Join Us on June 26th in Richland for a Congressional Hearing on the Benefits of the Snake River Dams

Next Monday, members of the House Committee on Natural Resources will be coming to Central Washington to learn about and see the Snake River Dams and hold a field hearing to discuss the critical role they play in the Pacific Northwest’s river commerce, agricultural productivity, and energy production. This visit provides our community with a significant opportunity to expose the fallacies of those who seek to undermine the importance of the Snake River Dams to our region under the guise of environmentalism.

WHEN: Monday, June 26th AT 1:00 PM PST

WHERE: Richland High School, 930 Long Ave., Richland, WA 99352

The four Lower Snake River Dams are the lifeblood of Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. They provide the foundation for energy generation, navigation, irrigation, agriculture, recreation, and more. Breaching our dams would be detrimental to our community, and I will fight relentlessly to stop extreme environmentalists from doing so.

Stopping Foreign Adversaries from Purchasing American Farmland

Last week, my amendment to prohibit the purchase of American farmland by the CCP, Russia, North Korea, or Iran was adopted to the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations bill.

Increased ownership of U.S. farmland by countries who are not our allies is an alarmingly growing trend that poses a risk to our national and economic security.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) owns over 380,000 acres of American farmland—equating to roughly $2 billion in value. Over the past few years, their purchases have grown tenfold, therefore posing an immediate threat.

When I talk to the farmers and landowners in Central Washington, they express deep concern about this encroachment of our land from foreign adversaries. We can no longer ignore the writing on the wall—this threat must be stopped now before it's too late.

Supporting Central Washington Winegrape Growers

This week, I introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Farm Crop Insurance Act alongside Rep. Mike Thompson and Sens. Patty Murray and Alex Padilla.

Smoke taint devastates the wine industry. This crucial legislation requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to conduct research and implement a crop insurance product that covers losses due to wildfire smoke.

Washington state’s wine industry produces some of the best wine in the nation and we need to keep it that way. Right now, the industry faces billions of dollars in losses from wildfires and smoke exposure.

As co-chairman of the Congressional Wine Caucus, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation that will ensure our winegrape growers and producers get the necessary funding to be resilient and continue to produce our high-quality Washington wine.

Stopping the Biden Administration from Banning Gas Stoves

This week, I delivered a resounding win for consumer choice and individual freedom when the House Committee on Appropriations adopted my gas stove amendment to the Energy and Water Development bill.

This amendment will prohibit the Department of Energy's proposed draconian rule which would require—for the first time ever—an energy performance standard for residential cooktops.

If the Biden Administration's rule were carried out, it would eliminate anywhere from 50-95% of today's gas appliances and impact roughly 187 million Americans. This is unacceptable.

The fight against the ban on gas stoves extends far beyond a mere debate on energy sources or the means of cooking; it is about preserving our freedoms and defending the choices that make our households uniquely American. 

It is time for the federal government to stop overregulating our lives and focus on creating solutions that will benefit the American people and our energy future.

Defending Central Washington Producers and Private Landowners from the Biden Administration

This week, I joined Agri-Pulse's Open Mic show to discuss foreign land ownership, food nutrition programs, my food waste legislation, and my fight to protect gas stoves.

I will continue to fight for the priorities of the people of Central Washington and protect the individual freedoms which our nation was founded upon.

Rescinding the Biden Administration's Overreaching Land Restrictions

As chairman of the Western Caucus, I proposed action this week to rescind the Biden Administration's overreaching 30x30 rule.

When President Biden first entered office, he signed an executive order calling for at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters to be conserved by 2030. This program, commonly referred to as 30x30, was launched without congressional or constitutional authority, leading to an immediate and justified outcry against federal overreach.

The Biden Administration argues the program is needed to mitigate climate change and calls for more federal restrictions. Yet these solutions will not stop the devastating wildfires we are witnessing, eradicate invasive weeds, restore our watersheds, or help recover species. Rather, seizing more control over America’s lands will lead to more of the same results.

The rule will significantly restrict resource development on federal lands while prioritizing “conservation” over statutorily defined multiple uses. The agency audaciously proposed the rule outside all of the checks and balances Congress has placed on the rulemaking process. If left to stand, it will affect 240 million acres managed by BLM, as well as every rural community in the West.

Our longest-standing partners in land stewardship are our ranchers, sportsmen, foresters, mineral and energy developers, and landowners. No one knows better the importance of stewarding our lands than the citizens whose livelihoods depend on these resources. If the Biden Administration’s priority is “tackling climate change” rather than demonizing citizens who are the best stewards of our lands, federal agencies should support their time-tested, science-based practices.

2023 Basin Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

Heads up, Central Washington! Do you know a young professional who is making a difference in their workplace and shaping the future of our community?

If so, nominate them for the Basin Business Journal’s inaugural 40 Under 40 recognition program.

The program is looking for individuals who:

·   Demonstrate business excellence at their business or organization

·   Contribute to the overall success of their company or organization

·   Stand out among peers and colleagues

·   Strong current and past community involvement

·   39 years of age and younger on August 24, 2023

Applications close June 30th.

The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Job Fair

This Saturday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is hosting a job fair.

They are searching for nurses, licensed practical nurses, health technicians, social workers, medical support assistants, and more.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply in person.