Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

Two million lives. That is the number, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, of lives saved by the Hyde Amendment. Many Americans may not be familiar with the Hyde Amendment, named after the late Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), and first enacted by Congress on September 30, 1976. The Hyde Amendment, which must be renewed every year, prevents federal taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, particularly through Medicaid.

I am convinced that there is a recurring “top-down” fever that strikes Washington D.C., which gives rise to the idea that more government regulations are the answer to creating economic prosperity and supporting job growth. In reality, one-size-fits-all regulations often have unintended and damaging consequences to individuals, job creation, and the economy. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, regulations cost Americans $1.89 trillion in lost productivity and growth in 2015 alone.

In January of this year, four American citizens were released from Iranian custody in a prisoner swap that exchanged seven Iranians and removed 14 more Iranians from an international police watch list. At least, those were the details the White House made public at the time. Administration officials were quoted as saying the deal was “a one-time arrangement” and “not a precedent for the future.” The more we learn about the exchange, however, the more we find that the administration has not been up front about the deal, which in reality sets a far more dangerous precedent.

For Americans, two dates in our history hold special meaning for our personal liberties and for limiting the power of the federal government. July 4^th is universally known because of the date’s association with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Another foundational date that we just observed is September 17^th, the day in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the Constitution, which lays out the structure and limits of our federal government.

One of the best aspects of representing Central Washington in Congress is meeting the young people of all ages who will become the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. I recently visited the Boys & Girls Club in Moses Lake and a history class at Ellen Ochoa Middle School in Pasco, and after answering students’ many questions about Congress, I was filled with optimism when I caught a glimpse of our society’s future leaders.

This summer, I have spoken with constituents across Central Washington, and many are rightly frustrated with the way federal agencies manage public lands. Almost one-third of our state is managed by the federal government. From wildfires to wildlife habitat to public access, federal policy can hinder or help our communities. Federal decision making has an enormous impact on the way these lands can be used, which in turn affects the economies of local rural communities.

Anyone who has spent time in Central Washington knows the Columbia River is the defining natural feature of our region. As the largest river in the Western Hemisphere that flows into the Pacific Ocean, it has long guided the way of life for people living in the Pacific Northwest. From water storage and transportation to recreation, flood control, energy production, and wildlife habitat, our management of the Columbia River will continue to determine the economic future of our region.

Throughout the August district work period, I have traveled throughout all eight counties of Washington’s 4^th District. I always get diverse questions from constituents on a range of topics, and I enjoy these conversations. I have heard from several constituents who shared their support for the dams on the Columbia and lower Snake rivers.