Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
Our nation values those who have come before us, and that includes our seniors and retirees. Past generations have paved the way for future growth, and I truly believe we owe them the respect – and the benefits – they have earned. Despite my gray beard, I am not a member of the greatest generation, but I am proud to be an ally to seniors across Central Washington.
In Central Washington, we understand that healthy forests are the true key to wildfire prevention. Each summer, we come face-to-face with the threat wildfires pose to our land, our communities, and our health.
President Trump recently delivered his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The State of the Union is traditionally a unifying event, where the President speaks of his vision for the future of our country. I often leave these speeches full of optimism, ready to continue working for the people of Central Washington and creating a better tomorrow for future generations.
Article II of our Constitution grants the President of the United States the role of Commander in Chief of our military. While Congress holds the sole authority to declare war on another country, the Commander in Chief is obligated to defend the United States in cases of imminent threat or attack.
When we look around Central Washington, it is hard to miss the thousands of acres of wine grapes that cascade across our rolling hills and valleys. In fact, there were more than 59,000 acres and nearly 70 varieties of wine grapes planted last year.
As the co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus – and the first co-chair from outside California – I could not be more proud to represent the Washington wine industry.
In Central Washington, we understand how reliant our economy is on international trade. From our flourishing agriculture industry to our small business and manufacturers, we all feel the effects of strong trade agreements with our global partners. Not only do our producers export the majority of food and agriculture products to other countries, but 40% of our state's jobs are reliant on trade – from production to packing to transportation.
As we know all-too-well in Central Washington, Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing and delisting decisions have huge, lasting impacts on local communities and environments. The ESA was signed into law to protect and revitalize species of endangered or threatened animals and wildlife, but as time passes, the outdated law has had increased negative effects on local communities—where the true impacts of species recovery unfold.
As we look forward to 2020, it is important to reflect on the accomplishments we achieved in 2019. I am proudly working to put Central Washington's priorities first, and it is truly a privilege to represent our District in Congress.
Impeachment is one of the most serious responsibilities afforded to Congress, and that sobering responsibility has not been lost on me. The people of Central Washington sent me to our nation's capital to represent them, and I believe – when it comes to charging a President with the articles of impeachment – Members must focus on the facts presented. House Democrats failed to present fact-based evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors committed by President Trump.
In 1964, the United States and Canada ratified the Columbia River Treaty to increase coordination between our countries on power generation and flood control issues, along with critical support of irrigation, navigation, and ecosystem habitat needs. While the treaty has provided a useful framework for these needs, there are severe distortions that have greatly—and unfairly—burdened Americans living in the greater Northwest region.