Maria Cantwell

On Monday, western Democrats issued a statement over reports the BLM has issued stop work orders connected to projects removing hazardous wildfire fuels.  Oregon’s Jeff Merkley, New Mexico’s Senator Martin Heinrich said their letter, addressed to recently confirmed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington, “sounds the alarm”.   They said delaying these treatm

The Columbia Basin Railroad Company, which operates between Moses Lake and Connell in central Washington, has received $11,552,000 to rehabilitate approximately 10 miles of the railroad line.  The proposed project will replace approximately ten miles of rail and approximately 8,000 cross ties on the Columbia Basin Railroad.  Support...

Late last week, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association announced Dena Horton as the organization’s new Deputy Director.  Horton joined PNWA in 2019 as Government Relations Director.   According to the Association, Horton brings extensive federal and regional experience along with a deep understanding of the issues and projects within PNWA's portfolio. She served for more...

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives sent the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to President Biden for signature. Agriculture groups responded positively, heralding the legislation that improves the oversight of ocean shipping. Supporters of the legislation say the bill will address many maritime disruptions obstructing the import and export of U ...

The Biden Administration and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai have come under fire from lawmakers of both parties in Congress for not pursuing free trade agreements. Washington’s Maria Cantwell, member of the Senate Finance Committee, told Ambassador Tai that farmers in the Evergreen state want free trade deals. “ ...

On Wednesday, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell took to the Senate Floor, urging lawmakers to pass the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Cantwell said the legislation, which she helped clear the Commerce Committee, will provide long-term solutions to ease supply chain challenges ...

The Columbia Basin Development League, along with the Washington Congressional Delegation, continue to push for water infrastructure improvements. CBDL Communications/Projects Specialist Katlyn Straub said they've been pleased with the progress. ...

On Friday, Senator Maria Cantwell announced that four Washington lands projects, two in North Central Washington, and one each in Kitsap and Clark counties, will receive $14,740,000 to protect salmon spawning streams and other watershed projects ...

On Monday, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation introduced the Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act of 2021. Supporters of the Act say it will increase workplace safety of essential transportation workers ...

On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to move the nomination of Pete Buttigieg as Transportation Secretary on to the full Senate for a vote. At Wednesday’s hearing Washington Senator Maria Cantwell noted that if confirmed, she will call on Buttigieg and President Biden to prioritize COVID-19 vaccines for workers helping to move food products. “ ...