Protecting the Lower Snake River Dams to Ensure Prosperity for the Pacific Northwest

This week, I was pleased to welcome my Congressional colleagues from the House Committee on Natural Resources to Central Washington for a field hearing concerning the critical role the Snake River Dams have to our communities and the Pacific Northwest.

The facts presented by our expert witnesses at the field hearing in Richland made it abundantly clear that the four Lower Snake River Dams provide the foundation for energy generation, navigation, irrigation, agriculture, recreation, and more.

It's disheartening to witness the misguided efforts of the Biden Administration and the extreme environmentalists who espouse baseless claims to push their political agenda in their efforts to breach the dams. All members of the House Committee on Natural Resources—Democrats and Republicans—were invited to come to Central Washington to see the dams for themselves and be a part of the field hearing, but those advocating to breach the dams wouldn't even show up to hear from the experts who study them every day or see the dams for themselves.

The truth that the extreme environmentalists don't want to talk about is that salmon and dams DO coexist. At our hearing, we learned that salmon returns have been increasing, with the dams in place, serving as a testament to the diligent work of our fish biologists, local conservation partners, tribal neighbors, and federal agencies. In fact, last year, salmon returns were the highest since 2016, and the number of Wild Chinook more than doubled compared to 2021.

This visit served as a key reminder that we must not be swayed by the emotional pleas of the ill-informed, but rather embrace the truth, grounded in science in sound policy. I'm glad my colleagues in the House came to help shed light on the fallacies of dam-breaching arguments. I will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the future prosperity of the Pacific Northwest.

Launching the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force

The surge of illicit fentanyl touches every community around the nation, including right here in Central Washington.

Just a few days ago, my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force convened for our first quarterly meeting in Grandview to lay out a detailed approach that will help us provide tangible and attainable solutions to prevent fentanyl from taking the lives of countless victims.

The group consists of some of the brightest minds who are on the frontlines of the fentanyl crisis—members of law enforcement, medical professionals, addiction treatment groups, tribal leaders, elected officials, families of victims, and community leaders.

From our conversation, members of local law enforcement and drug courts made it clear that they need more funding for resources to. fight this crisis on the streets.

This week, I introduced the Law Enforcement Officers Preventing Overdose Deaths Act to help Central Washington police officers address the fentanyl crisis by ensuring they have access to naloxone.

My legislation will help save lives and build a safer and stronger Central Washington.

While it’s abundantly clear there is no “silver bullet” solution to this crisis, we have so many individuals and groups right here in Central Washington who are dedicated to putting our community on the right path and understands that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach with commitment from the local, state, and federal levels.

Celebrating Independence Day in Central Washington

Independence Day is a time for all Americans to gather and celebrate the birth of our freedom. As fireworks paint the night sky and our flag proudly waves in the wind, let us take a moment to reflect on our nation and the principles it was built upon.

We pay tribute to the spirit, courage, and labor of our Founding Fathers, who paved the way for independence and freedom in the United States. Their vision of a nation where liberty would reign supreme, and where every individual possesses the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, continue to thrive to this day.

In Central Washington, we have a number of fun, family-friendly events occurring to honor and celebrate the occasion. From Klickitat to Okanogan, there is something for everyone, and I encourage you to celebrate with friends and family!

Be safe and God Bless!

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.

Applications close June 30th.

Red, White, and Blues

It's officially summer, Central Washington!

This Saturday from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, historic downtown Prosser will be hosting the third annual Red, White, and Blues Market.

This family-friendly event will showcase local vendors and highlights blueberries, patriotism, and blues music.