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Dear Friend,
As my time serving as your representative in Congress comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me over these years. Representing Washington’s 6th Congressional District has been the honor of a lifetime.
During my time to Congress, I've worked to bring the voices of our community to the table and to fight for solutions that create opportunity and improve lives. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on key priorities—from investing in our region’s economy and infrastructure, to modernizing Congress and pushing for a government that works better for the people it serves.
Working to Fix Broken Politics
For four years, I had the privilege of chairing the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. This bipartisan effort was all about making government more transparent, efficient, and accessible to the American people. Together, we delivered over 200 recommendations to improve how Congress operates—streamlining constituent services, increasing accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration over partisanship. I’m proud to say that over half of these recommendations have already been fully implemented, with more in the works. The Committee’s work was described by author Amanda Ripley as a story of “shocking function.” And while there’s more work to be done, I’m hopeful these changes will help Congress better serve the American people for years to come.
Creating More Economic Opportunity
Before coming to Congress, I worked for over a decade in economic development, I brought this experience to DC and have fought to create more economic opportunity for more people in every corner of our district. A huge priority for me has been securing federal investments in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), our district’s largest employer. Recently, I secured millions of dollars for seismic upgrades and improvements to help the shipyard meet its critical mission. As co-founder of the bipartisan Public Shipyard Caucus, I’ve also worked hard to bring attention to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which is slated to bring billions of dollars to PSNS over the next several years.
Growing up in Port Angeles, I saw firsthand how the challenges facing the timber industry hit families hard. It’s why I studied economic development policy, why I worked in the field professionally before coming to Congress, and why I chose to pursue public office in the first place. No community should have to fear that its main export will be young people. This experience shaped my desire to find solutions and build stronger, more resilient economies in the places that need it most.
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is the RECOMPETE pilot program, which I helped create to support regions facing long-term economic challenges. This program provides flexible, long-term federal funding to communities where traditional industries have struggled and recovery has been slow. RECOMPETE enables us to invest in the jobs and industries of the future—bringing new jobs and opportunities to areas that have been left behind.
This summer, I had the privilege of announcing that the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition was awarded $35 million through the program. This award is a game-changer for our region. The funds will go toward revitalizing the maritime and natural resources industries on the North Olympic Peninsula—sectors that have always been central to our identity and economy. The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Plan, led by Clallam County, will drive economic growth, create well-paying jobs, and set our region up for long-term success.
I’ve also been focused on driving investments in our region’s ports to spur economic opportunity and job growth. These efforts have included securing $54 million to the Port of Tacoma for improvements at Husky Terminal, $9.4 million to the Port of Bremerton for the replacement of the breakwater in Port Orchard, $8.6 million to the Port of Port Angeles for repairs and improvements to its industrial waterfront at its Intermodal Handling and Transfer Facility, and $25.5 million to the Port of Grays Harbor for a new export facility. These projects will play a crucial role in driving long-term economic development and job creation across our region.
Upholding Tribal Treaty Rights
Representing the 12 federally recognized tribes that call Washington’s sixth congressional district home has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Congress. I’ve worked hard to ensure that the federal government lives up to its treaty and trust obligations, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.
One of the proudest achievements in this regard was leading the charge to spur the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to draft the Broken Promises Report, which documented the federal government's systematic failure to meet its treaty and trust obligations to Native American tribes. In response, I introduced historic legislation to address chronic underfunding and barriers to sovereignty faced by Indian Country, while ensuring the federal government honors the country’s legal promises to Native peoples. I hope that Congress will pass it in the years ahead.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve been proud to partner with our region’s tribes to secure significant federal funding for projects that directly support tribes in our region. Together, we’ve secured millions of dollars for projects to help coastal tribes move to higher ground, to enhance tribal health care and housing, and to improve infrastructure.
Additionally, I led the effort to pass the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Land Into Trust Act, which was signed into law by President Biden earlier this year. This legislation restores more than 17 acres of ancestral land to the Puyallup Tribe, facilitating new economic development and job creation opportunities at the Port of Tacoma and on the Tacoma waterfront.
These investments are vital to strengthening the sovereignty and future of Native communities. While we’ve made great strides, there’s more to be done, and I remain committed to advocating for the needs of our region’s tribes.
Championing Environmental Restoration
Protecting and restoring our natural environment has always been a top priority for me, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in safeguarding Puget Sound and supporting efforts to recover vital ecosystems.
As co-founder and co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, I’ve worked to bring attention and resources to the recovery of Puget Sound. In 2022, I was proud to see the PUGET SOS Act that I authored become law, creating a stronger partnership with the federal government to support critical recovery efforts by establishing a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office at the EPA. I also secured a historic funding increase for the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which supports the efforts of the EPA, Puget Sound tribes, and other partners to restore the Sound.
A key priority for me has been salmon recovery. I led the effort to create a new $1 billion program focused on culvert removal and replacement, a critical step to help restore fish passage. Additionally, I’ve fought for funding increases to support salmon recovery efforts and to ensure the commercial, recreational, and Tribal fisheries that rely on salmon have the resources they need to thrive.
As someone who grew up with Olympic National Park in our backyard, I helped lead the charge to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides historic funding to address maintenance backlogs in our national parks. The park is a jewel of our region and making sure the Park Service has resources to maintain it is important for our environment and our economy. I also led the charge in passing the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Act. That new law designated a majority of Western Washington’s shoreline as a National Heritage Area to help promote maritime-related tourism, economic development and maritime history as told through Washington state’s museums, historic ships, fishing culture and other activities.
Supporting Military Families and Veterans
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve been committed to standing up for military families and veterans. I led the charge to establish a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Silverdale, making healthcare more accessible for veterans in our region. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ve also pushed for increased funding to support mental health, housing, and educational programs for military families, and worked to improve military pay and benefits to ensure service members are fairly compensated. I also passed legislation to ensure civilian defense workers are paid overtime when working overtime overseas and to improve travel reimbursements for those sent elsewhere to work.
Looking Ahead
While my chapter in Congress is coming to an end, my dedication to our district remains steadfast. The work we’ve done together is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose, and it’s been an honor to advocate for the values and priorities that make our region so special.
I want to thank my dedicated team, whose tireless efforts have helped deliver real results for our district. And I want to thank all of you—whether we met at a town hall, worked together on a community project, or exchanged ideas through letters and emails—for your input, encouragement, and engagement. The needs of our community—and the voices of those who live here—have inspired me and shaped every decision I’ve made and every vote I’ve cast.
I recently had the opportunity to reflect on my 12 years in the House and thank folks with whom I’ve partnered. You can watch it here.
As I move on from this role, I will carry with me the lessons, relationships, and inspiration that this work has given me. Together, we’ve laid a foundation for a brighter future.
Thank you for your engagement and your ideas. As always, it’s been an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer |