Murray Slams Republicans for Obstructing Bill That Would Help Washington State Families and Small Businesses

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) slammed Senate Republicans after every single one voted against legislation critical to Washington state families, small businesses, and communities. Earlier in the afternoon Murray spoke on the Senate floor urging Republicans to end their obstruction and allow this bill to pass that would allow Washington state families to deduct state sales tax from their federal income tax, extend critical tax incentives for clean-energy businesses, and extend unemployment benefits to struggling families. This bill also contains critical FMAP funding for Washington state. The bill needed 60 votes to proceed but failed 57-41.

"I am so disappointed that Republicans once again put partisan politics above families, communities and states by blocking this critical legislation," said Senator Patty Murray following the vote. "We reached out to Republicans again and again to find a way to pass this bill, but again and again they said no to providing the tax credits and support we know our families need. Republicans may believe that their obstruction hurts Democrats, but the reality is that their actions are going to devastate families and communities across the country who were counting on us to provide this critical support."

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