Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement after President Biden signed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 into law. This legislation will expand health care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and authorize a new community-based outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads:

“Our nation’s veterans have made immense sacrifices in defense of our freedom, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure we’re providing them with the benefits they deserve. This bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden today will ensure millions of veterans, who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service, have access to the health care and resources they need. We’re also glad the bill will provide funding for a new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads, helping to reduce wait times and improve care for Virginia’s veterans.”

Warner and Kaine voted to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act on June 16 and again on July 27.

The bill is named in honor of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, who died in 2020 from toxic exposure as a result of his military service in Kosovo and Iraq with the Ohio National Guard.

Specifically, the Honoring Our PACT Act will:

• Expand VA health care to more than 3.5 million toxic-exposed post-9/11 combat veterans;
• Authorize 31 major medical facility leases and allocate $5.5 billion to fund those facilities—including a new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads;
• Improve VA’s resources and training for toxic-exposed veterans;
• Create a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure;
• Add 23 burn pit and toxic exposure-related conditions to VA’s list of service presumptions, including hypertension;
• Expand presumptions related to Agent Orange exposure and include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll as locations for Agent Orange exposure;
• Strengthen federal research on toxic exposure; and
• Set VA and veterans up for success by investing in VA claims processing, the VA’s workforce, and VA health care facilities.

Virginia is home to more than 700,000 veterans. Warner and Kaine have long supported expanding health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service. The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), which Sens. Warner and Kaine voted to pass, included provisions to expand the VA’s list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure. Warner and Kaine also cosponsored legislation that was signed into law in 2019 to extend VA coverage to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while stationed off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The bill also extended these benefits to servicemembers exposed to herbicides while serving in the Korean Demilitarized Zone and to children of servicemembers stationed in Thailand who were born with spina bifida.

In 2015, confronted with wait times in Hampton Roads that were three times the national average, Sen. Warner successfully urged the VA to send down a team of experts to address the problem. He also succeeded in getting the Northern Virginia Technology Council to issue a free report detailing how to reduce wait times. Most recently, in October 2020, Warner successfully saw through the signing of his legislation to expand veterans’ access to mental health services and reduce the alarming rate of veteran suicide. He’s also previously met with senior leadership at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Hampton VA Medical Center to discuss wait time reduction at their facilities and suicide prevention efforts. 

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Kaine has introduced the bipartisan Vet Support Act to provide better identification, intervention, and care to veterans coping with mental health issues in underserved areas. He also cosponsored legislation to allow doctors at the VA to prescribe medical marijuana to veterans in states like Virginia that have established medical marijuana programs.

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Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

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Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the July 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation rose 12.6% since Joe Biden took office in January 2021.

“Today’s numbers confirm what most people already know. The price of everyday goods keep skyrocketing, and Americans continue to feel the pain.

“While the American economy is in a recession and inflation is at a 40-year high, the Democrats’ answer was 87,000 new IRS auditors. Americans want relief, not this.

“Joe Biden’s reckless economic policies continue to fail Wyoming families.”

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Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed $45.8 million for three Colorado projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The funds are part of this year’s $1.5 billion in RAISE grants from the Bipartisan Inflation Law. 

The Westward Three project in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle will receive $24.2 million; the Rio Grande Intermodal Transportation Project in Alamosa will receive $4.7 million; and the West Side Connector Project in Pueblo will receive $16.8 million.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the biggest investment in America’s roads, bridges, and transportation since Eisenhower. Now the law is delivering $46 million in federal funding to support Colorado projects that will connect communities, reduce congestion, and strengthen local economies,” said Bennet. “I urged the Department of Transportation to support these worthy projects across our state, and I look forward to welcoming additional investment in Colorado’s infrastructure from this historic legislation in the years ahead.”

“Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funding continues to roll into Colorado. These projects are bridging transportation gaps in Alamosa and Pueblo as well as Glenwood Springs.  We hosted Secretary Buttigieg on a tour earlier this year to show Roaring Fork Transportation Authority’s value in connecting the region,” said Hickenlooper.

“These exciting federal grants build upon our work at the state level to fix our roads, making it easier, safer, and faster for Coloradans to get where they need to go. Our administration’s focus on rural Colorado has delivered over 600 miles of rural roads fixed and upgraded across the state, and we are excited to use this federal support to expand transit options in Grand Junction, Rifle, and Glenwood Springs, update the Alamosa pedestrian connection, fix the roundabout in Pueblo, and provide real results to Coloradans to reduce traffic and improve convenience,” said Governor Polis.

“This is a huge win for our workforce, pedestrians, bicyclists and the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes. “Projects like these are only possible with strong cooperation and the support of our senators. On behalf of the City, we can’t thank the senators enough for being there to promote these critical projects and CDOT for leading this regional partnership. We can now make significant strides in transit connectivity and address critical safety issues at one of our busiest intersections.”

“The City of Rifle is grateful to Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator Michael Bennet and their staff for supporting the Colorado Department of Transportation’s application for a RAISE grant.  We would also like to thank the Executive Director of CDOT, Ms. Shoshana Lew, for championing this project.  Proceeds from the grant will support the relocation and construction of a new Park-n-Ride in Rifle which will double the parking capacity of our current facility. This project will afford Rifle residents greater opportunity to rideshare and utilize RFTA and Bustang buses for transportation,” said Tommy Klein, Rifle City Manager. 

“The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) received very exciting and welcome news this morning from the offices of Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper!  The USDOT awarded $24 million in RAISE grant funding for CDOT’s MOVE: 3 project! RFTA and I could not be more grateful to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for throwing their wholehearted and invaluable support behind CDOT’s MOVE: 3 grant application, and for their tireless efforts to share the importance of this grant application with USDOT Secretary Peter Buttigieg.  It is clear to me that without the crucial backing of both Senators, this award from the highly-competitive discretionary RAISE grant program would not have been possible. RFTA’s share of this collaborative grant effort, spearheaded by CDOT Executive Director, Shoshana Lew, is approximately $10.8 million.  The grant will help fund mobility infrastructure projects in Grand Junction and Rifle, as well as in Glenwood Springs.  The grant will provide RFTA critical funding needed to develop its West Glenwood Springs Transit Station into a regional mobility hub.  It will also help RFTA complete the 27th Street Pedestrian Underpass project, which will make it possible for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross State Highway 82 and 27th Street in Glenwood Springs, while improving the flow of traffic at one of the City’s most congested intersections,” said Dan Blankenship, CEO, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.

“The Regional Transportation Planning Office (RTPO) is thrilled that CDOT was successful in the RAISE grant application for the Westward Three Mobility Project. This application represents a collaborative effort between CDOT, the RTPO and local governments and is the next step to making the Grand Junction Mobility Hub a reality,” said Dana Brosig P.E., Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization Director.

“This announcement is like a lightning spark for the Alamosa community that has been decades in the making. This bridge will be a tremendous asset to our community that will connect neighborhoods and Adams State University to the Rio Grande, our trail system and other outdoor amenities that will enhance our quality of life, help us retain our workforce and help our City thrive into the future. I want to thank the Revitalize the Rio Committee, San Luis Valley Great Outdoor Coalition and our hard working staff, especially John Reesor, for getting this project to this point,” said Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman. 

“What an incredible opportunity for Alamosa to see this bridge come to a reality. It has been a long time coming for our community, this will not only benefit outdoor recreation but will add another transportation alternative directly to Adams State. I’m so proud of the work John Reesor and the City of Alamosa put into this proposal,” said Mick Daniel, Executive Director, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. 

“The news of funding from the RAISE Grant for the City of Pueblo’s West Side Connector project is appreciated for much needed investment in infrastructure and connectivity in our city,” said Mayor of Pueblo Nick Gradisar. “This project will modernize roads and main streets in Pueblo’s West Side and prepare the City to build a bridge to provide a critical linkage to the neighborhood. Seventy West Side bus stops will be rehabilitated to comply with ADA standards which provides better access for Pueblo residents. The RAISE Grant was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with President Biden and we are grateful for the opportunity to receive this funding for Pueblo.”

“Alamosa County is pleased to be a contributing partner to the success of the pedestrian project.  This bridge will complete a walking and biking loop that the citizens of Alamosa County will enjoy for years to come,” said Commissioner Michael Yohn, Chair, Alamosa County.

“Multi-modal projects such as this bridge have become increasingly important to communities within the region as they develop new initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle routes to recreational opportunities and commercial centers.  The San Luis Valley Transportation Planning Region is please to support this proposal,” Keith Baker, Chair and Vern Heersink, Vice Chair, San Luis Valley Transportation Planning Region.

The RAISE grant program allows the federal government to invest directly in road, rail, and transit projects that achieve national transportation objectives. Funding can support multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through traditional DOT grant programs. To help meet the overwhelming demand for these grants,  the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  provided $7.5 billion for RAISE grants over the next 5 years. 

Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper provided letters of support to DOT for all of the recently funded projects. 

Project	Applicant	City	Award	Description
The Westward Three Project	CDOT	Grand Junction, Rifle, and Glenwood Springs	$24,248,940	This project will construct three new mobility hubs in Grand Junction, Rifle, and Glenwood Springs. The Grand Junction component includes bicycle, pedestrian, and parking improvements in addition to I-70 Business Loop complete streets improvements. The Glenwood Springs component redevelops the current park-n-ride into a transit center where I-70 and SH82 intersect, and also creates a grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian underpass at 27th St. and SH82. The Rifle component expands and relocates the Rifle Park-n-Ride which is currently exceeding capacity.
Rio Grande Intermodal Transportation	City of Alamosa	Alamosa	$4,777,640	The project will fund the construction of a new pedestrian bridge across the span of the Rio Grande River channel in the Adams State University neighborhood. This project includes acquisition of right-of-way, design, permitting, engineering, and construction of the following: trailhead parking lot, ADA accessible ramp and surfacing of the approach to the bridge, and construction of the tied arch bridge (approximately 320 feet long and 14 feet wide) with steel reinforced abutments.
West Side Connector	City of Pueblo	Pueblo	$16,834,725	This project has three distinct components related to reconnecting the West Side of the City of Pueblo to downtown. In the first component, Spaulding/Sun Mountain Blvd. will be extended from 24th Street to 31st Street and two roundabouts will be constructed on where Spaulding intersects 27th Street and 31st Street. The second component will rehabilitate 70 West Side bus stops to comply with ADA standards. The third component, which will be funded as a planning project component, consists of planning and design for a 24th Street bridge and Downtown Corridor.

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

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Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

WASHINGTON– President Joe Biden signed landmark legislation championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to deliver all eras of toxic-exposed veterans their earned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits into law.

“Providing generations of men and women who served in uniform the benefits they deserve honors the promise our nation made for their service and sacrifice. This is a long overdue day for veterans and their families living with illnesses as a result of toxic exposure who will now be able to get the care they earned,” Boozman said. 

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 includes a Boozman-authored provision to expand benefits to Vietnam War-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service in Thailand after Arkansas veteran Bill Rhodes shared his benefits were denied because the VA didn’t allow him to prove toxic exposure based on his service location.

Rhodes has been a relentless advocate for making this legislative update and helping veterans who face similar circumstances. He attended the signing ceremony at the White House Wednesday. 

“This is an important bill for veterans. I did my own research after being denied VA benefits and raised the issue with Senator Boozman who fought to right this wrong. This goes to show that one person can make a difference. I appreciate the senator’s leadership and guidance for getting the PACT Act across the finish line,” Rhodes said. 

This is the latest successful push by Boozman to ensure toxic-exposed veterans get the benefits they earned.

In June, President Biden signed into law the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act, legislation authored by the senator requiring the VA to conduct mammograms for all women who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposures regardless of age, symptoms or family history.

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

08.10.22

Washington To Get Nearly $100 Million in Infrastructure Investments Through RAISE Grants

Cantwell, Murray announce key federal infrastructure funding coming to Washington state

WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced nearly $100 million in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funding for Washington state. RAISE grants, which were originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants, can be used for a wide variety of infrastructure projects with local or regional impact.

This is the most Washington state has ever been awarded. Washington state was awarded the second-most grants of any state and received the fourth most in total funding. The state also received a total of 4.35 percent of the RAISE funding available this year, whereas for highway formula funds, Washington state receives 2.2 percent of the funding available.

As chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Technology Committee, Sen. Cantwell worked to authorize the RAISE grant program for the first time ever in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the program with $7.5 billion over five years, a 50 percent increase in funding.

Sen. Murray originally created the RAISE program (previously known as TIGER and BUILD) in 2009 and has been a longtime supporter of the program, most recently helping secure $7.5 billion for the RAISE program. The program is funded specifically via the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, which Sen. Murray is a member of.

The following RAISE grants were awarded to Washington state projects:

Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project, Whatcom County – $25 million

“With over 1,000 permanent residents on Lummi Island, we know how critical having frequent, reliable ferry service is. This $25 million grant award will fully fund the replacement of the 60-year-old Whatcom Chief with a state of the art battery-electric hybrid ferry. This new ferry will nearly double vehicle and passenger capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and will serve residents and visitors to Lummi Island for the foreseeable future,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“As someone who relies on our state’s ferry system, I know just how important this investment is. These federal dollars will help replace the 60-year-old ferry with a safer, greener ferry that will also allow for more riders,” Sen. Murray said. “This is a win for jobs, for clean energy, and for anyone who relies on the ferry service. I created the RAISE program to help make infrastructure projects like this one a reality, and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’m going to keep working to secure the federal dollars Washington state needs to keep moving forward.”

Lummi Island is a rural community with the ferry producing the only connection between the island and the mainland of Whatcom County. The ferry is one of the state’s oldest vessels and is well past the end of its useful life. The RAISE grant for the Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project will help replace the ferry with a battery-hybrid vessel that would reduce emissions and increase affordable ridership capacity commensurate with demand. This funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Murray to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in March.

Poplar Way Bridge Project, City of Lynnwood – $25 million

“This $25 million grant will fully fund the construction of Poplar Way Bridge, improving multimodal access into Lynnwood while also reducing regional congestion on I-5. Lynnwood’s population has grown by 13 percent since 2010, and with a new Sound Transit Light Rail station expected to open by 2024, Poplar Way Bridge will allow the city to accommodate future growth,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“A new Poplar Way Bridge in Lynnwood would mean less traffic, safer travel for bikers and pedestrians, and more access to forthcoming public transportation options when Lynnwood Link is completed,” Sen. Murray said. “These RAISE grants are going to make a world of difference in these communities whether it’s safer streets, shorter commutes, or cleaner air. I created the RAISE program to help make infrastructure projects like this one a reality, and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’m going to keep working to secure the federal dollars Washington state needs to keep moving forward.”

The $25 million grant will go towards the construction of a new six lane bridge, the Lynnwood Poplar Way Bridge, over I-5 that would support car, bike, and pedestrian traffic. The new bridge will reduce congestion in the City of Lynnwood, provide an alternate route for emergency vehicles, and improve access to the Lynnwood Link light rail, scheduled to open in 2024. This funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Murray to Secretary Buttigieg in March.

Bothell Way Multimodal Improvement project, City of Bothell — $19 million

“As Bothell continues to grow over the coming decades, average daily traffic on Bothell Way is expected to double. This $19 million grant will fully fund multimodal and freight improvements on Bothell Way by reconstructing and widening 1.3 miles of highway — improving freight mobility, safety, and transit access for all highway users,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“No matter where we live, we all want safer streets – and that’s exactly what this RAISE grant will go towards in Bothell,” Sen. Murray said. “The project is going to make the roads safer for buses, motorists, and bikers trying to go to the grocery store or pick their kids up from school. I created the RAISE program to help make infrastructure projects like this one a reality, and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’m going to keep working to secure the federal dollars Washington state needs to keep moving forward.”

The $19 million dollar RAISE grant will provide vital improvements to the Bothell’s transportation system and address key safety concerns in the communities. The project will reconstruct and widen roadways, install bus rapid transit lines, and construct protected bike lanes to reduce interaction between motorists and bikers. It will also help install adaptive traffic signals to enhance safety and improve traffic flow, and well as provide for the construction of new sidewalks to connect residential and retail areas. This funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Murray in July.

Pines Road/Burlington Northern Santa Fe Grade (BNSF) Separation Project, City of Spokane Valley — $21.7 million

“Last year, the Spokane Valley’s Pines Road crossing of the BNSF mainline resulted in over 26,000 vehicle hours of delay. This crossing sees over 15,000 vehicles and 67 trains per day and saw 9 recorded collisions in 2021. This $21.7 million in grant funding will increase safety by fully replacing an existing at-grade crossing with an underpass of BNSF’s railroad tracks, and will keep vehicle and freight traffic moving by constructing a multi-lane roundabout,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“Pines Road is one of Spokane Valley’s busiest streets and, thanks to this grant funding, we are reducing congestion on Pines Road and expanding public transportation access so everyone can get where they need to go quickly and safely,” Sen. Murray said. “These projects are critical to ensuring workers get to work on time, kids get to school on time, and reducing our emissions so our air is cleaner. I created the RAISE program to help make infrastructure projects like this one a reality, and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’m going to keep working to secure the federal dollars Washington state needs to keep moving forward.”

Pines Road is one of the most heavily traveled roads in Spokane Valley. The $21.7 million RAISE grant for the Pines Road BNSF Grade Crossing Elimination Project will construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Pines Road and Trent Road, both of which are state highways. It also provides for constructing a new rail underpass at Pines Road that would expand capacity from one track to four and expanding bus service routes. The project will also add a new parking lot with electric vehicle charging stations and a new trailhead facility to provide access to the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River. Sen. Murray also secured $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending this year for the Pines Road project. This RAISE funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Murray to Secretary Buttigieg in May.

Airport Road Multimodal & Regional Access Improvements Project, City of Pullman – $5 million

“Pullman-Moscow Airport is an economic driver for the region, supporting nearly 1,000 jobs with an economic impact of $130 million annually. These funds will support efforts to increase the capacity of Airport Road which will improve access for students, business travelers, and workers as the airport continues to grow,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“Airport Road is a critical artery for so many drivers in Pullman and the surrounding area, but right now is not built for any other kind of transit,” Sen. Murray said. “This planning grant will help the city implement their complete streets policy around the city so that walkers and bikers can safely community on Airport Road and around Pullman. These kinds of investments make our communities stronger and better places to live and raise a family and I am proud to fund projects like these in Washington state.”

Right now, Airport Road in Pullman is limited to motorized vehicles. The City of Pullman Airport Road Multimodal & Regional Access Improvements Project will design a road to expand access to alternative forms of transportation and improve access to the airport for communities in the region. This will be especially important given the recent announcement of Pullman-Moscow Airport’s terminal expansion. The grant funding will ensure that these projects are shovel-ready once the city acquires capital funding. This funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Murray to Secretary Buttigieg in April.

Yakima County Heritage Connectivity Trails project, Yakima County – $1 million

“There have been 26 crashes involving pedestrians in the Heritage Connectivity Trails project area over the last decade, 80 percent of which resulted in serious injury or death. This funding will support efforts by the Yakima Nation and the state to improve safety and walkability of this dangerous stretch along US 97,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“Safety and connectivity are two absolutely critical parts of any transportation system and this planning grant will help improve both in Yakima County,” said Sen. Murray. “Right now, Yakima County experiences more fatal collisions between pedestrians and automobiles than anywhere else in Washington state. This project will help address that by building more trails that connect people to the resources they need so that walkers and drivers stay a safe distance from each other. This is a really important project in our state and I am really proud to help get Yakima County critical funding with this grant.”

Native Americans are disproportionately represented in serious injury and fatal traffic collisions in Washington State, with the Yakama Nation experiencing the highest rate in the state. The Yakima County Heritage Connectivity Trails Project seeks to reduce the interactions that pedestrians have with automobiles and create safe roads and trails for everyone in the region.

Reconnecting I-90 Communities, Washington State Department of Transportation – $5 million

“Access to quality and affordable transportation is critical to improving economic mobility. These planning funds will assist the state with improving multimodal transportation options for the residents of both Spokane’s East Central Neighborhood and Seattle’s Judkins Park Neighborhood, both of which have poverty levels double their cities’ average,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“I-90 connects the two ends of Washington state and is a critical passageway for commerce in the Pacific Northwest,” Sen. Murray said. “This planning grant will help Washington state make that passageway quicker, safer, more efficient, and easier to access for communities across the state. Projects like this one are so important to our state and I am proud to help secure these federal dollars to help make them a reality.”

This $5 million planning grant will help connect communities in Seattle and Spokane connect to I-90 more easily and provide greater access to future mass transit options like light rail. WSDOT will also use lessons learned from these two areas to develop a toolkit for implementing analytical methods and safety measures introduced in the recently completed Active Transportation Plan across the state.

RAISE Grants Awarded to Washington State in the Last Five Years include:

1. $9.02 million for Spokane Valley’s Barker Road Grade Separation Project (2017) 
2. $5.6 million for WSDOT’s Rural Rail Rehabilitation project in Whitman, Spokane, and Lincoln Counties (2018) 
3. $14.3 million for Spokane County’s Geiger Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project (2018)  
4. $11.3 million for Spokane Airport’s Rail-Truck Transload Facility Project (2019) 
5. $17.75 million for the Port of Everett’s Mills to Maritime Cargo Terminal Project (2020) 
6. $7.01 million for the City of Ridgefield’s Pioneer Street Extension Project (2020)  
7. $5 million for the Port of Hood River’s White Salmon/Hood River Interstate Bridge Replacement Project (2020)  
8. $20 million for Seattle’s East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project (2021)
9. $16 million for Longview’s Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion (IRCE) (2021)
10. $2.08 million for Aberdeen’s US-12 Highway-Rail Separation Project (2021)
11. $22.1 million for Snohomish County’s Granite Falls Bridge #102 (2021)

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Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

Following two years of bipartisan efforts led by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as Veteran Service Organizations and activists, legislation to help veterans will finally become law. 
 
For decades, veterans have been suffering from prior exposure to toxic burn pits while serving overseas. The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 will streamline the process for veterans to obtain benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
The core of the PACT Act includes key provisions from Rubio’s Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act (S. 952), which he introduced with Gillibrand last year.
 

• “Our veterans waited far too long. They fought and bled for our country overseas, many of them losing dear friends along the way. They never should have had to fight the bureaucracy once they came home. It was wrong.

• “Today marks a turning point, at long last. A recognition that America will not ignore the hidden costs of war, and that we will always take care of those who answered the call to serve.  

• “I look forward to working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues to make sure the bill is implemented fully, and our veterans never again suffer from bureaucratic delays and neglect.” – Senator Rubio

 
Want more information? Read more.
 

RUBIO ELOGIA NUEVA LEY PARA VETERANOS  

Tras dos años de esfuerzos bipartidistas encabezados por los senadores estadounidenses Marco Rubio (R-FL) y Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), así como organizaciones de servicios para veteranos y activistas, la legislación para ayudar a los veteranos finalmente se convertirá en ley. 
 
Por décadas, nuestros veteranos han estado sufriendo de ser expuestos a la quema de pozos tóxicos mientras estaban en el servicio militar en el extranjero. La Ley Honrando Nuestra Promesa de Abordar los Tóxicos Integrales del 2022 (PACT, por sus siglas en inglés) agilizará el proceso para que los veteranos obtengan beneficios del Departamento de Asuntos de los Veteranos de EE.UU.
 
La Ley PACT incluye disposiciones claves de la legislación S.952 de Rubio, que presentó con Gillibrand el año pasado.
 

• “Nuestros veteranos esperaron por mucho tiempo. Lucharon por nuestro país en el exterior y muchos de ellos perdieron amigos en el camino. Ellos nunca debieron haber tenido que luchar contra la burocracia del sistema al regresar a casa. Eso estaba mal.

• “Hoy marcamos una nueva página, por fin. Un reconocimiento que EE.UU. no ignorará los costos ocultos de la guerra y que siempre cuidaremos de aquellos que respondieron al llamado de servir a su patria.  

• “Espero trabajar con la Administración Biden y mis colegas para asegurarme que el proyecto de ley se implemente por completo y que nuestros veteranos nunca más sufran ni de demoras burocráticas ni de negligencia”. – Senador Rubio

 
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