ICYMI: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Faces Backlash Over $181M Rural Health Funding Vote

In case you missed it, Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is under fire for voting against $181,257,515 in funding and endangering rural hospitals in Washington. 

Read more here or see excerpts below:

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces backlash over $181M rural health funding vote
Jasneet Gill
Seattle Red
January 6, 2026

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) is under fire this week following the announcement that Washington state will receive a $181,257,515 grant for rural healthcare—a massive investment that she voted to block.

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The funding, which stems from the rural healthcare fund established by the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans, is slated to provide a “generational” lifeline to medical facilities. However, despite the critical need for healthcare stabilization in Southwest Washington, Perez voted against the measure that made this $181 million possible.

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The criticism centers on a perceived gap between Perez’s public image and her voting history. Although $181,257,515 is now set to bolster emergency services and hospital infrastructure across Washington.

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Critics argue Perez’s vote against the measure jeopardized vital funding to keep underserved clinics open, delayed investments in modern medical equipment for small-town facilities, and restricted affordable local care that spares patients long, costly travel.