Marilyn Strickland

My October Newsletter - Marilyn Strickland

Position: The newsletter describes a press conference opposing federal cuts to SNAP that the release attributes to the GOP-led Congress, and reports the introduction of bipartisan multigenerational housing legislation and a bill to depoliticize military promotions.

I wanted to update you on my work over the past month. From hosting a press conference with local food banks to talk about restoring SNAP funding, to visiting Fort Blakely Lodge, and introducing a new bill to better support multigenerational housing, I continue to hear your feedback and deliver on what matters most to you. Strickland, Eloise’s Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, Food Source Foundation Discussed SNAP Cuts and Food Resources for Families This month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led the Making a Difference Foundation/Eloise’s Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, The Food Source Foundation, and other community leaders at a press conference highlighting how the GOP-led federal cuts to SNAP are hurting American families and seniors, and food and nutrition resources for families in the South Sound. Toured Port Blakely’s newly completed Learning Lodge designed to support environmental education for students, educators, and community members. Weyerhaeuser Olympia Export Yard Visited Weyerhaeuser to get an inside look at forestry practices supporting local jobs and sustainable economic development across Washington. The company manages over a million acres of timberland across our state, and employs more than 1,500 people to support housing construction and export markets. Updates from the other Washington Strickland Introduces Bipartisan Intergenerational Housing Bill Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Congressman David P. Joyce (OH-14) introduced a bipartisan Multigenerational HOMES (Housing Opportunities for Modifying Existing Structures) Act. Strickland, Houlahan, and Blumenthal Lead of Bicameral Legislation to Depoliticize Military Promotions Congressmembers Marilyn Strickland, Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced legislation to protect qualified military officers from being arbitrarily removed from promotion consideration for ideological or political reasons, by establishing clear standards, basic due process, and meaningful independent review. The Congresswoman and her team are here to help you navigate these agencies, cut through the red tape, end delays, and much more. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (360) 459-8514 or contact us HERE. Federal grants are typically awarded and available to non-profit organizations, city, county, state, and other local government entities. Opportunities for federal funding are competitive. For more information on federal grants, please visit grants.gov or call the office: 360-459-8514. Upcoming grant opportunities include: For more information on these grant opportunities, please click HERE. As always, I work for you. If you need assistance, call my Lacey office at (360) 459-8514 or my D.C. Office at (202) 225-9740. For more updates, make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media.

Strickland, Eloise’s Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, Food Source Foundation Discussed SNAP Cuts and Food Resources for Families - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Strickland criticizes federal cuts to SNAP, arguing they harm families, children, and seniors, and calls for protecting the program. Local food bank representatives report increased demand and say food banks cannot replace SNAP.

Tacoma, WA – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led the Making a Difference Foundation/Eloise’s Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, The Food Source Foundation, and other community leadersat a press conference highlighting how the GOP-led federal cuts to SNAP are hurting American families and seniors, and food and nutrition resources for families in the South Sound. “The Trump Administration continues to shred our social safety net, and take food out of the mouths of hungry children,” said Strickland. “SNAP is a critical program for seniors, families and children across the nation. Our local partners can help support families, but the damage from the Big Ugly Bill has been done.” “On behalf of Making A Difference Foundation and Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank, I want to thank Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for bringing our community together and shining a light on the challenges families face in accessing food. Her willingness to create space for this conversation is an important step toward understanding the impact of these issues and working together on solutions. We are grateful for her leadership and for the opportunity to share what we are seeing in our community,” said Ahndrea L. Blue, President and CEO, Making A Difference Foundation and Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank. “Since the passage of H.R. 1 and changes to SNAP, our food pantries and satellite sites have repeatedly set new single-day attendance records. In 2026, nearly 25% of our pantry customers are first-time visitors. We have expanded evening hours and increased home delivery to meet this growing need, even as we receive significantly less food and resources through federal programs. Our community embraces the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, but food banks cannot replace the reach of SNAP. Protecting this essential program helps ensure that children, seniors, and working families have the food they need to thrive,” said John Ficker, Thurston County Food Bank Executive Director. “The Food Source Foundation has boots on the ground every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors through several programs. I can tell you over the last two years we have had to increasingly ramp up our food service to meet the growing need. In the last three weeks since the beginning of October the need has grown exponentially, especially among our neighbors who are working full-time but still cannot afford to buy food,” said Chris Hyde, the Food Source Foundation Founder & Director. “Behind every conversation about food assistance are real people and families trying to make ends meet. Protecting access to nutritious food helps strengthen the whole community. I hope today’s discussion leads to lasting support for the neighbors who need it,” said Sheree Staples, Eloise’s Cooking Pot Volunteer. “Food is essential to every family’s health and stability. When people can access the food they need, they have more room to focus on their work, their children, and their future. I’m grateful to everyone working together to make sure our community is heard and supported,” said Jah Morgan, Eloise’s Cooking Pot Client. Other local leaders Michelle Douglas, the CEO of Emergency Food Network; Stacy Crinch, the CEO of GoodRoots; and Seth Kirby, the Chief Impact Officer of Greater Tacoma Community Foundation were also in attendance. You can watch the full press conference here. Since the Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1), was enacted, SNAP participation nationwide has decreased by over 5 million people. In Washington state alone there has been a decrease of over 57,000 people while food bank usage has gone up by 9%. 44% of Washington SNAP participants are children. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

‘Help is on its way’: Marilyn Strickland addresses impact federal cuts have had on food security - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Rep. Strickland criticizes federal cuts to SNAP and Medicare enacted under H.R. 1 and states that local food partners can help families but that the impact of the cuts cannot be undone.

Thurston Chronicle: ‘Help is on its way’: Marilyn Strickland addresses impact federal cuts have had on food security John Ficker became the executive director of the Thurston County Food Bank on July 1, 2025. By the end of his first week, the U.S. federal government had passed H.R. 1. Among other things, the legislation nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” cut funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare, and tightened eligibility requirements for both. As a result, Ficker said, “Food insecurity as we understand it in this country was fundamentally transformed in how we support and fund people seeking food.” Ficker joined fellow food security professionals and community leaders at a press conference hosted by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma, in Tacoma on Wednesday, Oct. 21, highlighting the impacts H.R. 1 has had on food insecurity in the South Sound. “The Trump Administration continues to shred our social safety net, and take food out of the mouths of hungry children,” said Strickland. “SNAP is a critical program for seniors, families and children across the nation. Our local partners can help support families, but the damage from the Big Ugly Bill has been done.” Some of H.R. 1’s cuts and new eligibility requirements for SNAP and Medicare went into effect immediately when the legislation was signed July 4, 2026, but many are being implemented in phases. The most recent round of cuts and eligibility changes went into effect Oct. 1, 2026. The next is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027. Since H.R. 1 was enacted in July 2025, SNAP participation nationwide has decreased by over 5 million people, according to information provided by Strickland’s office. In Washington state alone there has been a decrease of over 57,000 people while food bank usage has gone up by 9%. In Washington state, 44% SNAP participants are children. The Thurston County Food Bank served approximately 50,000 people in 2025, a spokesperson told Thurston Chronicle in March. Since the start of the 2026 calendar year, Ficker said Wednesday, the Thurston County Food Bank has seen a 25% increase in its customer base. That increase has consisted solely of first-time food bank users, according to Ficker. Many of those new customers are employed full time, but are experiencing food insecurity due to rising costs, cuts to their SNAP or Medicare benefits, or a mix of those factors. Each of the Thurston County Food Bank’s pantries and satellite locations, Ficker said, have set new single-day attendance records so many times this year that it’s stopped being remarkable. “At first, it was like, ‘Oh, that's shocking we've done this.’ And then it would happen again, and then it would happen again,” Ficker said. The Food Source Foundation, which provides free prepared meals in the greater Olympia area, has seen a similar customer increase. The foundation delivered an estimated 2,100 meals in the last week, according to founder and director Chris Hyde. “We’ve seen a steady rise in food insecurity in the last two years, and a dramatic rise in the last three weeks as more federal dollars are being pulled back from our most vulnerable neighbors,” Hyde said. “We need to pull together as a community to make sure our shared human family members are not going to bed hungry. And unfortunately, it’s happening all the time.” Strickland said Wednesday that she is confident the midterms will bring a Democrat majority to Congress. Once the Democrats are back in power, she said, they are ready to begin undoing the harm H.R.1 has caused. “It won't be easy, but change is coming, and help is on its way,” Strickland said. When asked what specifically the Democrats have queued, Strickland said that they intend to reverse the cuts to SNAP and Medicare, pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and implement workers protections to strengthen the right to unionize and the right to walk out. “For me, those would be the biggest pillars I would want to debate,” Strickland said. There are other notable actions that are worthy of discussion, including ending the war with Iran and expanding healthcare access, Strickland said, but said the “immediate issue” of undoing the damage done to SNAP and Medicare and putting voter and workplace protections in place are the “immediate issues.” There are also conversations to be had about holding the current administration accountable, Strickland said, “but that circus cannot take over everything we do. We have to pass some bills that are going to have a materially positive effect on American people. So first and foremost, let's undo the damage first, and then think about what else we can do.” Undoing that damage will take time, however. And in the meantime, it will be up to local community partners like the Thurston County Food Bank and the Food Source Foundation to address the impacts of increased food insecurity within their communities. “I promise to you that part of my charge would be to go back to Congress and help educate some of my colleagues about how this affects the entire ecosystem of food security,” Strickland said. The full press conference can be viewed online on Strickland’s Instagram page at https://tinyurl.com/2w7vzv2e.

Strickland Introduces Bipartisan Intergenerational Housing Bill - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Introduces a bipartisan bill that would provide a federal tax credit to homeowners who renovate homes to accommodate elderly family members, family members with disabilities, or live-in caregivers.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Congressman David P. Joyce (OH-14) introduced a bipartisan Multigenerational HOMES (Housing Opportunities for Modifying Existing Structures) Act. The bill is one of a kind in that it will provide a tax credit for homeowners who renovate their homes to accommodate an elderly family member, a family member with a disability, or a family member who will be a live-in caregiver. “This bill helps keep families under one roof at all stages of life if they choose to care for their aging family members,” said Strickland. “The tax credit provides families with additional in-home care options.” "As a member of the Congressional Assisting Caregivers Today Caucus, I know how important it is to give families the flexibility to provide care without leaving the homes and communities they know," said Congressman Joyce. "The Multigenerational HOMES Act would help families adapt their existing homes to meet their changing needs, making it easier for loved ones to live together while making better use of our existing housing stock. By giving families more options to share a home and care for one another, we can reduce the costs and pressures of finding additional housing while empowering families to make the decisions that work best for them." The tax credit can be used to make renovations such as adding handrails, stairlifts, wider doorways, and separate entrances. This makes it more affordable for families who choose the option of in-home caregiving for aging relatives. “NAHB commends Rep. Strickland for introducing legislation to help families remain in their homes. The Multigenerational HOMES Act would provide a tax credit for homeowners to make renovations that accommodate family members with accessibility needs or disabilities. Caregivers face many challenges, and supporting their ability to keep loved ones together under one roof is both important and beneficial,” said Bill Owens, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders. “Families live and care across generations, even when our homes and public systems are not designed that way. The Multigenerational HOMES Act would help families create safer, more accessible homes where older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and loved ones of every age can remain connected and supported. This is prevention through connection – and a practical investment in family stability, independence, and dignity,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director, Generations United. The legislation is endorsed by: AARP, Generations United, the National Association of Home Builders, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

My August Newsletter - Marilyn Strickland

Position: The release describes the representative's hosting of a cost-of-living roundtable on the effects of administration policy on affordability for small businesses, promotes her CARE for Parenting Students Act to address childcare barriers for student parents, and reports joining a bipartisan letter requesting expedited emergency declaration aid for wildfire-affected Eastern Washington communities.

I wanted to update you on my work over the past month. From visiting with local leaders in Yelm and hosting a Cost-of-Living roundtable to joining a bipartisan delegation letter to President Trump to address the wildfires in Eastern Washington, I continue to hear your feedback and deliver on what matters most to you. Strickland Moderates Cost of Living & Doing Business Roundtable Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) hosted a Cost-of-Living Roundtable with constituents and regional business owners to discuss the impacts of the Trump administration on affordability and increasing costs to small businesses. Strickland Brings $1M to Yelm’s Historic Downtown Strickland secured $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for the City of Yelm to restore downtown businesses and promote safety by upgrading streets, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and more. Visit to South Puget Sound Community College Strickland joined South Puget Sound Community College to discuss her CARE for Parenting Students Act and how barriers to childcare for student parents must be addressed. Updates from the Other Washington Joined the Washington Delegation’s Letter Asking President Trump to Support Aid for Communities Impacted by Fires Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined a bipartisan WA delegation letter to the President requesting that he provide an expedited approval of an Emergency Declaration due to the wildfires in Spokane and the rest of Eastern WA. The Congresswoman and her team are here to help you navigate these agencies, cut through the red tape, end delays, and much more. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (360) 459-8514 or contact us HERE. Federal grants are typically awarded and available to non-profit organizations, city, county, state, and other local government entities. Opportunities for federal funding are competitive. For more information on federal grants, please visit grants.gov or call the office: 360-459-8514. Upcoming grant opportunities include: For more information on these grant opportunities, please click HERE. As always, I work for you. If you need assistance, call my Lacey office at (360) 459-8514 or my D.C. Office at (202) 225-9740. For more updates, make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow me on social media. Sincerely,

House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’ - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Rep. Strickland supports reinstating the 2023 congressional commission's recommended names for nine southern military bases, arguing that the Trump administration circumvented the law by renaming bases to honor different service members with the same surnames as Confederate officers, thereby reviving Confederate legacies.

Military Times: House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’ A House panel voted Thursday to return the names of nine southern U.S. military bases to those recommended in 2023 by a congressional commission assigned to study the Defense Department’s Confederate honorifics. After a spirited 30-minute debate late Thursday evening, members of the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment offered by Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., to change the names in a narrow 29-27 vote. In offering her amendment, Strickland said it was necessary because the Trump administration ignored Congress by changing the new names, choosing to honor, instead, different service members with the same last names as the Confederate officers for which the bases originally were named. Strickland said while the current names honor military personnel in their own right — for example, Fort Lee in Virginia is now named for Fitz Lee, a Buffalo soldier who earned the Medal of Honor — the administration’s changes sidestepped the law and were hurtful to many military personnel and veterans for reviving Confederate legacies. “They used the same stunt the commission considered and rejected, finding new service members that share the same last name as the Confederate traitors,” Strickland said. Republican Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who voted for the amendment, said his Virginia ancestor fought for the Union and would be “rolling in his grave” knowing U.S. military bases were named for Confederate leaders. “I thought we did it right in 2020 — we debated it, it was a strong debate here. It passed in the House, a Democrat majority, and it passed in the Senate, Republican majority,“ Bacon said. ”The president vetoed it, and we overrode the veto. We did it right, and what happens is the secretary comes in here, puts his thumb in our eye … it should bother all of us.” Lawmakers opposed to the change said the longstanding names have widespread and international recognition and mean much to the troops who have served on the bases, even as they may not know much about the installation’s namesakes. “To judge historical figures by the morality of our time is taking certain things out of context … I just heard we can’t honor our forefathers who enslaved other people. Are we going to rename this city? Where does it end?” asked Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas. “I think Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Trump have struck a reasonable balance. Our history should be taught, not erased, the good and bad,” agreed Rep. John McGuire, R-Va. Under Strickland’s amendment, the Naming Commission’s recommendations would be reinstated: Fort A.P. Hill would become Fort Walker; Fort Bragg would become Fort Liberty; Fort Benning would become Fort Moore; Fort Hood would become Fort Cavazos; Fort Lee would become Fort Gregg-Adams; Fort Polk would become Fort Johnson; Fort Rucker would be Fort Novosel; and Fort Pickett would be Fort Barfoot. Fort Gordon also would become Fort Shughart-Gordon. The installation, once named for Confederate Maj. General John Brown Gordon, was changed last year to honor Master Sgt. Gary Gordon, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism in the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia. Strickland said she worked with Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., to add the name Sgt. First Class Randall Shughart, who also earned the Medal of Honor in that battle. Rep. Carlos Giménez, R-Fla., joined with Bacon and committee Democrats to overturn the names. The panel also voted to change the name of the Defense Department to the Department of War. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, introduced the amendment, saying that the change sends an “unmistakable signal” that “America is willing to fight and win to secure its interests.” “This name reflects the determination and resolve of our brave men and women of the U.S. military who aggressively fight to secure our national interests,” Jackson said. “Our military does much more than defend the homeland.” The War Department was established by legislation signed by President George Washington in 1789, and it remained so until 1947, when President Harry Truman sought to consolidate the services under a single Cabinet-level command structure. Truman recommended that Congress pass legislation creating a Department of National Defense, which became the Defense Department. Trump issued an executive order Sept. 5, 2025, to restore the name Department of War, a secondary title to the Defense Department. The department has been using the moniker but requires legislation to permanently change the name. Smith said the name change would have very little impact on adversaries. “Practically speaking, it makes no frickin’ difference whatsoever. We have a lot of important work to do … and we are arguing over a name. It’s incredibly expensive to change that name,” Smith said. Earlier in the day, the panel also voted unanimously by voice vote to ban hate symbols like swastikas, nooses and other graphics across the department, to include tattoos, uniforms, patches, personal equipment and government property. The amendment requires the secretary to establish standards for identifying and addressing prohibited symbols and procedural review for removal. The proposal is related to a policy change last year by the Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, that classified the Nazi insignia as “potentially divisive” rather than a hate symbol. Coast Guard officials said the policy change was misunderstood, and it was designed to clarify — not downgrade — its stand on extremist symbols. “This is not an updated policy but a new policy to combat any misinformation and double down that the U.S. Coast Guard forbids these symbols,” officials wrote in a statement.

House panel advances $1.15 trillion defense bill after marathon debate - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Rep. Strickland supported an amendment to rename military bases that were changed back to Confederate names under the Trump administration, restoring honors to other service members.

The Hill | House panel advances $1.15 trillion defense bill after marathon debate By: Ellen Mitchell and Filip Timotija The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) late Thursday passed the annual Defense policy bill, sending the mammoth, nearly $1.15 trillion measure to the full House after debating a chunk of some 900 offered amendments for 14 hours. The measure, known as the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed the panel by a 44 to 12 vote, with the final gavel falling at midnight. All Republicans and nearly half of the panel’s Democrats voted in favor of the bill, an unusually small number of Democrats given that only one or two on the historically bipartisan committee typically oppose the bill as it heads to the House floor. Prior to the final vote, the committee gave a round of applause and standing ovation for panel Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who oversaw his last NDAA markup as head of the panel, absent a waiver. “It’s not easy getting me choked up,” Rogers said in response. Among the amendments adopted was a provision that would demand the Pentagon inform Congress why senior military officers were fired or dismissed within five days. The requirement was introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and was adopted Thursday without objections in a bipartisan voice vote. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired two dozen senior military officers since taking the helm at the Pentagon, prompting bipartisan worries that experienced officials are being dismissed without explanation. The panel also approved an amendment offered by Ryan that would require Hegseth to provide a copy of the official investigation into the deadly attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, which killed six U.S. service members, as well as provide a briefing on the incident to the defense committee. Among the surprises of the hearing was the adoption of an amendment from Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) that would formally rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the preferred name by the Trump administration and one used by Hegseth and most GOP lawmakers. It passed 29-27. In another big vote, the panel approved Rep. Marilyn Strickland’s (D-Wash.) amendment to rename bases that once held the names of Confederate generals, were changed to honor other service members, then were altered back to the same Confederate names but attributed to a different soldier with the same last name under Trump’s second term. In addition, the panel adopted the right-to-repair amendment, pushed by Reps. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), which would require contractors to give access to data and parts to fix the military’s equipment. “This is a common-sense requirement. What our bipartisan amendment does is to clarify and to create a clear set of rules, a default rule that will help to resolve disputes before they arise, that will streamline these processes, cut red tape and close loopholes that have mired our military in endless challenges in trying to do some of the most basic things that we should be empowering our service members to do,” Goodlander told the panel. Rogers pushed back against the amendment, saying while the provision is trying to address “legitimate concerns,” it creates a “much larger problem by granting the government extremely broad rights to IP developed at private [business] expense.” “This amendment would force companies to choose between protecting their IP and doing so with the Department of Defense,” Rogers said. The passage of the amendment, which also has some bipartisan support in the Senate, is a big blow to defense industry giants. Democrats tried to shave the NDAA’s massive top-line number, cut the funding earmarked for Trump-class battleships, protest the Iran war and ban the transfer of cluster munitions, all amendments that were defeated by House GOP defense hawks. “I just don’t trust this administration to use this historic budget appropriately. I’m not going to hand them a blank check to fund reckless unilateral wars of choice,” Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), said of his amendment to cut $150 billion from the NDAA’s topline number. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking member of the panel, pitched an amendment that would take out nearly $2 billion earmarked in the defense policy bill for Trump-class battleships. Moulton, who backed Smith’s provision, said the battleship is the “most expensive sitting duck in world history.” While the battleship amendment failed, Smith’s provision requiring quarterly reports from the Pentagon chief to Congress on munitions inventories was adopted via en bloc. Strickland’s amendment to block the Defense secretary from removing names from officer promotion lists, only allowing the commander-in-chief to overturn them, was defeated in a 26-30 vote, with Reps. Don Davis (D-N.C.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) siding with Republicans, while Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) backed the provision. Ryan’s proposal to bar more money for more military operations against Iran was sunk in a 26-30 vote, with Davis again siding with Republicans. Republicans on the panel voted down several amendments that would have protected the editorial independence of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper — currently under new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration — as well as protect press access at the Pentagon. Lawmakers opposed in a 25 to 29 vote a provision from Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), which would have protected Stars and Stripes in light of recent Pentagon attempts at editorial interference. Rep. Derek Tran (D-Calif.) was the lone Democrat to vote against it. “For 165 years [Stars and Stripes] has been the independent voice of the service member, not a Pentagon mouthpiece, but a real newspaper reporting the truth,” Jacobs said. She added, Hegseth “is trying to end that legacy and we should not let him.” The amendment would have established a Stars and Stripes ombudsman in statute. The role, created in 1991, is meant to monitor the outlet’s editorial independence and report concerns to Congress. Jacqueline Smith was the newspaper’s last ombudsman but was ousted in April after she criticized the Pentagon’s new restrictions on the outlet. Those restrictions, put in place by the Pentagon via a January memo, imposed new content requirements, with job applicants to be asked how they would advance Trump’s policy priorities. “This is censorship and it is a dangerous warning sign,” Jacobs said. “We need to make this position permanent now.” Rogers said that while he agreed that the role of an ombudsman is important, he “can’t support restricting the secretary’s oversight authority of an ombudsman.” The committee also voted 26 to 29 against an amendment from Goodlander that would have established Stars and Stripes as an independent establishment within the Defense Department, creating checks against political interference. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) crossed party lines to vote in favor and Tran voted against it. Goodlander, a former naval officer, said her provision would ensure “that editorial decisions remain where they belong and that’s in the hands of professional journalists, not political appointees.” Rogers again spoke up against the amendment, saying it would hinder Hegseth’s “ongoing efforts to modernize and ensure accurate reporting that is consistent with the values of our military.” The provisions were voted down a day after two advisory board members for Stars and Stripes sued the Pentagon over allegations that recent overhauls are undermining the publication’s editorial independence. Another amendment offered by Jacobs and intended to protect press access at the Pentagon also was voted down 27 to 28, with Bacon also joining Democrats to vote in favor. “If we take the press out of the Pentagon, you blind Congress and blind the American people to what’s happening in their name and with their money,” she said. Rogers responded that the Pentagon “has established a prudent policy to protect sensitive information by placing responsible limits on press access,” urging members to oppose the amendment. The Pentagon has a particularly contentious relationship with the press during Trump’s second term, with journalists now mostly barred from the building. Courts have largely sided with reporters in legal challenges to the moves, but the Pentagon has only ramped up restrictions. Most recently, Defense officials have barred reporters from entering the building’s press office and designated the facility as a classified space, curtailing access to an area within the department that journalists have had for years.

Strickland Introduces Childcare Access Bill - Marilyn Strickland

Position: Congresswoman Strickland introduced legislation to expand federal childcare assistance for parenting students by clarifying eligible education programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant and providing $850 million in additional annual authorization.

Bill Expands Access to Childcare for Parenting Students Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Childcare Access for all Recognized Education for Parenting Students Act (CARE for Parenting Students Act). The bill will expand access to federal childcare assistance for parenting students, regardless of the type of education or workforce training they are pursuing. “Parents participating in job training programs or apprenticeships deserve access to federal childcare assistance,” said Strickland. “Clarifying and expanding the range of education programs that qualify means more families will have access to childcare while they strengthen their job skills and expertise.” “Parents who are training to be a nurse, working on a college degree, or earning a commercial driving license need to know their kids are in safe, nurturing childcare. Rep. Strickland’s bill sets eligible student parents up to further their careers while helping children in Washington thrive through access to safe, quality childcare,” said Rob Colombini, CEO of Child Care Aware of Washington "Becoming a parent shouldn't stop you from pursuing an education," said Whitney Pesek, Senior Director of Federal Child Care Policy at the National Women's Law Center. "Representative Strickland's legislation would provide additional funding and ensure equitable access to CCDBG subsidies for student parents to help them afford childcare and pursue their education and training. We urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation that strengthens support for student parents and bolsters women's economic security." The legislation ensures equitable access to Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) subsidies. The law requires those receiving CCDBG subsidies to be employed, enrolled in an educational program, or participating in job training. The lack of a clear definition of educational programs has created inconsistency across states of who is eligible in receiving this federal assistance. The bill provides an additional $850 million in annual authorization for CCDBG, and clarifies that eligible parental activities can include: The bill is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and Child Care Aware of Washington. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

Strickland Secures $850K for Affordable Housing in Tacoma - Marilyn Strickland

Lakewood, WA — Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced $850,000 in federal funding to the Tacoma Housing Authority for subsidized housing renovations. “The South Sound is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions – and residents are feeling the housing crunch,” said Strickland. “I am proud to secure federal funding that provides families with comfortable, affordable housing, and rates the cost effective approach of renovating existing housing.” “We are grateful to Congresswoman Strickland for working to secure $850k in federal funding for the rehabilitation of housing units in Salishan and Hillside Terrace. This project will modernize essential systems and preserve deeply affordable homes for hundreds of families in our community. Her continued partnership and support help ensure that low-income Tacomans can live and thrive in high-quality, stable housing for years to come,” said April Black, Tacoma Housing Authority Executive Director. The funding is being used to support the Tacoma Housing Authority’s Salishan-Hillside Phase I. This is rehabilitating housing by modernizing core systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to improve energy efficiency, as well as update key interior and exterior finishes to enhance durability. This award is one of the FY26 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland secured. Read more about these projects here.

Strickland Presses Pete Hegseth on Firing of General Randy George and Military Promotion Integrity  - Marilyn Strickland

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Strickland questioned Hegseth's decision to fire General George and his decision to deny four qualified servicemembers the promotion to Brigadier General. Strickland’s remarks are transcribed below, and can be viewed here: Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: Thank you Chairman Rogers and Member Smith, and thank you to the witnesses for being here today. This Committee is being asked to consider a $1.5 trillion dollar DOD budget request that funds not only weapons and system programs, but the people, leadership, readiness, and trust required to make them effective. When senior leaders are removed abruptly or merit-based promotions are disrupted without clear explanation, Congress does have the responsibility to understand the rational and operational consequences. So, I’m going to focus on Secretary Hegseth. And to start, no one is disputing that senior officers serve at the pleasure of civilian leadership. The issue in front of this is whether the decision to remove General Randy George strengthened the Army or created an avoidable disruption during an active operational period. General George, who also served as Commanding General at I CORP at JBLM, has been serving for four decades, including multiple command and operational leadership roles culminating as Chief of Staff of the Army. Responsible for readiness, force modernization, and the welfare of over a million soldiers and civilians. He was removed in the middle of an active conflict involving US operations against Iran when leadership continuity is most critical. Reporting indicates that General George’s removal may have followed disagreements over Army personnel matters, including concerns regarding withheld promotions. So, my question Secretary is this – what specific national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern did General George present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict? Or was he removed because he challenged some decisions being made? Secretary of Pete Hegseth: As I stated earlier, out of respect to these officers, I don’t discuss the nature of the removal, but I would ask an earnest question of you – where does General George fall in the operational chain of command? Strickland: So, I’m asking you, why did you fire him? Don’t change the subject, sir. Please answer my question. Please answer my question. National risk, mission risk, leadership concern? What did he present that justified removing him in the middle of a conflict? Hegseth: Do you know where General George serves in the operational chain of command? Strickland: So, I’m asking you my question one more time, sir. Don’t try to flip it on me. Why was he removed? Was he a national security risk, mission risk, or leadership concern? Yes or no? You don’t – okay, that’s okay. Don’t answer the question, it’s all good. So, to be clear, your – Mr. Chair I’m going to reclaim my time. Chairman Mike Rogers: Gentlelady reclaims her time. Strickland: Sir, sir, show some respect, okay? Rogers: It’s the gentlelady from Washington’s time. Strickland: Under DoDI 1320.04, the Secretary of Defense may withhold or disprove forwarding nomination after service recommendations in limited circumstances, including newly identified adverse information, pending investigations, reportable information, and questions regarding mental, physical, moral, or professional qualification, incomplete or noncompliant nomination packages, missing certifications, or the need for additional clarification from the military department. Several colonels reportedly selected for Brigadier General were removed or withheld after Board Selection Certification. Which of these specific grounds apply to each withheld officer, and what objective evidence supported these decisions? Hegseth: Congresswoman, that was just one of many boards across the services where we will perform similar reviews, and I anticipate other officers will be removed also. Strickland: Okay, but what were the grounds for those? Hegseth: Again, we don’t talk about – out of respect for those officers – we don’t talk about the nature of that, and we all serve at the pleasure of the President. We’re solving for an institution that needs to be based on merit and professional execution, and there’s been a lot of gender and demographic engineering that’s been going on for reasons other than the focus of exactly what we should be doing on the battlefield, so whether it’s that or – Strickland: I didn’t. I did not raise gender. Hegseth: You – that’s implied in every statement that everybody makes – Strickland: I did not, I did not raise that. Hegseth: Ultimately, as we review all these board, it has nothing to do with anything other than their performance on the battlefield or their performance in their career. Strickland: And these people are thoroughly vetted, thoroughly researched, and I guess my question is – is this about loyalty to Trump or is it about what’s good for the mission? Hegseth: I understand what you’re implying, but it’s about the Constitution, and our military, and its ability to execute. And I’m going to make sure the President has the finest officers across the Force prepared to deliver. Strickland: So, this Committee funds weapons, readiness, recruiting, professional development in leadership pipelines, but no amount of money can compensate for a Force that may lose trust in the fairness of advancement. And this is fairness. We believe in merit. We have always had a merit-based system. That’s not the argument – Hegseth: No, we have not. Not under the Biden Administration, we did not. It became social engineering, not merit, and we’re fixing it quick. Strickland: No, it didn’t. No, it did not. It did not. And when we consider this budget request, we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are matched by sound judgement, credible leadership, and a personnel system worthy of those who serve. I yield back, Mr. Chair. Rogers: Gentlelady yields back. Chair now recognizes the Gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Scott.