Representing Northwest Washington is a privilege

This month, I filed for reelection, and I have been hard at work fighting for Northwest Washington's values in Congress. Representing Northwest Washington is a privilege I do not take for granted.

Ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care

Earlier this month, I joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would restrict access to Mifepristone by reinstating a requirement that the drug be dispensed in person.

As a member of Congress with a 100% voting record on choice, I will always fight for access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide.

Fighting the Opioid Crisis in Northwest Washington

This month, I co-introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.

I am focused on supporting local law enforcement in their fight against the opioid epidemic. In 2024, I published a districtwide opioid report that outlines a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. Since the publication of that report, I have introduced four pieces of legislation to fight fentanyl in Northwest Washington:

• The PROTECT Act, which gives Tribal courts and law enforcement more tools and resources to combat the opioid epidemic.
• The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, which creates employment opportunities for people in recovery and supports communities impacted by widespread opioid use.
• The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act, which establishes a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.
• The Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act, which expands access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhances the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

Secured new flood recovery funds for Whatcom County

FEMA announced the release of $3.7 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for homeowners in Everson, Lynden, Ferndale, and Bellingham to support buyouts for flood-damaged homes.

This $3.7 million is great news for Whatcom County families. These dollars will directly help local folks get back on track after the devastating floods in November 2021. I am glad the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released these long-overdue funds.

I will keep fighting for federal dollars to help Northwest Washington communities recover from natural disasters and prepare for future disasters.

Northwest Washington guides my work in Congress, and I will always continue to fight for our values. Before the end of the month, will you donate $7 to our reelection campaign so we can continue this work together?

More soon,

Rick