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Home My WebLink About091626 - Standing Up for WashingtoniansALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/customers/WA06ER/NEWSLETTER.png> Friends, neighbors — Last week was a busy one for our office! From multiple hearings and a mark-up to floor speeches and votes, I’ve been hard at work representing the 6th District. Here’s a look at what you may have missed: Holding Federal Agencies Accountable at the Natural Resources Committee At a Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing, I pressed Forest Service Chief Schultz with questions from our very own firefighters about why Border Patrol was allowed to conduct an immigration raid at the Bear Gulch Fire site. <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv %3dsXJp5Cj7-tk&redir_log=007679077774293> I was deeply disappointed that he offered no clarity to the 140+ firefighters who have been battling this fire for months about their safety, rights, or protections. I will keep pushing for answers on how this mismanagement was allowed to happen in our district. The TERRA Act Gets Its First Hearing I’m excited to share that the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee held a hearing on my legislation, the Tribal Emergency Response Resources (TERRA) Act, which is the first step in the committee process to move the bill one step closer to being considered by the full House of Representatives. This bill is a critical step toward ensuring Tribal Nations have the resources they need to prevent, respond to, and manage the growing impacts of climate change in their communities. Natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and severity across the U.S., and Tribal Nations face urgent needs for relocation assistance and federal resources on their reserved lands. I was glad to hear bipartisan support for this legislation in the hearing, including from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and appreciated Chairman Quintin Swanson from the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe taking the time to come to D.C. to share the importance of this bill with my colleagues on the committee. <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2f www.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3db0Qb1LhGju4&redir_log=873683922287290> Honoring Joel Kawahara On the House floor, I gave a speech honoring the life of local fisherman Joel Kawahara. <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_i d=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3d0fDxuJ3ClZI&redir_log=880968887204291> Known up and down the West Coast for the exceptional quality of his catch, Joel was also a fierce advocate for the maritime industry and a dedicated conservationist. For more than 30 years, he served on the Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, reminding us that caring for the land means caring for the fish, and caring for the fish means protecting the future of our fisheries. We honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind for our waters and our way of life, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Standing Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Amendments During debate on amendments to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I planned to speak on a bipartisan NDAA that committee worked hard to produce, and included many good provisions including my bill the Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation for Military Families (ANCHOR) Act to strengthen relocation support for military families. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues on the floor proposed a series of toxic amendments that would deny LGBTQ+ service members their rights, prevent families from making their own medical decisions, and continue a cruel political war on people who simply want to serve their country and live their lives. I spoke out against this dangerous rhetoric and their harmful amendments, and ultimately voted against the NDAA to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ servicemembers and their families. <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.573 3373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dai2-dgWHKGY&redir_log=168054751924290> Supporting all troops and their families is non-negotiable, and I’ll work with my Senate colleagues to remove these harmful provisions and pass a final bill that truly strengthens national security while protecting all service members' rights. Joining the Human Rights Campaign Panel On Friday, I had the privilege of joining the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for their What’s Your American Dream panel. I answered questions on a range of issues — including transgender rights, the future of the LGBTQIA+ movement, the challenges facing us in this administration, and how we can create change. Thank you to HRC for hosting such a powerful and inspiring event. Looking Ahead in DC This week, I’ll be participating in multiple hearings and markups in the Natural Resources and Oversight Committees, as well as meeting with constituents and community members. I’ll also be joining events hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Casework and Town Hall Reminder! Did you know our team is here to help you navigate federal agencies? Whether you're waiting on a response from the IRS or Social Security, or you need to expedite your passport for travel, our dedicated caseworkers are ready to assist. Visit our website <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2 f%2frandall.house.gov%2fservices%2fhelp-federal-agency&redir_log=204013618875381> to connect with your casework team. If you are interested in attending a Town Hall or need help at a Casework Connection, click here to see our upcoming dates <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=144 17.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2frandall.house.gov%2fevents&redir_log=038206414601229> ! In addition, our casework team has an upcoming in-person Casework Connection at the North Mason Timberland Library on Wednesday, September 17 from 10:30AM-4PM. Please click here to RSVP <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.eventbrite.com%2fe%2fcasework-connections-tickets-1513867 441269%3faff%3doddtdtcreator&redir_log=650064513152600> . Walk-ins are welcome! LET’S GET SOCIAL: Stay connected with me on Instagram <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.inst agram.com%2frepemilyrandall%2f&redir_log=373512520071299> , Facebook <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3 a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fRepEmilyRandall%2f&redir_log=402688532207286> , YouTube <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&red irect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40CongresswomanEmilyRandall&redir_log=609118678022358> , and Bluesky <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219 189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fbsky.app%2fprofile%2frepemilyrandall.bsky.social&redir_log=587809271368371> for updates on my work for Washington’s 6th Congressional District. Talk to you soon, – Emily Resources for Federal Workers * You can review your employment rights under federal law here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/employee-rights-appeals/#url=Appeals <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextran et/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.opm.gov%2fpolicy-data-oversight%2femployee-relations%2femployee-rights-appeals%2f%23url%3dAppea ls&redir_log=656483208721684> * Federal agencies are required by law to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with disabilities. Learn more here: https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applica nts <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.eeoc.gov%2ffederal-sector%2ffederal-employees-job-appl icants&redir_log=759256772424482> * To understand statutory whistleblower protections and accompanying resources, click here: https://whistleblower.house.gov/resources/resources-whistleblowers <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/ iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwhistleblower.house.gov%2fresources%2fresources-whistleblowers&redir_log=532584919374479> * To understand prohibited personnel practices, including the right to appeal, visit here: https://www.mspb.gov/ppp/ppp.htm#faq <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&cro p=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mspb.gov%2fppp%2fppp.htm%23faq&redir_log=6960310775250> and here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/employee-relations/e mployee-rights-appeals/ <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.opm.gov%2fpolicy-data-oversight%2f employee-relations%2femployee-rights-appeals%2f&redir_log=963100031549602> * And for a basic primer on civil service law, click here: https://guides.loc.gov/federal-civil-service-employment-law <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5 733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fguides.loc.gov%2ffederal-civil-service-employment-law&redir_log=097244084578419> Resources for Immigrant Families * A list of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-accredited organizations can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942306/download <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClic kTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.justice.gov%2feoir%2fpage%2ffile%2f942306%2fdownload&redir_log=399641278862362> Resources for Veterans and Service Member Families * A list of your rights and responsibilities as a VA Patient or resident of a community living center: https://www.va.gov/health/rights/patientrights.asp <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqCli ckTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.va.gov%2fhealth%2frights%2fpatientrights.asp&redir_log=879169551713357> * A list of your rights and responsibilities as a VA Patient’s family member: https://www.va.gov/health/rights/familyrights.asp <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA06ER&cro p=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.va.gov%2fhealth%2frights%2ffamilyrights.asp&redir_log=019285181516350> * A list of your rights and responsibilities as a Tricare eligible member: https://tricare.mil/PatientResources/RightsResponsibilities <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=WA0 6ER&crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2ftricare.mil%2fPatientResources%2fRightsResponsibilities&redir_log=06615412523427> Washington DC Office 1531 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5916 Tacoma District Office 1102 A Street Tacoma, WA Phone:(253) 272-3515 Bremerton District Office 345 6th Street Suite 500 Bremerton, WA Phone:(360) 373-9725 Unsubscribe <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/EsurveyForm.aspx?__cid=WA06ER&__sid=100000&__crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228> <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/Customers/WA06ER/iqtrk.gif?crop=14417.5733373.5219189.7707228> <https://iqconnect.house.gov/iqextranet/Customers/WA06ER/iqtrk.gif?crop=14417.5733373.5219189. 7707228>