Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
Last week in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court accepted the federal government’s argument in the case of King v. Burwell, and in the process effectively rewrote legislative text. I was deeply disappointed with the Court’s ruling. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in his dissent that, “the Court forgets that ours is a government of laws and not of men.” The Court’s decision effectively rescued Obamacare from its own text, setting a worrisome precedent that ignores the legislative role our Constitution gives exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress.
President Obama confirmed the experience of many Americans with his signature health law last week when he noted that HealthCare.gov has been "a well-documented disaster." The President is correct, but he did not go far enough: Obamacare itself has been the disaster. I continue to hear personal stories from individuals in Central Washington about the uncertainty and dramatic cost increases for families and businesses due to the President's health law.
The clock is ticking for American farmers and manufacturers to avoid billions of dollars in sanctions and tariffs on U.S. exports to our biggest trading partners. On May 18, the World Trade Organization (WTO) rejected a U.S. appeal and ruled in favor of Canada and Mexico on mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef, pork, and chicken products. WTO found that COOL requirements for muscle meat cuts were in violation of U.S. obligations with our trading partners, Canada and Mexico. This is the fourth time WTO has ruled against the U.S. on COOL requirements.
By now, you have probably heard at least some debate about trade promotion authority (TPA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Congress. Don't get lost in all the acronyms. The fact is TPA passage is needed to improve negotiations of free trade deals so that they move forward with close consultation with Congress. Strengthening ties with U.S. trading partners through effectively-negotiated free trade agreements can offer major economic benefits to the nation as well as Central Washington agriculture growers and producers, small businesses, and manufacturers.
If you were asked to describe a "navigable waterway" in the U.S., you would most likely not think of the stream in your backyard or the irrigation ditch in your field. You would probably mention the Columbia and Mississippi rivers or the Great Lakes. These massive bodies of water are navigable because they function as highways for commercial traffic by ship or boat. Under the Obama Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would disagree. These agencies have defined waterways in a way that only D.C.
On May 25th, our nation observes Memorial Day. While many may take the opportunity of a long weekend to barbeque, enjoy time in the company of friends and celebrate the arrival of summer, I hope Americans remember the true meaning of this day. This Memorial Day let us reflect on the high price paid for our freedom and honor the fallen. We honor all of those who have died in service of our nation.
No American should fear that their government has made a false choice between prioritizing either national security or civil rights. Our nation needs a continuing, robust debate on the proper balance the federal government should strike in defending American lives and freedoms. As that debate continues, Americans deserve more transparency and accountability—the federal government must address legitimate civil rights concerns and reform intelligence agencies' approach to surveillance in a manner that maintains security of the homeland.
I recently visited Northwest Harvest in Yakima to get a firsthand look at the important work the food distribution center and the food bank network are doing to support the vulnerable in our community and to hear about challenges that food banks may be facing. Federal policy can hinder or help distribution of emergency food aid through our nation's food banks. Federal regulations should ensure that non-profits are able to operate in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
The critical water shortage facing many drought-stricken western states is a cautionary tale: when nature intervenes, it tests whether water management planning is meeting demand and providing stable, adequate supply. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor for March 31, 2015, all or significant portions of 11 western states, including the state of Washington, are suffering from severe to exceptional drought. Faced with extreme drought conditions, California has resorted to fines for excessive water usage – however, conservation by rationing shrinking water supplies will only go so far.
Businesses, farmers and agricultural producers in Washington state are renown for producing high-quality manufactured goods, services, and agricultural products. Washington increasingly plays the role of ‘international supermarket' for customers in fast-growing nations on the Pacific Rim, creating jobs and economic growth here at home.