A Historic Day at the White House

President Signs My Port Security Bill into Law

Today (10/13) President Bush signed my landmark GreenLane Port Security legislation into law, marking the culmination of a five-year effort to bring about comprehensive port security. This law will dramatically improve the security of America's ports and cargo container system. I flew back to Washington D.C. to attend the signing ceremony at the White House.

This law is the beginning of a new approach to the way this country protects its ports, its economy, and its people. September 11th taught us all about our country's many vulnerabilities, and in the days following the attack my effort to safeguard our nation's ports began. After five long years of work, Friday's signing represents a tremendous victory in the effort to bring real security to the American people.

This law which I co-authored with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) –

• raises security standards for all cargo entering the U.S.,
• creates a GreenLane to track and monitor cargo,
• creates a system to resume trade after an incident,
• and funds port security grants.

For Washington state, the bill will provide new security grants for Washington's ports, a new regional coordination center, new radiation detection equipment at the Port of Tacoma, new Customs personnel for Seattle/Tacoma, and a new system to keep Washington's trade-dependent economy moving.

To view a picture of the signing ceremony visit:
http://murray.senate.gov/photos/display.cfm?id=264696

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On The Road in Our State

I spent this week speaking with residents about local concerns in their communities, hearing from leaders about what they need from the federal government, and going over the priorities that I am fighting for back in Washington, D.C. The events that I participated in covered issues ranging from education, to economic development, to domestic violence. All along the way I got to interact with Washington state residents who are passionate about the issues facing our state and country. Their feedback allows me to return to Washington D.C. prepared to work for the real concerns of Washingtonians.

Education: Improving the No Child Left Behind Act – CLARK COUNTY
On Monday I hosted a roundtable discussion in Vancouver to hear what’s working – and what’s not – under the No Child Left Behind Act. I will be working to help update the law next year, and I am gathering input from the educators, administrators and parents on the frontlines of this debate.

Funding to Support for Our Troops and Communities – CLARK COUNTY
Also on Monday I held a press conference at nLight Corporation, a local defense contractor in Clark County, to announce $5 million in federal funding that I helped to secure for the company's work. nLight provides our military with the equipment it needs to perform their jobs abroad while creating local jobs. nLight has also invested in the Clark County community by establishing a mentoring program that prepares local students with the math and science proficiency needed to take on high-tech jobs. During my visit I heard from mentors, students, and teachers about how the program has affected them.

Sharing the Concerns of Growing Communities – NORTH CLARK COUNTY
I was also in North Clark County on Monday to host a roundtable discussion with mayors and local officials in northern Clark County. That region includes some of the fastest-growing communities in the region. Local Mayors shared with me their top priorities on topics like transportation, economic development, law enforcement, infrastructure, housing and other issues. This listening session will allow me to continue to be a strong advocate for securing federal support for Clark County.

Building A Brand New Town Square - BURIEN
On Tuesday I spoke at the groundbreaking for the new Burien Town Square project. The Town Square construction is the centerpiece of Burien's downtown renewal project. When completed, it will add significant retail and residential space to Burien's revitalized downtown. I spoke about the importance of partnership in refurbishing our communities and about how by working hand in hand with Burien we were able to secure $6 million in federal funding to help make this project a reality.

A Community Center for Asian Pacific Americans – SEATTLE
On Tuesday I joined Governor Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to mark the start of construction of the new headquarters of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS). The ACRS is a major non-profit organization that serves Asian Pacific Americans in King County with a wide range of human services and behavioral health programs. I secured $1 million for this project.

Helping Veterans and Returning Service Members Find Jobs - TACOMA
On Tuesday I joined with business leaders, veterans, military officials, service members and their families to search for ways to help returning service members and veterans find jobs and ease their transition home. Together, we laid out the challenges and opportunities involved with linking veterans and transitioning service members into civilian jobs. I will be working to incorporate parts of our discussion into my work with the VA in Washington, D.C.

An Anniversary in Helping Domestic Violence Victims – PIERCE COUNTY
On Thursday I delivered the keynote speech at the Pierce County YWCA's 100th Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of its Domestic Violence Center. In the speech I shared my work on domestic violence with YWCA supporters, staff, and community leaders. I have been a supporter of critical domestic violence legislation in the Senate including the 2005 Violence against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization, and my own Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act. The SAFE act gives women trapped in violent situations the financial means to break free from their abusers.

Meeting with Hispanic Business Leaders
On Thursday I met with 21 members of the Pierce County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We had an opportunity to discuss affordable housing, voter education, business opportunities, disabled veterans, farm worker housing, education and immigration.

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Patty in the News

Recent articles and editorials about Senator Murray's work:

SAFE Port Act signed into law

Port security took center stage this morning at the nation's capitol when President Bush signed the SAFE Port Act into law. The port security bill, co-sponsored by Senator Patty Murray, is designed to make maritime transportation safer.

- King5 News - October 13th, 2006

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Schools ask Murray for No Child help

Southwest Washington school leaders met with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray on Monday, not to blast the controversial No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, but rather suggest ways to improve it.

- The Columbian - October 10, 2006

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State worker speaks up at SafePlace event

She introduced and continues to work to pass the Security and Financial Empowerment Act to provide economic assistance and employment security to women seeking legal protection.

- The Olympian - October 7, 2006

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A win for port security

Speaking at a celebration at the Port of Everett, Murray said her Green Lane Act, approved last week by Congress, is scheduled to be signed into law by the president a week from today.

- Everett Herald - October 6, 2006

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More Patty in the News