canada, Cantwell and Jayapal both support giving Medicare the ability to negotiate prices directly with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries as an additional way to lower drug costs.
Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) are original co-sponsors of the legislation in the Senate.
Original co-sponsors in the House include: Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Robert Brady (D-PA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Blumenauer (D-OR), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Jim Langevin (D-RI).
Organizations supporting the bill include: Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Teachers, Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA), CREDO, DailyKos, Economic Policy Institute, Justice in Aging, MoveOn, NAACP, National Center for Health Research, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Organization for Women, PharmacyChecker.com, Prescription Justice, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, RxRights, and Social Security Works.
For a summary of the bill and background, click here.
To read the bill, click here.
###
United States Congress
Washington
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt(Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Omer Farooque(Jayapal)
(202) 450-0088
Cantwell, Jayapal Introduce Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act to Help Lower Skyrocketing Cost of Medicine
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans could not afford the medicine they were prescribed at some point in their lives.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) joined Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and 28 other members of Congress in introducing legislation in the House and Senate to lower the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs by allowing Americans to import safe, low-cost medicine from Canada.
Both measures would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services in two years to allow importation from other advanced countries while ensuring the highest levels of safety and consumer protections.
In Canada and other major countries, the same medications are available for a fraction of the price compared to the United States, despite being manufactured by the same company and in the same factory. In 2014, Americans spent on average $1,112 per person on prescription drugs while Canadians spent $772 and Danes spent $325.
"Washingtonians want access to more affordable prescription drugs from Canada. Under this legislation's new and stringent drug safety requirements, Americans will have more choice and affordability. This legislation also includes important new penalties to crack down on the illegal importation of opioids and other illicit drugs,” said Senator Cantwell.
“Drug prices have soared over the years, making it essentially impossible for patients to access necessary, lifesaving medicine,” said Rep. Jayapal. “In some cases, people have to choose between paying for their medicine and putting food on their table. The only ones who benefit from this situation are the large pharmaceutical companies who profit from people’s pain. This is atrocious. No one should have to make that kind of a choice. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill, and ensuring that everyone has access to low-cost, life-saving medicine.”
The legislation, the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, introduced in the Senate and House, would instruct the secretary of Health and Human Services to put forward regulations allowing wholesalers, pharmacies, and individuals to import qualifying prescription drugs from licensed Canadian sellers. After two years, the secretary would have the authority to permit importation from countries in the Organizations for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with standards for the approval and sale of prescription drugs that are comparable to those in the United States.
The bill includes detailed provisions outlining safeguards and consumer protections that ensure the safety of imported drugs, including FDA certification of foreign sellers, a clear definition of what drugs may be imported, and supply chain security requirements.
Legally imported drugs under the bill must be purchased from an FDA-certified foreign seller and must have the same active ingredient, route of administration, and strength as drugs approved in the United States. The new agreement also cracks down on rogue online pharmacies.
Allowing the importation of safe and affordable prescription drugs is overwhelmingly supported by the American people with 71 percent in favor of allowing Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
In addition to allowing Americans to import safe, low-cost medicine from Canada, Cantwell and Jayapal both support giving Medicare the ability to negotiate prices directly with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries as an additional way to lower drug costs.
Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) are original co-sponsors of the legislation in the Senate.
Original co-sponsors in the House include: Reps. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Robert Brady (D-PA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Blumenauer (D-OR), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Jim Langevin (D-RI).
Organizations supporting the bill include: Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Teachers, Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA), CREDO, DailyKos, Economic Policy Institute, Justice in Aging, MoveOn, NAACP, National Center for Health Research, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Organization for Women, PharmacyChecker.com, Prescription Justice, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, RxRights, and Social Security Works.
For a summary of the bill and background, click here.
To read the bill, click here.
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Drug Prices (1)
Several folks contacted our office here in Vancouver, throughout the State, and in Washington, DC about the Senator Bernie Sanders Amendment regarding importation of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. Your voices and concerns have been heard and I wanted to let you know some exciting news! I don’t have any details about the bill just yet, but Senator Maria Cantwell is working with Senator Bernie Sanders on a more comprehensive approach and they will be introducing new legislation soon. I will be happy to forward the information as soon as the bill is ready! Please feel free to pass this message along to your organization and memberships.
Thank you so much,
Dena Horton
Southwest Washington Outreach Director
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
1313 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 696-7838
Fax: (360) 696-7844
http://cantwell.senate.gov
Thank you so much,
Dena Horton
Southwest Washington Outreach Director
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
1313 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 696-7838
Fax: (360) 696-7844
http://cantwell.senate.gov
Immigrant Ban Pushback
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United States Senate
Washington
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt(Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Kerry Arndt(Murray)
(202) 224-2834
Cantwell, Murray Take Action to Block President Trump’s Harmful Executive Order on Immigration
Bill to Rescind Executive Order Objected to by Senate Republicans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) co-sponsored two bills by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) to block President Trump’s harmful ban on refugees, visitors, and immigrants from certain Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.
The Feinstein bill would rescind the Executive Order. However, on the Senate Floor today, Senate Republicans objected to voting on the bill.
The Murphy bill would withhold any funding to enforce the executive order and makes clear the order is illegal based on the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which banned discrimination against immigrants on the basis of national origin.
“President Trump’s executive order on immigration flies in the face of our core American values,” said Senator Cantwell. “These bills will ensure Trump’s executive orders do not go into effect. America must continue to be a leader on human rights and we must do our part to help Syrian refugees and all fleeing persecution.”
“What unfolded at Sea-Tac International Airport and in airports around the U.S. this weekend is nothing short of appalling and un-American. I met with the family of somebody who was turned away from our country this weekend, and I saw first-hand the grief and confusion this executive order has caused. We cannot stand for this—and I applaud the many peaceful demonstrators and lawyers who rushed to our airports to defend our democracy and help the people who have come to our country seeking refuge,” said Senator Murray.
Early Sunday, two men were detained at Sea-Tac airport as a result of the Executive Order. The travelers, a Yemeni and a Saudi, were subsequently released following a court order. In addition— one traveler, of Somali origin, was denied entry to the U.S. Saturday and sent to Vienna as a result of the Executive Order. More than 1,000 people gathered at the airport to protest the detentions.
The bill was introduced by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). Senators Cantwell and Murray were joined as original cosponsors by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The legislation complements two measures set to be introduced by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
In addition, Senators Murray and Cantwell called on President Trump in a letter to immediately revoke the Executive Order on refugees as it runs “counter to what truly makes America great.” The letter details the manner in which it runs counter to America’s values, as well as national security and economic interests, by restricting more than 200 million people from entering our country with no clear evidence that it will make our nation more secure. The letter asserts the Executive Order constitutes a Muslim ban, and is fundamentally un-American and discriminatory.
According to the Executive Director of the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), there are 100,000 to 150,000 Muslims in the state. In addition, since 2003, Washington state has received over 32,000 refugees, mostly from Middle Eastern or majority-Muslim countries. Washington was the 8th largest refugee-receiving state in 2015, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
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United States Senate
Washington
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2017
Contact:
Bryan Watt(Cantwell)
(202) 224-8277
Kerry Arndt(Murray)
(202) 224-2834
Cantwell, Murray Take Action to Block President Trump’s Harmful Executive Order on Immigration
Bill to Rescind Executive Order Objected to by Senate Republicans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) co-sponsored two bills by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) to block President Trump’s harmful ban on refugees, visitors, and immigrants from certain Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.
The Feinstein bill would rescind the Executive Order. However, on the Senate Floor today, Senate Republicans objected to voting on the bill.
The Murphy bill would withhold any funding to enforce the executive order and makes clear the order is illegal based on the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which banned discrimination against immigrants on the basis of national origin.
“President Trump’s executive order on immigration flies in the face of our core American values,” said Senator Cantwell. “These bills will ensure Trump’s executive orders do not go into effect. America must continue to be a leader on human rights and we must do our part to help Syrian refugees and all fleeing persecution.”
“What unfolded at Sea-Tac International Airport and in airports around the U.S. this weekend is nothing short of appalling and un-American. I met with the family of somebody who was turned away from our country this weekend, and I saw first-hand the grief and confusion this executive order has caused. We cannot stand for this—and I applaud the many peaceful demonstrators and lawyers who rushed to our airports to defend our democracy and help the people who have come to our country seeking refuge,” said Senator Murray.
Early Sunday, two men were detained at Sea-Tac airport as a result of the Executive Order. The travelers, a Yemeni and a Saudi, were subsequently released following a court order. In addition— one traveler, of Somali origin, was denied entry to the U.S. Saturday and sent to Vienna as a result of the Executive Order. More than 1,000 people gathered at the airport to protest the detentions.
The bill was introduced by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). Senators Cantwell and Murray were joined as original cosponsors by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). The legislation complements two measures set to be introduced by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
In addition, Senators Murray and Cantwell called on President Trump in a letter to immediately revoke the Executive Order on refugees as it runs “counter to what truly makes America great.” The letter details the manner in which it runs counter to America’s values, as well as national security and economic interests, by restricting more than 200 million people from entering our country with no clear evidence that it will make our nation more secure. The letter asserts the Executive Order constitutes a Muslim ban, and is fundamentally un-American and discriminatory.
According to the Executive Director of the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), there are 100,000 to 150,000 Muslims in the state. In addition, since 2003, Washington state has received over 32,000 refugees, mostly from Middle Eastern or majority-Muslim countries. Washington was the 8th largest refugee-receiving state in 2015, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
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