Washington’s Second District plays a vital role in our nation’s defense as home to two Navy installations, Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and Coast Guard Station Bellingham. Thousands of servicemembers, military families, and civilian defense workers who keep our country safe live and work in Northwest Washington.

In Congress, I am committed to supporting the women and men who serve our country. That means improving servicemember quality of life, investing in our military communities, and standing with our allies and partners to confront the most pressing security threats.

I served for 22 years on the House Armed Services Committee before I become the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. On the Armed Services Committee, I advocated for Northwest Washington’s military bases, supported strengthening military readiness and worked to address critical national security issues.

As a leading member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), I regularly engage with legislators from allied countries to address challenges and strengthen our partnership. The United States is safer and more secure when we work with our allies, and I will continue to ensure that Congress stands for these essential partnerships. You can find more information about that group and other caucuses I lead here. 

Accomplishments & Priorities


Improving Quality of Life for Servicemembers

  • Secured a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  
  • Leading the fight to require TRICARE to cover fertility treatment, including IVF, for servicemembers and their families. 
  • Supporting legislation to allow dependents of servicemembers to remain on TRICARE insurance until they turn 26, as is required by civilian health care plans. 

Investing in Military Communities

  • Leading the effort to secure full funding for Department of Defense Impact Aid. This program provides funding to local school districts that serve a large number of military families.  
  • Securing funding for the Department of Defense’s Community Noise Mitigation Program, which funds infrastructure improvements for communities impacted by jet noise.  

Standing With Our Allies and Partners

  • As a leading voice in Congress for supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, I stand with our Ukrainian friends and neighbors and support U.S. assistance to Ukraine. 
  • Supporting the No Funds for NATO Invasion Act to prohibit the US military from invading a NATO member country or territory.