Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
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into law to protect and revitalize species of endangered or threatened animals and wildlife, but as time passes, the outdated law has had increased negative effects on local communities—where the true impacts of species recovery unfold.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.
Originally published in The Hill on December 10, 2019.
The headlines out of Capitol Hill these days often make bipartisanship seem like a far-off memory. But we know firsthand that the possibility and promise of compromise continues to exist—even on the most seemingly polarizing topics, like immigration.
Science, technology, engineering, and math – more commonly known as STEM – have become some of the most highly demanded careers in our nation's economy. Schools across the country and in Central Washington have emphasized education programs to help prepare students for future careers in fields from chemistry and earth sciences to computer engineering and physics. Quality STEM education programs are essential to train the next generation of American minds.
November is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month, and I believe this is an important time to remember and celebrate the contributions and history of our Native friends and neighbors in Central Washington and across the United States.
With 29 federally-recognized tribes across the state, Washingtonians from every corner of the state live alongside Native Americans who contribute to our communities through entrepreneurship, military service, and sharing their rich and storied history.
Each Thanksgiving, I am reminded that in Central Washington, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are blessed with gorgeous national forests and public lands, powerful rivers and dams, and bountiful farm land.
As we gather with our families and friends to reflect on our gratitude, let us not forget to thank the farmers and ranchers who produce food to feed the United States and the world. We are fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse agriculture industry, with over 300 unique commodities being grown in Washington state.
The students of Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers were recently given a second chance.
Earlier this year, the future of these programs was threatened when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed closing 9 of the 25 Civilian Conservation Center (CCC) programs and transferring the operations of the remaining Centers to the Department of Labor (DOL).