As we closed out Black History Month and entered Women's History Month, I was reminded of one thing – while we should take time to celebrate and commemorate those on the forefront of the fight for racial and gender equity, civil advocacy cannot and will not be limited to just one month.
Looking ahead to our end-of-quarter deadlines, into April, and the upcoming elections this year – I am both proud of our progress and resolved to accomplish even more.
Earlier this month, I urged you to join me to call on the Senate to pass and move the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 to the President’s desk. I am happy to report back that President Biden signed the reauthorization of VAWA into law last Tuesday – a significant recognition and victory for survivors across the country,
Also this month, following the President's State of the Union address, I voted with the House to pass the Honoring our PACT – Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics – Act. This bill would expand health care eligibility for our country's veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins, helping to provide coverage for millions of Iraq and Afghanistan service members. This bill would also provide disability benefits for thousands of veterans who now suffer from chronic health conditions due to their exposure during service. Our veterans have bravely served our country, and we must ensure that when they return home, their health and safety is our top priority.
Beyond national priorities, I also advocated for crucial investments for our community right here in Washington.
With the passage of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we will begin to address the decades of underinvestment in our roads, bridges, broadband, and water infrastructure. This is a once-in-a-generation investment to help Washington rebuild, restore, and strengthen our infrastructure to support our communities for decades to come.
The House also passed the 2022 appropriations package which was signed into law by President Biden last week. This includes nearly $7 million for community projects across WA-01 and funds will be distributed across King, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. I am pleased to have reached a bipartisan agreement to expand recreation and community centers, child care facilities, career development and youth engagement programs, and telehealth services in rural areas to directly benefit the children, families, and communities of Washington.
But as we celebrate these wins here at home, we are still witnessing the ongoing humanitarian crisis as a result of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. The fight to preserve our rights and our democracy is happening right before our eyes. That's why I hope you will join me and do what you can to support the millions of children and families affected in now the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.
The fight for freedom, equity, and democracy does not stop after one month, one year, or even one lifetime, and it's one that unites all of us – across race, nationality, and borders.
I am thankful every single day that you have stood by me through this fight, and I plan to continue to stand with and fight for you.
– Suzan DelBene