Creating a Safer America by Securing the Southern Border

Border security is national security, which is why tackling the crisis at our southern border is crucial to delivering a nation that's safe for the American people. Since President Biden took office, there have been over 5 million illegal crossings and more that 1.3 million people have evaded apprehension.

H.R. 2, the Secure Border Act of 2023, is the strongest and most consequential border security and immigration enforcement to date, fulfilling key promises made by House Republicans to do the following:

Force the Biden Administration to restart construction of the border wall.
Deploy technology to the Southern and Northern border.
Increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay.
Require transparency regarding illegal crossings from the Department of Homeland Security.
Strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking.
End catch and release.
End abuse of executive immigration authority.
Strengthen and streamline the asylum process.

A nation without borders is no nation at all, and I am proud to have voted YES for the Secure the Border Act.

Continuing to Advocate for our Veterans

In the United States, there are over 1.3 million people serving as active-duty military. When these brave men and women return home, it is imperative they have the support of a grateful nation, as well as the care promised to them by the VA.

My office has a long history of working directly with veterans and their families to help navigate the often-tedious bureaucratic red tape of federal agencies in order to receive their hard-earned benefits and medals. My office is committed to continuing this vitally important work.

During the 117th Congress, I am proud to have sponsored and co-sponsored twelve bills to support our veterans. This included legislation which expanded VA benefits and gave financial protection to those who served, and I am looking forward to continuing to stand up for our veterans this Congress.

As your representative, I will continue to advocate for our veterans and fight for the benefits promised to them. Our veterans valiantly fought for this country and deserve dignity, respect, and benefits when they return home.

Advocating for an All-of-the-Above Energy Policy

This week, I joined U.S. Energy Stream for their 8th annual Energy Summit.

I've always said a strong energy sector is paramount to American security and dominance. If we are to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of energy production and innovation, then our federal policy must take a page out of Central Washington's book and aggressively pursue an "all-of-the-above" energy approach.

All-of-the-above energy is simple: we must utilize all available sources of energy, both renewable and nonrenewable, to ensure our nation has a stable, secure, and reliable energy supply. This means not only investing in renewable technologies like wind and solar power, but also developing our oil, natural gas, and coal resources responsibly.

Our country has many opportunities to expand our abundance of energy resources, but radical policies from the Biden Administration continue to cripple our domestic energy production.

Families across the nation are struggling to pay the skyrocketing energy prices this Administration has forced on them, and things will only get worse if we don't immediately reverse course.

Last week, I led members in the House of Representatives to introduce a resolution expressing that an all-of-the-above energy plan would be the most viable approach to American energy independence. I will never stop fighting for the U.S. energy sector, defending our producers from wrongful attacks, and working to restore Ameican energy independence—Central Washington depends on it.

Fighting President Biden's War on Appliances

This week, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed new draconian regulations on common household appliances. This new proposal would limit dishwashers to using 3.2 gallons of water per cycle, far below the current federal limit of 5 gallons.

Less water means dirtier dishes and more work for your family, for minimal reward. Consumers should not have to suffer the consequences of the Biden Administration's radical climate agenda.

This new proposed rule comes shortly after I spoke with Secretary Granholm about her stance on gas stoves. During that conversation, she assured me that she was not attempting to ban gas stoves, but now the DOE is going after washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

This new restriction begs the question: which household appliance will this Administration target next? I will always stand up for the American consumer and our nation's energy independence.

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Western Caucus: 100 Members Strong

As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I am proud to announce that the caucus is 100 Members Strong.

With 100 members from Georgia to Arizona, New York to Guam, and everywhere in between, the Western Caucus is now the second-largest caucus on Capitol Hill. As leader of this caucus, I am better able to advocate for the needs and priorities of Central Washington in Congress.

The Western Caucus is the preeminent voice for rural America, and I am honored to lead the 100 members from across the United States to advocate for our rural way of life and serve as champions for communities who feel they have been left behind.

It's clear to me that the Biden Administration is failing to display the leadership America needs and deserves. It's time for them to take a look at how their policies are harming our rural communities, because we deserve far better.

I will continue advocating for Central Washington's rural communities, and I look forward to continuing to lead the Western Caucus' rural priorities.

Watch the Press Conference

Explore the Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities is home to many roadside attractions. Now that the weather is starting to get warmer, bring your family to see some of the fun oddities our region has to offer.

From local art to natural wonders, it's the perfect time to explore Central Washington!