Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
Republicans in Congress have long promised to repeal and replace President Obama's flawed health law. In spite of the individual mandate forcing Americans to purchase insurance plans as dictated by the federal government, declining choices, rising premiums, and increased out-of-pocket costs have rendered health care unaffordable for far too many American families. Simply having an insurance card does not equate access to affordable, quality health care services. We must transition to a post-Obamacare health system. Despite the disappointing setback last week in the U.S.
Farming is hard work. It means early mornings and late evenings. Harvest time can be nerve-wracking, along with the constant fear that fickle Mother Nature may be your worst enemy—or maybe your best friend. But when you're a farmer, you realize that what you do is valuable.
Farming is a calling that serves the most fundamental purpose: feeding the world. The modern revolution in agriculture means that food produced today is safer, more affordable, and more abundant than it has ever been in America and most parts of the world.
Throughout my time representing the people of Central Washington in the U.S. Congress, constituents from across the 4th District have shared with me their deeply personal stories about the struggles and hardships they've faced under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare.
I had the privilege to attend as President Trump gave his first Joint Address to Congress. The message that America heard was one of optimism and reform. The President is getting straight to work with Congress on an agenda to restore limited government, boost the economy to create jobs in the private sector, and ensure that our homeland is secure. He spoke of "the renewal of the American spirit" and an "America is once again ready to lead." The President was speaking to all Americans, but especially to those who have felt forgotten for too long.
Repealing and replacing Obamacare is necessary to prevent Americans from suffering the consequences of this failed and unraveling law. Promises of affordability and lower premiums have turned into the reality of diminishing choices, rising prices, and less competition. Replacement must allow more affordable, more personalized health options. Replacing Obamacare has become a rescue mission to provide relief for American families.
"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a general in the Continental Army during our Revolution, thus eulogized George Washington by placing his memory at the very center of American consciousness. Those words continue to ring true today about the man considered the Father of our Country, and who presided over our nation's founding.
In December, at the very end of the Obama administration, federal officials finalized a rule that could limit the ability of some seniors who receive Social Security benefits to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The federal rule, submitted by the Social Security Administration (SSA), deals with the implementation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. The rule would require the SSA to submit to NICS the information of anyone who receives Social Security and requests assistance managing their benefits.
Grizzly bears are impressive animals. When standing upright, male grizzlies can reach a height of 8 feet and weigh from 250 to 600 pounds. You can always tell a grizzly from a black bear by the distinctive hump of its high shoulders. These truly magnificent predators are at the top of the food chain and are best observed from afar.
As Washingtonians, all we have to do to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural scenery anywhere is to look out the window or take a short drive to one of our spectacular National Parks or Forests. We treasure our access to public lands, but we also demand accountability and transparency for the way those lands are managed. We keep in mind the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, who once said, "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value.
There are times when one generation of Americans may look at the next generation and focus on how different the fashions and manners seem from when we were younger. We may wonder about whether the values of respect, patriotism, service, and sacrifice are being instilled in our young people. People of all ages in Central Washington can take heart, however, because among us are outstanding examples that should give us hope that our future is in good hands.