Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

As a third-generation farmer, I understand how important agriculture is for families, jobs, and trade in Central Washington. Our district’s farmers and producers grow the highest quality hay, wheat and more than 300 specialty crops, making agriculture a vital part of our economy. But foreign adversaries are purchasing U.S. farmland at an alarming rate, posing a threat to Central Washington’s most crucial industry, and the federal government is struggling to keep up.

Last week, the national debt reached $34 trillion for the first time in history. In the last three years the federal government has spent trillions of dollars outside of regular budgeted spending. Prices are up, interest is high, and there is no excuse not to reverse the harmful policies that have brought us to this point. One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is putting a stop to the out-of-control D.C.

America’s small businesses took a beating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many in Central Washington were lost to the economic disaster that followed. Upon the economy’s reopening, small businesses were optimistic about a fruitful recovery, but instead were met with the highest inflation seen in this country in over forty years due to the Biden Administration’s economic policies.

Over a month after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and her people, both parties have agreed to a deal on hostage and prisoner exchanges, and a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. While civilians will receive food, water, and emergency care amid the exchange negotiations, Hamas’ radical indoctrination of antisemitism will continue to spread.

Since day one in the White House, President Biden has touted that his administration would promote “the most ambitious climate change agenda in history” and “expand affordable clean energy to every American.” While this is a talking point we continuously hear from both the President’s campaign and at the White House’s daily press briefings, I fear President Biden has a misunderstanding of how we can actually achieve the clean energy future he talks about.