Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

This week starts the annual August recess in Congress, and while there is a pause in legislative activity, I will be working hard here in Central Washington. As we head into the dog days of summer, I want to give you a quick update on what I have been working on in Congress.

Our state is home to over 35,000 farms that generate more than $21 billion in revenue every year. That’s why last week I hit the road to hear from producers throughout Central Washington about the challenges they are facing and what I can do in Congress to help.

In Washington State, there are over 509,700 veterans, and it is imperative they have the support of a grateful nation and the care promised to them by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We are forever indebted to our veterans, and part of this debt includes ensuring that their healthcare benefits work for them, and currently, they do not.

The CCP’s blend of geopolitics and corruption violates international law and has caused immense suffering in Central Washington, the United States, and across the globe. We cannot allow an adversarial nation with a vested interest in destabilizing our nation to continue their efforts unchallenged.

In rural communities like Central Washington, lack of accessible healthcare is a major issue, and it is a priority of mine to expand our options so residents are not forced to drive hours to receive the care they deserve.

Currently, the United States’ immigration courts are facing a backlog of over three million cases, with the backlog steadily increasing in Washington State specifically over the past few years. Unfortunately, the allocation of resources to properly address this crisis is not being prioritized, and last week’s executive order does little to stem the tide of illegal immigration into our nation.

Summer is the season for picnics, barbecues, and gatherings with friends and family—all things where we can celebrate what makes this country so great. In the past, families could go to the grocery store and expect to spend a little over $100 when shopping for a summer party, but with inflation still up, that is no longer the case.