Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

Throughout American history, the burden of keeping our great nation free and secure has largely fallen on the shoulders of the men and women bravely serving in our Armed Forces. The care we provide to our veterans reflects our gratitude for the courageous servicemen and women who selflessly risk their lives in the protection of others, and it is my responsibility to ensure that the federal government keeps its commitment to provide our veterans with the respect and highest level of care they deserve.

For the past 20 years, our men and women have served heroically in Afghanistan to protect both global security and the shared interests of our allies across the world. Now, President Biden risks making their sacrifices all for naught with his most recent display of failed leadership.

Last week, Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson, the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, joined me in Central Washington to hear firsthand from farmers in our district about the challenges they are facing. While GT certainly appreciated the diversity of product Washington produces, the takeaway from all our meetings was clear: our farmers are in desperate need of a reliable workforce.

From hop growers to tree fruit farmers, every single producer we spoke to had the same issue: there is not enough reliable labor to work their fields and orchards in time for harvest.

For months, activists and bureaucrats alike have told the American people to "believe in science" – to take the pandemic seriously, to practice social distancing and handwashing, and to wear masks and get vaccinated. I have consistently called for these same things, and thanks to the remarkable efforts of private industry and government regulators through Operation Warp Speed, we are fortunate that Washington State has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, with 57.3% of the population fully vaccinated, exceeding the national average of 49.8%.

This summer, with severe drought and hot temperatures throughout the West, the threat of wildfires is once again at the forefront of everyone's minds. Tens of thousands of acres in Washington alone are burning, and it's not even August.

While the causes of wildfires can be unpredictable, there are ways to reduce the risks to rural communities, the environment, and the economy. It is imperative that we utilize every tool available to manage our public lands for the safety of our families, local businesses, and lands.

Washington law enforcement officers are concerned by recent legislation introduced by Washington State Democrats and policy stances made by Big Tech. These developments are concerning for our communities, our children, and our officers.

As a farmer, former state Director of Agriculture, Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and Congressman representing one of the most flourishing agricultural regions in America, I fully understand the extent to which water is truly the lifeblood of Central Washington and our economy.

China is not our ally, but apparently Democrats in Congress haven't received that memo.

Last week, during the markup of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill, I introduced an amendment that would prohibit funding in the bill from being used, directly or indirectly, by recipients of U.S. assistance to repay debts owed to the Government of the People's Republic of China. Unfortunately, the amendment was blocked by Committee Democrats, with all Republicans and one Democrat voting in support.