Protecting Our Energy Dominance and Gas Stoves

This week, the House took a monumental step towards a secure energy future by passing H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. Energy is something that affects every single American—it powers our cars, keeps our lights on, and allows Central Washingtonians to run their farms and feed the nation.

The Biden Administration has been adamant about blocking new energy and resource development projects, and our wallets are hurting because of it. Energy costs are skyrocketing and our nation has one of the most hostile environments for energy and resource producers.

H.R. 1 will unleash American energy and lower costs by:

• Increasing domestic energy production.
• Reforming the permitting process for all industries.
• Reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration.
• Streamlining energy infrastructure and exports.
• Boosting the production and processing of critical minerals.

This legislation also includes an essential amendment to prohibit the DOE from implementing radical new regulations that would outlaw most gas stoves on the market today—a draconian measure that would be detrimental to choices for families and small restaurants across America.

This is a win for Central Washington and the future of our energy independence.

Questioning Secretary Mayorkas About the Fentanyl Epidemic

This week, I questioned Secretary Mayorkas at the Homeland Security Budget Hearing about this administration's plan to combat the fentanyl crisis that is destroying communities throughout the country.

90% of illicit fentanyl is brought into the United States at our ports of entry. We should be putting in all our efforts to stop the scourge of fentanyl flowing over our borders.

Just last year, more than 100,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose, largely driven by the rampant spread of illicit fentanyl. The exponential increase of drug overdoses in Central Washington and across the nation has been plaguing our communities and ripping families apart.

Earlier this month, I held a roundtable discussion in Yakima where I met with local law enforcement, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and families who have been impacted by this deadly substance. We discussed my legislation, the William and James Wonacott Act, which will hold drug dealers accountable for their lethal actions, and other important remedies to the fentanyl crisis such as opioid addiction treatment and youth education.

To combat the fentanyl crisis, we need a robust approach with continuous involvement from community leaders and experts who are fighting the crisis on the frontlines. We also need to ensure this administration is taking the necessary steps to protect the American people and stop the endless flow over our borders.

Prioritizing Food Security and Domestic Farmland Ownership

The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ownership of American farmland has been on the rise and is threatening our food and national security. As the foreign purchase of farmland increases, it has become evident we need to prioritize more oversight in the name of national security.

Last month, 27 of my colleagues and I wrote a letter to the Secretary of the USDA expressing our concern about this issue. We found the number of foreign acquisition disclosures significantly increased between 2015 and 208, but the USDA failed to assess a single penalty for the failure to notify. This is unacceptable.

Food security is national security, and if we are not prioritizing protecting the finite amount of agricultural land that we have, we are not prioritizing our citizens.

Honoring Our Veterans from the Vietnam War

This week, we honored the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

On Vietnam Veterans Day, LTC Hank Cramer, retired 28-year US Army Veteran, proud Gold Star son of Captain Harry G. Cramer, and hardworking Congressional Aide for my Central Washington office, laid a wreath in honor of his father alongside Chief Master Sergeant Ramon Lopez-Colon.

Captain Harry G. Cramer, US Special Forces, was the first US Army soldier killed in the Vietnam War.

While there, Hank was able to speak with Rep. Mike Bost and Jan Scruggs, founder of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, about this very special event.

We honor Hank's father for his sacrifice, as well as all the other Vietnam War Veterans. Thank you for your dedicated service, Hank, and for all that you do for Central Washington.

Veterans Service Fair

The Veterans Service Fair is less than one month away! On Saturday, April 22nd in Yakima, join us as we explore resources available for veterans throughout the region.

Organizations attending are offering assistance with VA and healthcare benefits, counseling, and employment opportunities.

Pre-registration is not required, but it is encouraged.

Congressional Art Competition

It's that time of year again, Central Washington! My office will be holding our annual art competition for high school students grades 9 - 12.

The winner student will have their artwork displayed in the Capitol tunnel for 11 months and will have the opportunity to visit my office in Washington, D.C. for the awards ceremony.

Submissions are due to our Washington state office by April 25th, and you can find the list of rules on my website.