Mr. President, today, we are faced with a critical choice here in the U.S. Senate and across the country about the future of traditional Medicare. We had an opportunity to protect Medicare, the thing that seniors care about most, and they wanted to hear from us that we were going to do that. I am not sure that is what transpired. People don't want to have corporations or insurance companies tell them about traditional Medicare. They want that relationship to be about the doctor-patient relationship.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+18$516K raised
Maria Cantwell
Senator · Washington · Democrat
Maria Cantwell
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the en bloc nominations process and in opposition to almost all of these nominees. While the en bloc process unfortunately means that I have to cast a single vote for or against all 74 nominees today, I do want to reaffirm my strong support of both Democratic nominees that were reported with unanimous approval out of the Commerce Committee, Thomas Chapman and Karen Hedlund. Thomas Chapman was renominated to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Mr. President, I rise today along with my colleague Senator Murray to join many in the Pacific Northwest community and Indian country to honor Mel Tonasket, a leader and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Mel retired last week after more than 55 years of service to his Tribe, community, and country. After serving the Nation in the U.S. Navy, Mel worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 8 years before being elected in 1970 to the Colville Business Council, the governing body of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Biography
Maria Cantwell began her career in public service after working in the technology sector, bringing a practical perspective to economic growth and innovation. Elected as U.S. Senator for Washington in 2000, she has focused on advancing clean energy, protecting consumer privacy, and expanding digital infrastructure. Cantwell authored the landmark Internet Tax Freedom Act and has played a key role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Through pragmatic leadership and coalition-building, she works to strengthen Washington’s economy and ensure her constituents thrive in a changing world.
Education
- B.A., Miami University, Miami, OH1980
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2001–PresentSenator from Washington. 5 terms.
U.S. Representative
1993–1995Represented Washington's 1st congressional district for 1 term.
Vice President of Marketing, RealNetworks
1995–1999Worked in the private sector as a senior executive, including overseeing early live internet streaming of Major League Baseball games.
State Representative, Washington House of Representatives
1987–1993Represented a district in the Washington State House, including work on the 1990 Growth Management Act and nursing home regulation legislation.
Campaign Staff, Alan Cranston 1984 Presidential Campaign
1983–1984Worked in Seattle on U.S. Senator Alan Cranston’s campaign for the 1984 Democratic presidential nomination.
Campaign Staff, Jerry Springer 1982 Ohio Gubernatorial Campaign
1982Worked on Jerry Springer’s unsuccessful campaign for governor of Ohio.
Policy Focus
Transportation and Public Works12%
Science, Technology, Communications9%
Taxation6%
Public Lands and Natural Resources5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Maria Cantwell's record in Congress.
Net Neutrality Advocacy
Championed legislation to preserve net neutrality protections for internet users nationwide.
Great American Outdoors Act
Co-sponsored and helped pass the Act, securing permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Clean Energy Investments
Led efforts to expand federal investment in clean energy research and development through the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Salmon Recovery Funding
Secured federal funding to support salmon habitat restoration and recovery in the Pacific Northwest.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationRanking Member
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
- Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Joint Committee on Taxation
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Sen. Maria Cantwell FAQ
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