Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
Last week, President Trump pardoned 76-year old Oregon rancher Dwight Lincoln Hammond, Jr., and his 49-year old son, Steven Hammond. I strongly believe that the pardon was justified after the vindictive prosecution and excessive sentencing of the Hammonds.
I was delighted and honored that the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, accepted my invitation to travel to Central Washington last week to hear questions and concerns from farmers and ranchers.
If you tried, it would be difficult to meet anyone who does not have strong feelings about our nation's broken immigration system. It is an issue that drives an emotional debate regarding the future of our country.
In a recent interview, Chris Cabrera, a border patrol agent with the National Border Patrol Council referred to the situation at the Southern border, saying:
Our broken immigration system has been coined a "third rail" of politics because both sides tend to politicize it instead of compromising on a solution. I believe Congress must act with a realistic view to address border security and reform our broken immigration process.
I can share from firsthand experience that farmers typically have a lot to worry about in the best of times. I recently traveled across Central Washington to hear from farmers and ranchers from each county express their concerns.
In the U.S., 91 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Due to the rise in fatal overdoses, life expectancy in the U.S. has recently fallen. The problem affects our communities in Central Washington: According to the Washington Department of Health, from 2012 to 2016, opioid overdoses contributed to the deaths of 300 people in the 4th Congressional District.
You have heard the saying, "a penny saved is a penny earned." It is certainly true, and all the more so when the sum is $15 billion. On June 7th, the House or Representatives approved, and I supported, passage of H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act. H.R.
What does ‘right to try' mean? It refers to the ability of terminally-ill patients, who after having exhausted all other options and who are unable to participate in a clinical trial involving certain drugs, to access experimental drugs or therapy. The Right to Try offers the freedom to access medicine that is still in the investigational phase.
This Memorial Day, we pause to reflect and remember the members of the Armed Services who have served and given their life for our country. For those who have lost a family member, loved one, or comrade, this day has added significance for remembrance, but as Americans, we all honor these heroes for their sacrifice, given to protect our freedom.