Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
The border crisis came to a boiling point last year, with record high encounters at the southwest border. In May of this year, CBP reported 8,725 encounters, or about two days’ worth of the 117,905 illegal immigrants let in during the month of May just one year ago. This drastic shift reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to secure the border and end the crisis that has allowed millions of illegal immigrants into the country unchecked.
House Republicans made a commitment at the outset of the 119th Congress to rein in government spending, keep taxes low for hard working Americans, and make common-sense reforms to our federal assistance programs that guarantee their viability into the future. I made a promise that I would work through this process with Central Washington’s best interests in mind, and I believe H.R. 1 delivers on our commitment while securing real wins for Washington’s Fourth District to address the challenges we face here at home.
Over the weekend, the United States executed precision airstrikes inside Iran, targeting key components of their nuclear infrastructure located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Reports suggest this has seriously crippled, and possibly destroyed, Iran’s chances at successfully building a nuclear weapon. Resembling President Reagan’s “Peace Through Strength” approach to foreign policy, these targeted strikes against Iran will hopefully bring stability to the region.
Over the last four years, the Biden administration led a constant tirade of attacks on the four Lower Snake River dams. With dam breaching as the end goal, the administration refused to hear public or stakeholder input on how to support our region’s energy needs. Just last week, President Trump reversed course and signed a memorandum revoking the previous administration’s executive actions targeting our dams.
From the world-class vineyards of the Columbia Valley to the bountiful farmers markets that support local growers, agritourism is one of Washington state’s fastest growing industries. Agritourism delivers a unique blend of our strong agriculture and the natural beauty that drives tourism throughout the state, attracting thousands of visitors every year. As its influence and value grows, leaders in local, state, and federal governments should support this industry that contributes more to our economy every year.
Every May we honor our law enforcement during National Police Week and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they have the resources and authority needed to keep our communities safe. We are lucky here in Central Washington to have some of the best-trained local and tribal officers, and they deserve recognition for their work to keep us and our families safe.
This National Police Week, my colleagues and I in Congress are passing common-sense legislation that sends a clear message: we stand with our local law enforcement.
By Rep. Dan Newhouse and Gabe Galbraith
Over the past months, cases of potential Title IX violations in Central Washington have been brought to light, and the issue has reached a breaking point for parents across our region. As school administrators, teachers, and parents raise their concerns publicly, the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has refused to end their absurd gender policies and is working hard to keep parents in the dark.