Pramila Jayapal

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

in committee

Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

in committee

Condemning attacks on civilians in Sudan and calling for an end to external support to the warring parties and for efforts to promote a negotiated settlement of the war.

in committee

“Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mary E. Brunkow and the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) in Seattle on the award of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, one of the most prestigious honors in science. A resident of Seattle and a Distinguished Investigator at ISB, Dr. Brunkow has made transformative contributions to immunology through her groundbreaking research on regulatory T cells and the FOXP3 gene, a key regulator of peripheral immune tolerance--the process by which the immune system avoids attacking the body's own tissues. In collaboration with Dr. Fred Ramsdell and building on foundational work by Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi, she helped uncover the genetic and cellular mechanisms that safeguard immune balance, reshaping the field and laying the foundation for new treatments for autoimmune diseases, improved organ transplantation, and cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Brunkow's pioneering work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how the immune system functions and stands as a powerful example of the kind of federally supported biomedical research that improves lives, fuels innovation, and keeps the United States at the forefront of global scientific leadership. This Nobel-winning discovery reflects the return on our Nation's investment in science. Dr. Brunkw's work is a reminder of why we must continue to support institutions like ISB and ensure that scientists have the resources they need to make the next breakthrough. On behalf of Washington's 7th Congressional District and the broader scientific community, I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Mary E. Brunkow. Her discoveries have reshaped medicine and immunology, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating her extraordinary contributions to science, health, and humanity, and to recommit to strong, sustained federal investment in biomedical research. ____________________”

2026-04-27 · Healthcare

“Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Nancy Nordhoff. Nancy passed away peacefully on January 7 at the age of 93 at her home on Whidbey Island, surrounded by her family. She fiercely and steadfastly championed women's rights, literary prowess and environmental causes for over five decades. Nancy was a beloved Pacific Northwest philanthropist, a giant among giants who used her resources and her time to make change that supported and lifted up the voices and the needs of those who are too often left behind. Throughout her lifetime, she generously founded and supported groundbreaking nonprofits and her local community. Everywhere she turned, she made people's lives better--not only in Washington State but across the United States and the broader global community. A proud graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Nancy's feminism, charitable giving and activism were the foundation of her life's work--seeing a need, coming up with a solution and taking action to make people's lives better. In 1988, Nancy founded Hedgebrook, a world-renowned nonprofit on Whidbey Island that supports female-identified writers with residencies and radical hospitality, on land that allowed for rest, rejuvenation, creativity and a reconnection to nature. Hedgebrook has established hundreds of new and known writers who came to bravely define their own lives, communities, and creative and political paths. But it wasn't just the place: it was Nancy herself, who never stepped away from the work. She was there, meeting writers, listening to their ideas, educating herself and often becoming the wind in their sails. Over 38 years, Hedgebrook has supported a growing and influential alumnae community of women authoring change--now over 2,000 writers strong-- that has reached millions of people of all ages. Hedgebrook's ripple effect is truly remarkable, and I was fortunate to meet Nancy through my own residency and then later to serve on the Board as Hedgebrook grew, and then on the Creative Advisory Board with luminaries like Gloria Steinem. Nancy's philanthropy and environmental advocacy also profoundly shaped her local community's physical and civic landscape. She founded Goosefoot Community Fund to support essential needs, help local businesses grow, preserve historic places and rural landscapes, and connect neighbors. She was instrumental in supporting Whidbey Camano Land Trust acquisitions, restoring salmon habitats and protecting wetlands. Many organizations benefited from Nancy's hands-on support and largess. She literally got her hands dirty every day and was always the last to fold up tables at the end of countless social justice and book events she made happen. Her humility, grace and compassion were just some of the many qualities that set her apart and made her so beloved. Nancy was also known to support families and individuals in a time of need. She mentored many women in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy while championing their creative projects and careers. I was one of those very fortunate ones to have called Nancy a true friend, such a remarkable and constant presence in my life as mentor and supporter in every endeavor I undertook--from my early work on immigrant rights to my transition into politics. Nancy never wanted acknowledgement, even though she received numerous honors and awards for her life's work, including being designated a Women's History [[Page E147]] Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project and a National Philanthropy Day ``Outstanding Philanthropist.'' It is not an exaggeration to say that millions of people who will never know her name have and will continue to benefit from her extraordinary life and legacy. Nancy is survived by her wife Lynn Hays, her children: Grace Nordhoff, Charles ``Chuck'' Nordhoff, Carolyn Nordhoff Reid and their spouses; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We extend our gratitude to them for sharing her with the world. Nancy's legacy of generosity and kindness will live on for generations to come. ____________________”

2026-02-20 · Civil Rights

“Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I missed Roll Call vote No. 32 on January 20, 2026. Had I been present, my vote would have been Yea on Roll Call No. 32. ____________________”

2026-01-21 · Government Reform