This week we commemorated the collapse of the Skagit River Bridge. On the evening of May 23, 2013 a large truck traveling south on I-5 clipped the frame of the bridge and caused a span of the bridge to collapse into the river.

We were blessed that no one died or was injured in the collapse of the bridge. But in a heartbreaking accident eight days later, a Washington State Patrol Trooper, Sean O'Connell Jr., was killed while directing traffic in the aftermath of the bridge collapse.

The collapse of the Skagit River Bridge and the accident that took the life of Trooper O'Connell remind us how important infrastructure investment is to the safety and prosperity of our communities.

Bridges should not collapse. Our officers should not be needlessly in harm's way. Our communities should not suffer like this. That is why I work so hard to ensure we invest in the infrastructure of our communities.

Whether that is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped pass, my work with local leaders and tax payers to improve our infrastructure, or my daily work as ranking member of the Infrastructure Committee; I am committed to improving our infrastructure and keeping our communities safe.

The strength of our community and our grassroots involvement are the reasons I can do the hard work of legislating in Congress.

Together we can improve our community. Together we can build a better future. But only together.

Rick