Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
In the American West, fewer issues are more complex or at times divisive as who gets access to our most vital single resource: water. Yet in Washington state, we can be proud that pragmatism, bipartisanship, and a strong commitment to a shared goal has allowed a major water project to progress with the input of a diverse group of local advocates.
Last week, Democrats heralded a "Green New Deal" framework promising "a massive transformation of our society" through "a 10-year plan to mobilize every aspect of American society at a scale not seen since World War Two to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions." The goal of being responsible stewards of our environment is certainly serious, but the details of this plan are not.
The issue of abortion is likely one of the biggest fault lines that divide Americans, but there is one aspect of this ongoing debate that is not controversial: According to a 2018 Gallup poll, only 28 percent of Americans believe that abortion should generally be legal in the second trimester.
Article II, Section 3, clause 1 of the United States Constitution states that the President has a duty to provide an annual State of the Union address to the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. This address gives the President of the United States the opportunity to update Congress and the American people and discuss a vision for the future of the country.
"There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer," World War Two hero Jimmy Doolittle once said. Last week, I had the privilege to announce my nomination of 11 volunteers across Central Washington for consideration to attend U.S. military academies including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy.
As of this writing, today is the 24th day of the partial federal government shutdown – the longest in our history.
Last Thursday, I took an oath of office to uphold the U.S. Constitution as the representative of the people of the Fourth Congressional District in the 116th Congress. It is an honor to be entrusted with this office to represent the people of Central Washington, our values, and our liberties.
As 2018 comes to a close, so does the 115th Congress. It is an honor to represent the diverse interests of the Fourth Congressional District, and I am especially proud of the accomplishments we achieved that will improve the quality of life in Central Washington.
Last week, Congress acted, and President Trump signed into law major criminal justice reform, the First Step Act. As the national crime rate declines, this legislation makes changes to reduce recidivism among federal prisoners, increase public safety, and save taxpayer dollars.
Last week, Congress voted 369-47 to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, sending this critical legislation to President Trump for his signature into law. The agreement sets us on a better path for our country's farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for small businesses, and for consumers across the country at the grocery store and at kitchen tables.