Delivering a Win for Individual Freedom and Consumer Choice

At home, the kitchen is at the heart of many American households. It’s from where we send our children off to school after cooking breakfast, enjoy delicious meals with family, and come together with friends and neighbors. While the kitchen serves as a reliable place to gather, the Biden Administration is setting their sights on removing an unexpected target: gas stoves. 

Just a few months ago, during a crucial hearing in the House Appropriations Committee, I seized the opportunity to question DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the impending ban on gas stoves. During the hearing, Secretary Granholm admitted that at least half of the gas stove top models currently in the marketplace would be incompliant under the proposed rule. Let me repeat that: half of the gas stoves currently being sold would be banned by this rule.

Understanding the gravity of this situation, I voted YES to two pieces of landmark legislation this week which will protect individual rights and consumer choice.

The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act and the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, which I cosponsored, will stop Biden's Department of Energy from dictating the type of cooktop appliance Americans use in their homes. They will also stop the Biden Administration from broadly banning gas stoves or imposing any standards which would lead to a de facto ban.

The government's encroachment upon our right to decide how we cook our meals or what we can purchase is not only a threat to our quality of life, but also an affront to the very principles that lie at the heart of American individualism and liberty. We have thrived on the freedom to make choices that best suit our lives, and I will work tirelessly to defend that freedom.

Re-Asserting the System of Checks and Balances to Prevent Excessive Executive Branch Overreach

This past week, I voted YES on the REINS Act.

In their first year, the Biden Administration did not seek Congressional approval when enacting red tape regulations which cost our communities more than $200 billion, according to the Foundation for Government Accountability. This is absolutely unacceptable.

I cosponsored this crucial legislation to:

• Reassert the legislative authority of Congress and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process.
• Require every new "major rule" proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. A major rule will be defined as any which cost $100 million or more.
• Preserve Congress' authority to disapprove of a "nonmajor rule" through a joint resolution.

Simply put, the REINS Act will stop the excessive executive overreach that cost the American taxpayer billions per year. The Constitution dictates that Congress is required to legislate major nationwide policy questions, but since the Biden Administration has taken office, we've seen the executive branch infringing on the responsibilities of the legislative.

It's past time we re-assert the system of checks and balances to prevent the extreme executive overreach we've seen. I am proud to have voted for this legislation and continue my work holding this administration accountable.

The Biden Administration Must Rescind Their Unconstitutional WOTUS Rule

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for individual property rights for the people of Central Washington and rural America when they unanimously sided with the Sacketts in the Sackett v. EPA case. The decision brings clarity to landowners who have long been burdened by the draconian Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which cast a cloud of uncertainty over their ability to fully utilize their property. 

For far too long, WOTUS has prevented our farmers, ranchers, and landowners from being able to manage their own land by giving the federal government jurisdiction over anything they deemed a “wetland.” That means permits could be required for activities such as removing debris and vegetation from a ditch, applying pesticides, rotating types of crops, or building a fence or pond.

This egregious example of government overreach caused landowners to live in a state of uncertainty at the whim of unelected bureaucrats who were given the authority to trample upon their rights as Americans.

By eliminating the unnecessary fear of unwarranted regulations, our farmers in Central Washington and across the country can now refocus on what they do best—feeding our nation and contributing to our local economies. 

Now, I call upon the Biden Administration to do its part and rescind its rule—a rule that has been deemed unconstitutional by the highest court in the land. Let us work together to foster an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and the protection of individual property rights. Our farmers, ranchers, and landowners deserve nothing less.

Congratulations Prosser School District Representatives

This past week, I had the honor of meeting with representatives from the Prosser school district on their visit to Washington, D.C.

These bright young minds visited our nation's capital to compete in the National History Day competition. This prestigious meeting of minds featured nearly 3,000 student competitors from all across the nation, as well as international competitors.

The student representatives from Prosser all worked incredibly hard and all three placed in their respective categories. Congratulations on your performance—you all have represented Central Washington well!

Hydropower Field Hearing

Mark your calendars, Central Washington!

On June 26^th, the House Committee on Natural Resources will be coming to the Tri-Cities to host a field hearing about the Snake River Dams.

Members of the community are encouraged to come and make their opinions known!

Student Art Exhibition

The Yakima Valley is certainly home to some incredibly creative young artists!

Starting this past week, the Mighty Tieton Warehouse began showcasing art from K-12 Upper Valley Students. This free event is a great opportunity to support our local artists and spend some time with your family—just in time for Father's Day!