Maria Cantwell headshot
At a Glance
Seat
U.S. Senator from Washington
Born
October 13, 1958
Age 67
Phone
(202) 224-3441
Office
511 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510, Washington 20515
Congress Member Profile|U.S. Senator|Democrat|Washington

Maria Cantwell

Maria Ellen Cantwell is an American politician serving as the junior U.S. senator from Washington since 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993 and in the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995.

Source: WikipediaView full (CC BY-SA)
Voting Record — 772
Yes29%
No71%
Present0%
Not Voting0%
Party align97%
Cross-party2%
SoupScore
District Map

Senate District (Statewide)

U.S. Census Bureau boundary data.
Maria Cantwell headshot
Maria Cantwell
U.S. SenatorDemocratWashington
SoupScore
Maria's ATmosphere Activity
20 recent posts · 23 sponsored · 148 cosponsored
View profile

Recent ATmosphere posts, sponsorships, and cosponsorships.

Nonpartisan election workers across the country say the SAVE America Act will force voters to find all sorts of documentation, and create unworkable chaos on Election Day. Hear their voices:
The SAVE America Act will force any voter who needs to change their registration to go in person to an election office and show proof of citizenship. This will make it harder for senior citizens, rural voters, working parents and so many others to vote. www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
That is not the level of growth we need to see in order to have any confidence for the future. Instead, it is another warning sign that the economic policies of this Administration are wrong-headed and need to be changed. (2/2)
The more data that comes in, the clearer it becomes that the economy is headed in the wrong direction. An already dismal initial estimate of growth for the fourth quarter of 2025 of 1.4 percent, was cut in half by today’s revision to 0.7 percent. (1/2)
The U.S. economy advanced at a 0.7% pace in Q4 of 2025, a big downgrade from the Commerce Department's initial estimate.
The President must adhere to the Constitution, fulfill American values, and provide transparency about the attacks on Iran. I wrote to Sec. Hegseth demanding answers about civilian casualties in Iran, including airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed 168 people. My letter⬇️
Secretary Hegseth,

We write with grave concern regarding the airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed at least 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran during the opening salvo of U.S. and Israeli operations on Iran on February 28. To be clear, the war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization. Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by U.S. and international law, including the law of armed conflict. There must be a swift investigation into the strikes on this school and any other potential U.S. military actions causing civilian harm, and the findings must be released to the public as soon as possible, along with any measures to pursue accountability.

The results of this school attack are horrific. The majority of those killed in the strikes were girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. Neither the United States nor the Israeli Government has yet taken responsibility for this attack. On March 4, you acknowledged that the United States was looking into the strikes at the school, saying "all I know, all I can say, is that we're investigating that," but shared no information about a timeline for review nor a commitment to accountability. A New York Times analysis of available evidence suggests that U.S. forces most likely struck the school amid attacks on an adjacent Iranian naval base, despite satellite imagery showing that the building had been walled off from the military base and used as a school since at least 2016. And U.S. military investigators themselves reportedly believe that U.S. forces were likely responsible.

There have also been reports of airstrikes that have hit multiple hospitals, cultural heritage sites, and other critical civilian infrastructure. This includes the use of explosive weapons in major Iranian cities and
populated areas, including the capital, Tehran, which is home to approximately 9 million people. As of March 10, 2026, there have been over 1,245 civilians killed and over 12,000 civilians injured in the war, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Massive civilian casualty incidents like the attack in Minab are not only detrimental to the Iranian people, who have already suffered so much at the hands of its own government, but they also undermine U.S. national security interests. These concerns are compounded by the reported use of artificial intelligence tools to select and prioritize targets in Iran.

These civilian harm events are not taking place in a vacuum. As Secretary of Defense, you set the tone for U.S. military conduct, and your recent comments send a clear message of disregard for the laws of war. On March 3, you said that Operation Epic Fury would have “no stupid rules of engagement.” On March 4, you said while describing U.S. military operations in Iran that there will be “death and destruction from the sky all day long.” This rhetoric only serves to endanger civilians, including American citizens, in the region and around the globe. The United States is a party to the Geneva Conventions and bound by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. These are binding and non-negotiable standards designed to protect innocent human life, and it is unacceptable for the Secretary of Defense to suggest otherwise.
Your comments reflect a broader pattern of policies abandoning the Defense Department’s commitment to minimizing civilian harm in U.S. military operations. Under this administration, budgetary and personnel cuts at the Department have robbed military commands of crucial resources to prevent and respond to civilian casualties, including at U.S. Central Command and the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, which supports commands in this work and was codified into law with bipartisan congressional support. You have also removed senior, nonpartisan Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers who provide essential legal guidance to U.S. service members, particularly regarding compliance with the law of armed conflict and U.S. policies aimed at reducing civilian harm. These actions, combined with your comments and the horrific reports of civilian casualties stemming from the war against Iran, suggest the administration has abandoned its duty to protect civilians.

We request answers to the following questions regarding the February 28 attack on the elementary school no later than March 18, 2026.

Did U.S. forces conduct the strikes that struck the girls’ school in Minab, Iran on February 28, 2026? If not, did the United States play any role in planning, coordinating, or supporting the strikes?
If U.S. forces carried out the strikes on the school, what was the intended target? What led to the errant strike? At what command level was authorization granted? What weapons and systems were used in the strikes?
What analysis was done to determine the purpose of the building? When was this analysis completed? What measures were implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties? What was the intended military objective? Were AI tools used in planning or executing these strikes?
What analysis, if any, led the U.S. military to conclude that the expected civilian harm would not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated?
You said U.S. forces would follow "no stupid rules of engagement." Are you complying with rules to prevent the commission of war crimes? If so, what procedures are in place to implement those rules?
What steps has the U.S. military taken to prevent and mitigate civilian harm in its operational planning and targeting? Was a “no-strike list” established prior to the commencement of U.S. military operations in Iran?
Have any U.S. military operations in Iran utilized, or will any utilize, artificial intelligence tools, and if so, provide specifics of how they are being used and for what purpose? What human verification and redundancy policies are in place, if any, to evaluate the accuracy and legitimacy of AI-generated targets? Please provide a copy of any procedures service members use to verify AI-generated targets and recommend them for execution.
What role do civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) staff at CENTCOM play in operational planning and targeting? How has CENTCOM compensated for the reduction in resources dedicated to this effort, including the loss of dedicated civilian harm mitigation teams? 
The U.S. has reported that it struck over 1,000 targets in just 24 hours. Given this volume, the compressed timeframe, and the presence of targets in populated areas, what steps and precautions has the U.S. taken to ensure compliance with the laws of war during these strikes? How has the U.S. implemented established CHMR policies and practices? 

(signatures)
The SAVE America Act will cost Washingtonians time and money – maybe even their vote. We need to fight back. As Rev. Michael Jones of the Vancouver NAACP says: “Democracy is not meant to be navigated like a maze.”
A fierce guardian of our cherished salmon and the Puget Sound, his legacy lives on in the environmental restoration efforts and rich natural diversity we all revere. As we continue fighting for equity and social justice, let us share his story with the entire nation. (2/2)
Today is Billy Frank Jr. Day — a day to celebrate the life and legacy of a legendary PNW civil rights leader. Billy spent his life fighting for Treaty fishing rights that had long been denied, and his bravery led to the breakthrough Boldt decision that forever changed WA’s landscape. (1/2)
Today on International Women's Day we honor those who have long fought for gender equality. The SAVE America Act is a renewed attack on voting rights and would require many women who changed their name at marriage to submit additional paperwork or lose their right to vote. (1/2)
March 8 - International Women's Day - Celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women
I'll always cherish the honor of joining Rep. John Lewis on his pilgrimage across the bridge and will continue to honor those who have fought this battle the longest. We must recommit ourselves to block efforts to limit the right to vote. Every American's vote is sacred. (2/2)
Sen. Cantwell with Rep. John Lewis, other members of WA delegation, on Edmund Pettus Bridge.
61 years ago today unarmed Americans marching to demand their voting rights were brutally beaten as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Now Republicans are pushing the SAVE America Act which would put new bureaucratic hurdles in place that make it harder to register. (1/2)
Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday
Along with rising gas and energy costs, plus an expensive unauthorized war creating immense market uncertainty, families already stressed by the high cost of living now must worry about losing their job. (2/3)
I hope the Coast Guard will now be able to get back to its core mission: serving the American people by revitalizing search and rescue, supporting robust maritime trade, and boosting American fisheries. (3/3)
Americans have the right to protest and speak freely and do so without fear of getting shot or being beaten by ICE agents. Noem allowed immigration enforcement officials to abuse their power and authority, making America less secure, not more. (2/3)
SoupScore Breakdown
Loading analysis metrics…
Voting History
772 total votes
ExpandCollapse

Recent roll calls with party-majority context so it is easier to scan how this member tends to vote.

DateBillQuestionPositionParty MajAlign?Result
2026-01-29H.R. 7148 (119th)End filibuster to begin debateNONOCloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (45-55, 3/5 majority required)
2026-01-27S. 3627 (119th)End filibuster to begin debateNONOCloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (47-45, 3/5 majority required)
2026-01-15H.R. 6938 (119th)Final passageYESYESBill Passed (82-15)
2026-01-15H.R. 6938 (119th)End debateYESYESCloture Motion Agreed to (85-14, 3/5 majority required)
2026-01-14S.J. Res. 98 (119th)Point of Order S.J.Res. 98NONOPoint of Order Well Taken (50-50, Vice President of the United States, voted Yea)
2026-01-13S.J. Res. 84 (119th)Begin considerationYESYESMotion to Proceed Rejected (47-52)
2026-01-12H.R. 6938 (119th)End filibuster to begin debateYESYESCloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to (80-13, 3/5 majority required)
2026-01-08Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (53-40)
2026-01-08S.J. Res. 98 (119th)Motion to Discharge S.J.Res. 98YESYESMotion to Discharge Agreed to (52-47)
2026-01-07S.J. Res. 86 (119th)Begin considerationYESYESMotion to Proceed Rejected (43-50)
2026-01-06Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (52-48)
2026-01-06Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (53-47)
2026-01-05Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (50-35)
2025-12-18End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (51-42)
2025-12-18End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (60-35)
2025-12-18End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (58-36)
2025-12-18End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (53-43)
2025-12-18S. Res. 532 (119th)Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (53-43)
2025-12-18S.J. Res. 82 (119th)Joint Resolution S.J.Res. 82YESYESJoint Resolution Defeated (50-50)
2025-12-17S. Res. 412 (119th)End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (53-47)
2025-12-17Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (71-29)
2025-12-17End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (69-27)
2025-12-17Confirm nomineeYESNONomination Confirmed (67-30)
2025-12-17End debateYESNOCloture Motion Agreed to (67-30)
2025-12-17S. 1071 (119th)Accept House changesNOYESMotion Agreed to (77-20)
2025-12-15S. 1071 (119th)End debateNOYESCloture Motion Agreed to (76-20, 3/5 majority required)
2025-12-11S. 1071 (119th)Begin considerationNOYESMotion to Proceed Agreed to (75-22)
2025-12-11S. Res. 532 (119th)Resolution S.Res. 532NONOResolution Agreed to (52-47)
2025-12-11S. 3385 (119th)End debateYESYESCloture Motion Rejected (51-48, 3/5 majority required)
2025-12-11S. 3386 (119th)End debateNONOCloture Motion Rejected (51-48, 3/5 majority required)
2025-12-10S. Res. 532 (119th)End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (51-47)
2025-12-10S.J. Res. 82 (119th)Begin considerationYESYESMotion to Proceed Agreed to (50-49)
2025-12-09Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (51-46)
2025-12-09End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (49-46)
2025-12-09Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (49-46)
2025-12-09End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (51-46)
2025-12-09Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (51-46)
2025-12-08End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (52-44)
2025-12-04Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (57-32)
2025-12-04S. Res. 520 (119th)End debateNONOCloture Motion Rejected (43-37, 3/5 majority required)
2025-12-04H.J. Res. 131 (119th)Joint Resolution H.J.Res. 131NONOJoint Resolution Passed (49-45)
2025-12-03End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (63-34)
2025-12-03S.J. Res. 91 (119th)Begin considerationNONOMotion to Proceed Agreed to (49-47)
2025-12-03Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (57-41)
2025-12-03End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (56-40)
2025-12-02Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (60-39)
2025-12-02End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (61-36)
2025-12-02Confirm nomineeNONONomination Confirmed (53-45)
2025-12-01End debateNONOCloture Motion Agreed to (50-41)
2025-11-20H.J. Res. 130 (119th)Joint Resolution H.J.Res. 130NONOJoint Resolution Passed (51-43)

Alignment stats consider only votes where a clear yes/no majority existed for the legislator's party. Cross-party marks divergence where the vote matched the opposite party majority. ↔ indicates cross-party divergence.

← PrevPage 3 / 16Next →