Mr. President, I rise today with a very heavy heart because, right now, huge swaths of my State are being confronted by some of the worst fires that we have ever seen. This weekend, three fast-moving wildfires exploded across Spokane County. In a matter of hours, entire neighborhoods were told: Leave now. This may be your only notice. Over 65,000 people I represent have been forced to evacuate their homes. At least 700 homes, businesses, and buildings have been destroyed already.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+18$1.7M raised
Patty Murray
Senator · Washington · Democrat
Patty Murray
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, I was never going to come out here and support Todd Blanche for a long list of reasons. I do believe he is one of the most corrupt Justice Department officials in our country's history, for one. He was Trump's former personal lawyer, and it seems that he never quit. The only difference now is that taxpayers are signing his checks instead of Trump.
Madam President, we have our work cut out for us as we work to fund the government for the coming fiscal year. As costs for our families go up and up and up, the President wants a $1\1/2\ trillion war budget, and he wants to cut programs working people depend on to pay for it. No. No way. And as his disastrous war with Iran rages on, Trump is even asking for another $70 billion on top of that to bankroll the war. It is really hard to imagine more backward funding priorities, especially as so many families today are struggling and being hurt by the cuts to healthcare and food aid.
Biography
Patty Murray began her public service as a preschool teacher and grassroots advocate in Washington. First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, she represents Washington state and has become a leading voice on veterans’ affairs, healthcare access, and education funding. Murray authored the bipartisan budget deal of 2013 and currently serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, overseeing federal spending priorities. She is known for her pragmatic approach and commitment to amplifying the needs of working families in her state and nationwide.
Education
- B.A., Washington State University, Pullman, WA1972
Professional History
U.S. Senator
1993–PresentSenator from Washington. 6 terms.
State Senator, Washington State Senate (1st District)
1989–1993Elected to the Washington State Senate in 1988, representing the 1st legislative district for one term.
Member, Shoreline School District Board of Directors
1985–1989Served on the local school board in King County after winning election to the Shoreline School District board.
Parenting Instructor, Shoreline Community College
1984–1987Taught a parenting class at Shoreline Community College.
Preschool Teacher
Worked for several years as a preschool teacher after graduating from Washington State University.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security12%
Health11%
Labor and Employment9%
Education5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Patty Murray's record in Congress.
Veterans' Health Care
Championed the passage of the VA MISSION Act to improve veterans’ access to health care and community providers.
Education Funding
Secured increased federal funding for Pell Grants and Head Start to expand educational opportunities for low-income students.
Paid Family Leave
Co-authored the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act to establish national paid family and medical leave.
COVID-19 Relief
Helped negotiate and pass the CARES Act, providing emergency economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on AppropriationsRanking Member
- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
- Senate Committee on the Budget
- Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
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