Standing Up for Consumer Choice

Last week, the Biden Administration proposed new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards which in turn would require electric vehicles (EVs) to account for up to two-thirds of new cars sold in the U.S. by 2032, one of Biden's most aggressive climate-change policies yet.

This unprecedented rule takes away consumer choice from Americans who do not want to be forced to purchase EVs. Indeed, gas-powered cars represented 93% of all new car sales in 2022, according to a recent report conducted by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

EVs remain a far more expensive alternative and are far less efficient than the gas-powered vehicles most of the country enjoys today.

Furthermore, the minerals needed to produce these vehicles are mined in China. We already know that the CCP is a threat to American democracy, and by transitioning to EVs, we are only helping their economy become stronger.

This proposed rule is nothing more than the Biden Administration pushing their radical energy policies which will strip away consumer choice and send our country down a dangerous path. I remain committed to opposing such draconian standards and protecting Americans' right to purchase whichever type of vehicle they prefer.

This Saturday, April 22nd:

Central Washington Veterans Service Fair!

Don't forget, the Central Washington Annual Veterans Service Fair is TOMORROW.

On Saturday, April 22nd, join me in Yakima to explore resources available to veterans throughout the region. Organizations attending are offering assistance with VA and healthcare benefits, counseling, and employment opportunities.

This is a free event and pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. We hope to see all Central Washington veterans and their families soon for this great event.

Limiting Reckless Federal Spending

The American Dream has been the cornerstone of this country since its inception, and it hinges upon the idea that our citizens should have the opportunity to achieve financial prosperity. But financial prosperity has become harder and harder to reach.

America has a debt addiction problem. Our national debt is currently over $31 trillion, which represents roughly $94,000 for every single American. Since entering office, President Biden has increased the national debt by $6 trillion dollars in order to fund radical initiatives. This has led to record-high inflation, increased taxes and interest rates, and an economy that just doesn't work for the average American.

With the deadline to raise the debt ceiling coming only weeks from now, President Biden has failed to come to the negotiating table. If he refuses to come to the table, this will be the first time in our nation's history that we would default on our debt.

We cannot afford to gamble with our children's futures. I remain committed to fighting fiscal irresponsibility to ensure that the next generation can grow up in a strong, prosperous economy where the American Dream can be within reach once more.

Pushing Back on President Biden's WOTUS Veto

This week, I voted to reverse President Biden's overreaching and misguided WOTUS rule.

Waters of the United States (WOTUS) is responsible for determining which waters are subject to federal regulation under the Clean Water Act. In 2020, the WOTUS definition was revised to restore balance between federal and state authority to give our nation's farmers and small business owners the certainty they needed to do their jobs without interference from the federal government. But as soon as President Biden took office, his administration repealed this revision and put even more restrictive rules in place.

It's rare for the House and the Senate to act in coordination these days, which just goes to show how unprecedented and overreaching this WOTUS rule really is. Instead of waiting for the Supreme Court to finish their ruling, President Biden has decided to overstep his authority and veto the House rule outright, which would protect the judicial review process on this matter.

This veto puts the livelihoods of agricultural producers and small business owners at risk, which is unconscionable during a period of high inflation and a weak economy. Rather than impeding progress, we should be empowering our country's entrepreneurs to innovate and flourish.

While this veto is a step backwards, it will not deter me from advocating for rural America and putting an end to the Biden Administration's outrageous overreaching policies.

Don't Forget! Submissions for the Congressional Art Competition are Needed NOW

Submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition are almost closed! Each year, high school students from throughout Central Washington get creative and submit their artwork to my office for the chance to have it hung in the United States Capitol.

All entries must be submitted by April 25, 2023 to one of the District offices listed on my website. Please call to schedule a time for artwork to be dropped off.

I look forward to seeing all the young artistic talent throughout Central Washington!

House Republicans' First 100 Days in the Majority

In the first 100 days of the Republican House Majority, we have enjoyed some great successes, including:

• Repealing 87,000 IRS agents
• Passing the Parents Bill of Rights
• Passing the Lower Energy Costs Act
• Establishing the bipartisan China Select Committee
• Ending proxy voting
• Nullifying D.C.'s soft on crime bill
• Eliminating the military vaccine mandate
• Terminating the COVID national emergency
• Stopping the selling of SPR to China
• Reopening the People's House

These wins are a great beginning for the House Majority, and we're just getting started. I'm looking forward to continuing my work representing our rural communities in Congress and advocating for beneficial legislation.

Touring the Hanford Site

Last week, I reviewed the progress of the Hanford cleanup facilities.

Ensuring that the Hanford Site has the resources and oversight required to continue cleanup progress. Getting to see firsthand the critical cleanup activities being accomplished at the site, it's clear that this work must continue as safely, quickly, and efficiently as possible.

As co-chair of the House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus, I meet regularly with officials from the site as well as Tri-Cities leaders to ensure Hanford's cleanup needs are regularly met. Advocating for proper funding of this project is of the utmost priority and will allow us to safely continue sending Hanford's nuclear waste to long-term storage.

Artist Alley

Mark your calendar! On May 6 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Artist Alley will be taking place in Historic Downtown Kennewick.

This community art event is a great, family friendly way to support local artists while enjoying food, vendors, and more.

Spring Garden Show

On May 5 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and May 6 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, RNR Garden Creations is hosting a spring garden show at 4101 Dunn St. NE, Moses Lake.

This community event is free to attend and is just in time for Mother's Day.