Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
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.
"Okanogan Strong" was the motto that aptly described the community's response during devastating wildfires that struck our region in 2014. That same saying applies again today as the Okanogan community grapples with a natural disaster – this time severe flooding that is potentially the worst since 1972. Emergency declarations have been issued by the state, county, and cities.
Last week, President Trump used his legal authority to withdraw the U.S. from President Obama's flawed 2015 deal with Iran, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA). I opposed Obama's Iran deal in 2015 because it did not do enough to keep Iran from a path to developing a nuclear weapon.
"My brother is an addict. I am raising his daughter." That is one of the many responses I received when I asked constituents of the 4th Congressional District how opioids and heroin abuse have affected people in our community.
For months, my Pacific Northwest congressional colleagues and I have been raising our voices and working on legislation to prevent increasing forced spill at the lower Snake and Columbia River dams from raising electricity rates in our region by $40 million. That forced spill order, the result of a ruling of a single federal judge in Portland, took effect at the beginning of April.