Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
When our state moved into Phase 2 of Governor Inslee's latest iteration of a reopening plan, it signaled a well-deserved step forward for our region. Following guidelines under the leadership of local health districts and elected officials, we worked together to reduce our hospitalization rates, prevent the spread of the virus, and lower the number of cases in our regions.
Our Native communities are making it clear; they will no longer suffer in silence. Just last week, community members gathered in Toppenish for a vigil to remember and honor the missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) of our region and across the country.
Hydropower and hydroelectric dams have truly transformed our region into what it is today. Central Washington and much of the Pacific Northwest is naturally arid, but with the construction of federal water infrastructure, it has transformed into a productive agricultural region with a growing population and an increasingly successful, diverse business community.
Central Washington is one of the most agriculturally rich and diverse regions in the United States. Since coming to Congress, I have had the honor of representing our agricultural producers, advocating for strong trade agreements and market protection measures, and securing the tools and resources our state needs to remain at the cutting edge of agriculture innovation.
With the early weeks of the 117th Congress under way, my commitment remains as strong as ever to stand up for the people of Central Washington and rural communities across the country.
Last week, the West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle dumped 11 million gallons of raw sewage into Puget Sound. This wastewater is dangerous to families and communities, and it is also harmful to our species that inhabit the Puget Sound, including native salmon species and southern resident orcas.
Last week, Americans witnessed a violent storming of the of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Capitol Police – the agency charged with protecting the hallowed halls of the People's House – were on the frontlines, and they were quickly overwhelmed. That did not stop them from standing strong against these rioters.
This week, we convened the 117th Congress, and it is my sincere honor to begin a fourth term as the Representative for Washington's 4th Congressional District.
Throughout the past year, I have written a lot about how I have witnessed Central Washington come together in times of crisis. The challenges of a global pandemic are certainly unprecedented, but individuals, families, healthcare providers, and local businesses have stepped up to the plate to provide support for our communities.