Safeguarding Our Farmland from Foreign Adversaries with New Legislation

This week, I introduced new legislation to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting U.S. land near national security sites.

Increased ownership of our agricultural land by foreign adversaries is an alarming trend—we must ensure our government agencies have the necessary resources to stop bad actors from gaining a foothold in our homeland.

I am proud to introduce this legislation as a continuation of my efforts to stop the CCP and all foreign adversaries from putting our food supply and national security at risk.

I also attended a hearing for the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the CCP this week.

At our hearing, we discussed the growing influence of the CCP and received testimony from numerous witnesses on the risks that U.S. businesses and investors face in China, as well as the ways in which the CCP forces technology transfers, coerces foreign companies, and threatens foreign investors.

The CCP's strategy is opaque, but the threat is clear. Selectively decoupling from China is the only way to ensure freedom and dignity prevails.  

Prioritizing National Security by Passing the NDAA

This week, the House passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is crucial legislation that funds our military and critical defense programs, as well as lays out our defense priorities for a safer nation.

This year’s NDAA includes crucial to increase servicemembers’ pay and improving housing and access to healthcare, while including desperately needed fiscal oversight. 

The legislation also cracks down on excessive waste and safeguards billions of taxpayer dollars, while still making vital investments in innovative technologies.

Providing for our homeland defense and encouraging deterrence means properly funding our military and focusing on our most pressing issues—and the FY24 NDAA lives up to this commitment.

Now Accepting Submissions for the 2023 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge

I'm pleased to announce the launch of the annual Central Washington Congressional App Challenge!

This competition is open to all middle and high school students who reside in or attend a school in Washington's 4th Congressional District. Students may participate individually or in teams up to four.

The Congressional App Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for all students from Central Washington to represent our region and demonstrate their ingenuity and creativity.

The Congressional App Challenge is now open and will run through November 1, 2023. The winning apps will be featured in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge Website. Winning students will be invited to the #HouseofCode reception on Capitol Hill and will be awarded additional prizes, to be announced later.

I strongly encourage any student with a STEM background or who is interested in STEM to create an app and show your skills to the country!

Seeking Paid Fall Interns for My Washington, D.C. Office

Are you a currently an undergraduate student or recent college graduate interested in learning about the legislative process firsthand in the heart of our nation?

If so, I am currently seeking paid congressional interns for the Fall 2023 term. The internships are in-person and will run from September to the end of November. Dates are flexible.

Ideal candidates will have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, attention to detail, ability to conduct research, strong writing skills, and be able to work in a fast-paced work environment. District ties will be considered however are not required. 

Intern Spotlight



I'd like to take a moment to highlight one of my summer interns, Casey Moddrell.

Casey hails from the Tri-Cities and is studying Political Science at Whitworth University.

His policy interests include labor rights for construction and farm workers, as well as environmental policy.

After he graduates, he hopes to attend law school and specialize in labor law.

Thank you for your hard work, Casey! It's great to have you on our team.

Art at the Market

Mark your calendars, Central Washington!

This Saturday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, head to Downtown Pasco for Art at the Market!

Featuring local artists, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some time outside with your family and Central Washington talent.

Artists interested in showcasing their work should reach out to the Arts Foundation Mid-Columbia to reserve their free booth.