Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Democrat · WA · 20 bills sponsored
BE HEARD in the Workplace Act
# BE HEARD in the Workplace Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The BE HEARD in the Workplace Act would establish new protections for workers who experience harassment or discrimination on the job. The bill aims to give employees more power to address workplace misconduct by strengthening their ability to report problems and take legal action. While specific provisions weren't detailed in the summary provided, bills with this title typically focus on expanding employee rights related to harassment reporting, limiting non-disclosure agreements that prevent workers from speaking about misconduct, and potentially increasing remedies available to victims. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact workers across all industries and their employers. It could also affect employment lawyers and courts that handle workplace disputes, as the bill may change how these cases are handled legally. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). For a complete understanding of all specific provisions, you would need to review the full bill text, as the details provided here are limited.
Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025
# Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, officially titled the "Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025," is currently being reviewed in a Senate committee. Based on its title, the bill appears focused on improving healthcare quality and delivery for seniors (typically people 65+), though specific details about its provisions are not available in the information provided. To understand the exact measures it proposes, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** If passed, this bill would primarily affect seniors enrolled in Medicare and other federal health programs for older Americans. It was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in the 119th Congress. Currently, the bill remains "In Committee," meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. At this stage, it's still in the early phases of the legislative process. **Next Steps:** To learn more about the specific healthcare improvements this bill proposes, you can search for "S 3480" on Congress.gov, where you'll find the complete bill text, any amendments, and updates on its progress through the legislative process.
Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025
# Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 Summary **What It Does:** This bill would allow Purple Heart recipients who served after 9/11 to transfer unused education benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill to their family members—such as spouses or children. Veterans could transfer up to 36 months of their unused educational benefits. The bill also protects these transferred benefits by preventing them from being considered marital property in divorce cases and allowing the benefits to remain usable even after the veteran's death. **Who It Affects:** The bill specifically targets Purple Heart veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after September 11, 2001. The main beneficiaries would be their eligible family members who could use these education benefits to pay for college or other approved education programs. This is a way to extend educational support beyond the veteran to their loved ones. **Current Status:** The bill (S. 342) is currently in committee in the 119th Congress, sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill focuses on veterans' education benefits and family-related provisions.
Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act
# Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would direct the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct and fund research specifically focused on how menopause affects military servicewomen and female veterans. Currently, there is limited research on menopause's impact on this population, including how it might affect military readiness, job performance, or healthcare needs. The bill aims to fill this gap by establishing research programs and studying menopause-related health issues specific to women in the military. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects female active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reserve members, and women veterans. It would require the military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate research efforts, likely including studies on menopause symptoms, treatment options, and how to better support affected women. The research findings could lead to improved medical care and workplace accommodations for servicewomen experiencing menopause. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in either chamber of Congress. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
# Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Summary This bill would protect roughly 126,000 acres of federal land in Washington State's Olympic National Forest and surrounding areas by designating them as official wilderness and protecting certain rivers as "Wild and Scenic Rivers." Wilderness designation means the land would be largely preserved in its natural state with limited human development and activities. Wild and Scenic Rivers protection preserves the natural character and recreational value of designated river segments. The bill would affect hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, timber companies, and local communities in Olympic Peninsula region, as it would restrict logging, road construction, and resource extraction in the protected areas. Key provisions include designating multiple wilderness areas with names tied to local geography, protecting approximately 60 miles of river segments, and establishing a management framework for these protected lands. The bill also includes provisions related to wildlife habitat protection and public access for recreation like hiking and fishing. **Current Status:** The bill remains in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet advanced to a full floor vote. It requires committee approval before moving forward for consideration by the full Senate.
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
# Summary of S. 2882: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 **What It Does:** This bill is a "continuing resolution" (CR) that would keep the federal government running and funded if Congress hasn't passed its regular 2026 budget by October 1, 2025. Essentially, it's a temporary funding measure that prevents a government shutdown. The bill funds most federal agencies at their 2025 spending levels through October 31, 2025, though it includes some exceptions with extra money for certain programs. **Key Provisions and Who It Affects:** Beyond basic government funding, the bill would permanently extend the expanded premium tax credit that helps people afford health insurance (a benefit created during the pandemic), provide additional funding for Medicaid, and boost security measures for federal officials. It also extends various other expiring federal programs. The bill affects virtually all Americans by ensuring federal agencies—from the military to the Social Security Administration to the EPA—remain operational. It specifically helps people who rely on subsidized health insurance and federal services. **Current Status:** The bill has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet been passed. As a continuing resolution, it typically doesn't move through Congress until late in the fiscal year when regular budget negotiations are stalled, usually closer to the October 1 deadline when funding would run out.
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025
# Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would reauthorize (extend and renew funding for) the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, a program focused on protecting and studying marine ecosystems in the waters around northwestern Washington State. The bill would continue support for research, environmental monitoring, and conservation efforts in these coastal areas, allowing the program to operate with federal backing for additional years. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects Washington State, particularly communities, fisheries, and environmental organizations in the Northwest Straits region. It would maintain funding and coordination between federal, state, and local governments to protect marine habitats, monitor water quality, manage fisheries, and protect wildlife in these waters. The initiative brings together multiple agencies and stakeholders to work collaboratively on ocean conservation issues. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025
# Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to strengthen protections against harassment and bullying at colleges and universities. Named after Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who died by suicide in 2010 after being bullied, the legislation would require higher education institutions to implement clearer policies and procedures for addressing harassment based on protected characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, and disability. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects college and university students and the institutions themselves. It would likely require schools to establish specific standards for preventing harassment, improve reporting mechanisms for students who experience bullying or discrimination, and ensure schools respond appropriately to complaints. The legislation targets creating a safer campus environment by holding institutions accountable for addressing harassment issues. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee (S 2876 in the Senate), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full floor vote. It was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2025
# Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), aims to expand health services available to veterans' families through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically seek to extend VA medical care, mental health services, or other benefits to spouses, children, and dependents of veterans—groups who currently have limited or no access to VA healthcare in many cases. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact military families and dependents of veterans, as well as the VA healthcare system. It could also affect veterans themselves if it improves family support services. The changes would be administered through existing VA facilities and programs. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and the bill would need committee approval, Senate passage, House approval, and presidential signature to become law.
Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act
# Summary of S 2307: Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act **What the Bill Does:** This bill would establish a federal program to repair and replace sound insulation in homes and buildings affected by aircraft noise. If passed, it would create a system for property owners living near airports to get financial assistance for soundproofing improvements to their homes, such as installing or upgrading insulation, windows, and other noise-reducing materials. **Who It Affects:** The program would primarily benefit residents living in areas with significant aircraft noise exposure, typically near major airports. Property owners in these zones could potentially receive federal funding to reduce noise from planes without having to pay the full cost themselves. Airport operators and local communities may also be involved in implementing the program. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2307, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The bill has not advanced to a vote at this stage.
Child Care for Working Families Act
# Child Care for Working Families Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Child Care for Working Families Act aims to make child care more affordable and accessible for working families. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on expanding child care subsidies, tax credits, or direct funding to help families pay for child care services. This could include increasing federal assistance to states for child care programs or enhancing tax benefits for families with child care expenses. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit working families with young children who struggle with child care costs. It could also affect child care providers and facilities that receive federal funding, as well as state governments that administer child care assistance programs. **Current Status:** The bill (S 2295) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full floor vote yet. For more detailed information about specific provisions, you can search for the bill on Congress.gov, which provides the full text and legislative history.
Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025
# Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would improve training programs for school cafeteria and food service workers by setting new standards for how the U.S. Department of Agriculture delivers its training. The main changes require that training be offered during workers' regular paid hours at no cost, be conducted in-person when possible, and include hands-on learning experiences. If training must be scheduled outside of normal working hours, schools would need to inform workers in advance, get their input on scheduling, and pay them for their time. **Who It Affects and Key Details** School food service workers—the people who prepare and serve meals in cafeterias—would be the primary beneficiaries. The bill also indirectly affects students who receive school meals and school districts that employ these workers. An important protection in the bill states that workers cannot be punished for declining to attend training scheduled outside their regular working hours, ensuring participation is truly voluntary when it occurs after hours. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025
# Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 is designed to crack down on fraudulent practices in the therapeutic and wellness industry. While the bill's specific details are limited in the available information, its title and name suggest it would establish or strengthen protections against deceptive practices by individuals or companies claiming to offer therapeutic treatments or services that lack scientific evidence or proper licensing. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect consumers seeking mental health, physical therapy, and wellness services, as well as legitimate licensed practitioners and companies in the therapeutic field. It could also impact regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing health and consumer protection laws. Consumers who may be vulnerable to scams or unproven treatments would be a key group the legislation aims to protect. **Current Status** As of now, S. 1663 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the Senate but has not yet advanced to a floor vote. The bill was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). For a more detailed understanding of the specific provisions and enforcement mechanisms, the full text of the bill would need to be reviewed, as that information is not included in this summary.
Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025
# Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill expands a federal nutrition program called Summer EBT that currently helps low-income families buy groceries during summer school breaks. If passed, the program would also provide benefits whenever schools close for extended periods—such as during unexpected shutdowns, remote learning situations, or hybrid schedules lasting five or more consecutive weekdays. The bill would increase the daily benefit amount to cover breakfast, lunch, and a snack for every day school is closed, recognizing that children lose access to free or reduced-price school meals during these periods. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects low-income families with school-aged children and would be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A major provision changes how the government funds the program's administration: for fiscal year 2026, the federal government would cover 100% of states' administrative costs (currently 50%), then gradually reduce this support back to 50% in subsequent years. This aims to help states implement the expanded program more easily. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act
# Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act (S 1564) aims to improve how the federal government manages and protects floodplain areas—the lands adjacent to rivers and waterways that are prone to flooding. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on restoring natural floodplain functions, improving flood resilience, and helping communities recover from flood damage through federal funding and coordinated planning. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact communities located in flood-prone areas across the country, as well as property owners and local governments dealing with flood risk. State and federal environmental agencies would also be involved in implementing any restoration or recovery programs created by the bill. **Current Status:** As of now, S 1564 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For more detailed information about specific provisions—such as funding amounts, eligible projects, or which agencies would oversee implementation—you would need to review the full bill text, which is typically available on Congress.gov.
Paycheck Fairness Act
# Paycheck Fairness Act Summary **What It Would Do** The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen equal pay protections for workers by making it harder for employers to justify paying employees different wages based on sex. Currently, federal law prohibits sex-based pay discrimination, but the act would tighten these rules by limiting employers' ability to use an employee's previous salary as justification for current pay differences. It would also require employers to demonstrate that pay gaps are based on factors other than sex, shift more burden onto companies to prove compliance, and increase penalties for violations. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect private employers and workers across all industries. It could influence how companies set salaries and make hiring decisions. Supporters argue it benefits women and minorities who statistically earn less than male counterparts in many fields; critics worry it could create compliance costs for businesses and unintended hiring consequences. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee (S 1115 in the Senate), meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full floor vote. The bill has been introduced but hasn't moved forward in the legislative process. Whether it progresses depends on committee action and broader congressional priorities.
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act
# Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prohibit the use of restraints (such as shackles, handcuffs, and chains) on pregnant women in federal custody during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery. It would establish standards for how pregnant individuals are treated while detained by federal authorities and require the development of policies to ensure appropriate medical care and humane conditions during this vulnerable time. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects pregnant women held in federal detention facilities, including jails and prisons. It would apply to law enforcement agencies and detention centers that hold people in federal custody. The legislation aims to prevent potential harm to both the mother and fetus from restraint use, which medical professionals have warned can complicate pregnancy and childbirth. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). Similar restrictions on shackling pregnant detainees have been adopted by some states and are supported by medical organizations, though this federal version would establish uniform standards across federal detention systems.
Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act of 2025
# Kids' Access to Primary Care Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve children's access to primary care by increasing what Medicaid pays doctors and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it would set Medicaid payment rates at a minimum level based on what Medicare (the program for seniors) pays for the same services. The bill would also expand which types of healthcare providers qualify for these higher payments, including obstetricians (doctors who deliver babies). The goal is to encourage more doctors to accept Medicaid patients, particularly children. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly affects children covered by Medicaid, as well as the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers who treat them. It could also indirectly affect state budgets, since states help fund Medicaid. The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to study how many children are enrolled in Medicaid and how many providers offer primary care services before and after the changes take effect. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in the 119th Congress.
Helping Heroes Act
# Helping Heroes Act Summary **What It Would Do** The Helping Heroes Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a new "Veteran Family Resource Program" aimed at supporting the health and wellness of veterans' families. The bill would establish family coordinator positions at VA regional health care centers to serve as a point person connecting veterans, their families, and caregivers with available VA and community resources and services. The VA would need to ensure these coordinators have adequate staffing and resources to perform their duties, and could expand the program to additional medical centers as needed. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect veterans and their families, as well as survivors and caregivers of veterans. It would also impact the VA, which would need to hire and manage these new family coordinator positions. **Current Status** The bill (S. 701) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill addresses topics including veterans' medical care, mental health services, family services, and government personnel management.
Flight 293 Remembrance Act
# Flight 293 Remembrance Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Flight 293 Remembrance Act would require the U.S. Department of Defense to create a public database documenting all non-combat military aircraft crashes and the service members who died in them. The bill aims to ensure these deaths are properly recorded and remembered, and to help families of deceased military personnel access benefits and support services they may be entitled to receive. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects families of military service members who have died in non-combat plane crashes, as well as the Department of Defense. Key provisions include: (1) identifying and documenting all non-combat military plane crashes; (2) publishing a public database with names, ranks, and service information of those killed; and (3) requiring DOD to actively help families understand what benefits they qualify for, guide them through the application process, and connect them with support networks. The bill is named to honor and remember those lost in such incidents. **Current Status** The bill (S 411) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.