Ranking Member's Press
Senator Murray: New Joint Employer Rule is a “Huge Blow to Workers’ Rights”
Labor Department finalizes joint employer rule, allowing corporations to avoid responsibility for workers' rights violations Murray: "Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, the Trump Administration has once again advanced the interests of those at the very top at the expense of workers" Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the Department of Labo… Continue Reading
01.13.20
Murray, Democrats Slam FDA E-Cigarette Policy Riddled With Loopholes for Kid-Appealing Flavors
30 Democratic Senators write to new FDA Commissioner criticizing weak tobacco policy with huge loopholes Trump Administration policy won't address menthol flavored e-cigarettes or flavored e-liquids that are not in a cartridge-including those with fruit, candy, and other flavors Senators: "FDA's recently announced compliance policy fails to prioritize children, families, and the public health ahead of industry objections." Senators to FDA Commissioner Hahn: "In one of FDA's first maj… Continue Reading
01.07.20
Murray Urges DOL to Reverse Decision that Undermines Protections from Wage Discrimination for Federal Contract Workers
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs recently announced it will stop using pay data intended to enforce wage discrimination laws Decision is contrary to the agency's mandate to enforce federal laws to protect workers on federal contracts from wage discrimination based on their sex, race, or other protected characteristics Senator Murray: "OFCCP must be armed with more information, not less, if we are to address the unacceptable and unlawful wage gaps expe… Continue Reading
01.02.20
Senator Murray: President Trump Has Broken Promise, “Sold Out Young People to Tobacco Companies,” With Weak E-Cigarette Policy
In major backtrack from promise made last September, Trump Administration announced e-cigarette policy with massive carve-outs Murray recently voted against FDA Commissioner Dr. Hahn's nomination over his failure to commit to putting data, science, and public health first with strong action on youth tobacco use Murray: "President Trump has sold out young people to tobacco companies by breaking his promise to clear the market of all nontobacco flavored e-cigarettes, and giving tobacco com… Continue Reading
12.20.19
Senator Murray Slams New Trump-Pence Rule Designed to Place More Obstacles Between Women and Reproductive Health Care
Trump-Pence rule creates new burdens for women seeking insurance that covers comprehensive reproductive health care Murray: "The last thing people need are more obstacles between them and their health care-and yet President Trump continues to look for new, damaging ways to get in between patients and their care providers and to chip away at access to reproductive health care." Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labo… Continue Reading
12.19.19
Senator Murray Applauds Passage of Major Legislation to Strengthen Retirement Security
Recently passed spending bill includes SECURE Act, legislation with several provisions to bolster families' retirement security Bill includes step Murray has long pressed for to expand access to retirement plans for long-term, part-time workers by changing minimum participation standards Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to the passa… Continue Reading
12.19.19
Murray, Wyden Lead Senate Democrats in Demanding HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination
Senators say HHS decision to rollback essential nondiscrimination protections runs counter to HHS mission to 'enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans' Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, led every member of the Senate Democratic caucus to demand that the Department of Health and Human… Continue Reading
12.18.19
Murray: Ruling in Republicans’ Partisan Lawsuit Puts Health Care and Protections for Millions on “Completely Avoidable, Catastrophic Crash Course”
Decision leaves health care and protections for millions uncertain as case is returned to judge who previously ruled to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act Murray: "Today Republicans are closer to getting the health care plan they wanted, in the form of a court ruling that could leave millions of people without the coverage and protections they rely on." Murray: "For months, Democrats have urged President Trump and Republicans to listen to patients and drop this partisan and deep… Continue Reading
12.18.19
Murray: Civil Rights Agency Must Support Workers’ Right to Take Predatory Corporations to Court for Employment Discrimination
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rescinds long-standing policy opposing mandatory arbitration agreements as contrary to civil rights laws and harmful to workers across the country Murray: "The last thing an agency tasked with enforcing workers' rights should do is weaken its stance on predatory corporate practices that block workers from seeking justice when they're mistreated or harassed on the job." WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate H… Continue Reading
12.17.19
Murray: Work Will Continue Next Year to End Surprise Medical Billing, Strengthen Health Care For Patients & Families
Washington D.C.-Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement calling for continued work next year to end surprise medical billing. Murray also highlighted the need to address the effects of Republican efforts to undermine families' coverage. "From the beginning of our negotiations on ending surprise medical billing, I've been clear that any solution we reach must end these exorbitant… Continue Reading
12.17.19
Senator Murray Slams Republican Obstruction of NLRB Nominees As Board Loses Last Remaining Democrat
McFerran's exit leaves the historically bipartisan board with three Republicans and two empty Democratic seats Murray: "I'm deeply disappointed by the inaction of the Republicans and I implore them to return to normal process. The NLRB must not become a playing field for partisan politics." **WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S FULL REMARKS HERE*** Washington D.C.-Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, criticized … Continue Reading
12.16.19
Democrats Press Trump Health Officials to Enforce the Law, Protect Families From Idaho’s Latest Attempt to Push Junk Health Insurance Plans
Members call on Trump Administration to protect patients and families, uphold the law Offering junk insurance plans on the state-based marketplace website would violate federal law Members: "We are calling on you to do your duty and enforce this requirement to protect families who turn to the exchanges for quality, affordable health care against insurance companies peddling junk plans that cover less and cost more." Washington, D.C. - Last Saturday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), … Continue Reading
12.12.19
Senate Murray Praises HELP Committee for Advancing Legislation to Support Children and Families
HELP Committee advanced the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act -which included the Adoption Opportunities Act and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - with bipartisan support Murray: "…there is more work to be done to protect vulnerable communities across this country. I hope we can build on the steps taken today and continue making progress." Washington D.C.- Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Educat… Continue Reading
12.10.19
Murray Praises Final Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Permanently Fund HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions
Legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law Bipartisan legislation will permanently fund HBCUs and minority serving institutions, after funding lapsed at the end of September Legislation amends Senator Jones' FUTURE Act to include FAFSA Act, legislation that would simplify FAFSA and streamline income-driven repayment Senator Murray: "I'm very hopeful we can build on this bipartisan progress we've seen so far as we continue working to reauthorize the Higher Ed… Continue Reading
12.10.19
Senator Murray Statement on Betsy DeVos’ Newly Announced Borrower Defense Relief “Methodology”
Murray: "While this step is deeply concerning, unfortunately, it's not surprising-because it is one more in a long list of examples of Secretary DeVos skirting her legal responsibilities to protect students and borrowers." Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension, released the following statement on the Department of Education's (Department) revised formula for providing loan relief to defrau… Continue Reading
12.05.19
Senate Passes Bipartisan Deal to Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions
Senator Murray votes in favor of bipartisan deal to permanently fund HBCUs and minority serving institutions, after funding lapsed at the end of September Deal amends Senator Jones' FUTURE Act to include FAFSA Act, legislation that would simplify FAFSA and streamline income-driven repayment Senator Murray: "I'm very hopeful we can build on this bipartisan progress we've seen so far as we continue working to reauthorize the Higher Education Act in a comprehensive way." **WATCH SENATOR… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Senate Education Leaders Propose Bipartisan Solution to Permanently Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions
Legislation provides $255 million annually for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions, cuts up to 22 questions from the federal student aid application form, and eliminates bureaucratic verification nightmare for most students Washington, D.C. - Senate Education Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), and Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released a bipartisan amendment to the H… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Senator Murray Votes Against FDA Nominee for Refusal to Commit to Implement Strong Tobacco Policy Amid Trump Administration’s Walk Back On E-Cigarette Regulation
Senator Murray voted against advancing the nomination of Dr. Stephen Hahn for FDA Commissioner in HELP Committee markup After initially promising a strong flavored e-cigarette policy amid skyrocketing youth e-cigarette use, the Trump Administration backtracked after hearing from the tobacco industry When pushed by Murray and other senators, Dr. Hahn refused to commit to following through with the Trump Administration's promise to ban non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes that have not underg… Continue Reading
12.03.19
Murray, Scott Release New GAO Report Showing Significant Income, Racial Barriers to Accessing Rights for Students with Disabilities
Release of data reveals low-income students, student of color face significant barriers to accessing rights under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Washington, D.C - Senator Patty Murray, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today reveals the dramatic effect of income and race on access t… Continue Reading
12.02.19
Democrats Stand Up for Constitutionally Protected Right to Abortion; File Bicameral Amicus Brief in June Medical Services LLC v. Gee
197 members of the Senate and House urge the Supreme Court to uphold constitutionally protected reproductive rights in June Medical Services LLC v. Gee Washington, D.C. - Today, 36 members of the U.S. Senate led by Senators Chuck Schumer, Patty Murray, Dianne Feinstein and Richard Blumenthal, along with 161 members of the U.S. House of Representatives led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr., Jerrold Nadler, Diana DeGette, Barbara Lee and Judy Chu, filed an amicus … Continue Reading
