Maria Cantwell was selected to serve as a Washington Senator in the United States Senate. Senator Cantwell is a Democratic Senator who works to ensure that the issues facing the residents of Washington are addressed. Prior to serving as a U.S. Senator, Senator Cantwell was a member of the Washington State House of Representatives. Subsequently, she was selected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator Cantwell was elected to represent Washington in the U.S. Senate in 2000. She has been reelected to serve a second term on the Senate. Senate Cantwell is one of the only female Senators to defeat an existing and experienced Senator in a Senate Election. Her campaigns often focus on issues such as prescription drugs and social security. Her approval ratings have steadily increased since being elected to the U.S. Senate.
Currently, Senator Cantwell is a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Finance Committee, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, and Committee on Indian Affairs, and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. In addition, she serves as the Chairwoman of the Energy Subcommittee and the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee. She maintains liberal views on a number of important issues.
Senator Cantwell supports the right of woman to obtain an abortion. She also supports LGBT rights, as well as research and investment in alternative energy sources. She is known for her environmentally friendly voting record, opposing off shore oil drilling and supporting environmental conservation efforts.