Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” With those words, the preamble of our Constitution, the supreme law of the land, illustrates one of the preeminent responsibilities of the federal government: to sec
Hardly a day goes by without Americans seeing horrific news stories on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The unstable security situation due to terrorism and civil war has destabilized the region and created a tide of refugees sweeping from the Middle East and Africa into Europe. The U.S.
In the latest in a string of attempts to impose bureaucratic federal control over Washington state waters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is threatening to impose its own rules on the state. Despite the fact that the state’s proposal already meets required federal guidance, EPA has issued such as threat.
While we have engaged in a national debate on the President’s controversial nuclear deal with Iran, seemingly forgotten has been Iran’s horrific attacks on our fellow citizens. No matter how much time may have passed, however, we must not forget that justice remains to be won on behalf of the hundreds of American victims of Iranian state-sponsored terrorism.
Pope Francis’ address to Congress last week was one for the history books: he is the first pontiff ever to address a joint meeting of Congress. As many know, as an Argentinian, Pope Francis is also the first pope from the Americas. This visit was his first trip to the United States.
On September 17, freedom lovers across our nation observed Constitution Day, which we recognize as the day 288 years ago that the Founders signed the document that has guided us and protected individual liberties over the course of American history.
August is when Congress adjourns during the hottest part of the summer, and it was a busy time for me traveling Central Washington, meeting with constituents and participating in local business and community visits.
These are difficult times for many Washingtonians as the battle against wild fires continues on multiple fronts. The spirit of sacrifice and generosity of fellow citizens, near and far, gives a reason for hope amid great adversity.
Many local families, farmers, and businesses in Central Washington are still dealing with the ripple effects and devastating economic impact caused by the months-long slowdown at 29 West Coast ports during contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).
Our Founding Fathers possessed the wisdom and foresight to create a constitutional republic that limited the power of the federal government through the principle of the separation of powers and by holding lawmakers accountable to the consent of the governed. They would likely be shocked and alarmed by the massive burden of regulations imposed by today’s unelected federal bureaucracies.