Press Releases

Yesterday Secretary DeVos urged states to test the boundaries of the Every Student Succeeds Act   Murray, Scott urge DeVos to implement ESSA as Congress intended, to only approve plans that comply with all federal guardrails    (Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health,...

Secretary DeVos considering rescinding guidance on how schools handle campus sexual assault investigations   Rescinding guidance would create chaos and confusion at schools across the country   Senators: “Rescinding the guidance would be a step in the wrong direction in addressing the national epidemic of campus sexual...

In new letter to Labor Secretary Acosta, Democrats call recent proposed delay of rule “unreasonable,” “puzzling” given 7-year review, no new information to justify weakening protections, industry reaction & support   (Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the...

The Child Care for Working Families Act will ensure parents aren’t forced to pay more than they can afford for child care and improve access to high-quality preschool for low- and middle-income children   Legislation is a part of Democrats’ A Better Deal agenda to build an economy that works for all, not just those at the...

Senate HELP Committee holds final public hearing with health care stakeholders on steps to stabilize individual insurance market   Murray: “I hope that our conversations over the last few weeks can mark a turning of the page away from partisanship on health care”   At hearing, Murray reiterated opportunities for common ground...

WASHINGTON, September 14 — At the Senate health committee’s fourth health care hearing this month, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said that "it’s clear to truly protect patients, we need to stabilize the markets, limit premium increases, and begin to lower premiums in the future." “For seven years, hardly...

Homeless and foster youth often lack support to help them navigate a complicated higher education and financial aid system   Bipartisan Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act would ask colleges and universities to improve outreach to and resources for homeless and foster students   (Washington,...

Senate HELP Committee hears from state flexibility experts in third hearing on steps to stabilize individual insurance market   At hearing, Murray made clear: “Democrats will reject any effort…to erode the guardrails and protections that so many patients and families rely on”     Murray also pushed back against new...

WASHINGTON, September 12 — At the third of four Senate health care hearings this month, held to hear testimony from state flexibility experts, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said that any health insurance compromise for a stability bill including cost-sharing payments must also include real flexibility for states. “The individual...

  “Republicans and Democrats are finally trying to find common ground…it would be deeply disappointing if another partisan debate over Trumpcare derailed an opportunity [for an agreement]”   (Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)...

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 8, 2017 – The Senate this week passed three bipartisan public health bills to help more American families lead healthier lives. The three bills were overwhelmingly approved in April by the Senate health committee, chaired by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). “These bills each take important steps to help...

Murray pressed DeVos to uphold Obama Administration guidance that instructs colleges to investigate campus sexual assault and provides support and protection for survivors   DeVos and Department of Education made conflicting statements yesterday about current status of guidance   Before DeVos’ announcement, Murray urged her not to...

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 7, 2017 – U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today voted for a funding bill that supports biomedical research and continues year-round Pell grant availability for Tennessee students.  “Governing is about setting priorities, and that is exactly what this Republican-led Senate is doing,"...

Murray: “Immediately reverse course and drop any further attempts to move this bill forward”   (Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released the following statement opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R....

In speech, DeVos criticized current sexual assault guidelines that help colleges combat national crisis and survivors seek justice   Murray: “Let’s be clear: Secretary DeVos just made an open invitation to colleges to once again sweep this national epidemic under the rug”   (Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray...

Senate HELP Committee hears from Governors in second hearing on steps to stabilize individual insurance market   At hearing, Murray reiterated key priorities: multi-year fix for out-of-pocket cost reductions, maintaining guardrails, & other ideas to shore up markets, such as reinsurance, consumer outreach/assistance   Murray:...

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 7, 2017 – At the second of four Senate health care hearings this month, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said that his goal for the hearings is to produce limited, bipartisan, and balanced legislation to help 18 million Americans afford their insurance next year.  “If Congress...

Reports suggest Secretary DeVos may roll back protections provided to campus sexual assault survivors under Title IX, the education gender equality law   Murray instead suggests DeVos take steps to increase protections and support for survivors, and increase transparency of civil rights violations on campus   (Washington, D.C.) –...

Senate HELP Committee holds first public hearing with state insurance commissioners on steps to stabilize individual insurance market   At hearing, Murray reaffirms need to uphold and strengthen patient protections; pushes for multi-year certainty for out-of-pocket cost reductions   Murray: Any agreement must move us “forward, not...

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 6, 2017 – Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today launched a series of hearings on helping 18 million Americans be able to access and afford health insurance in 2018.  Alexander said at today’s hearing, “This step is not so small to 18 million...