Reforming the Endangered Species Act

As Chairman of the Western Caucus, I launched a working group with the House Committee on Natural Resources to tackle issues with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

It is clear the ESA is in desperate need of reform, not only for the sake of our species, but for the landowners across Central Washington who are negatively impacted by its land use restrictions, impact on property values, and costly permitting requirements.

The goal of this group will be to publish a series of policy recommendations that reform the ESA to the benefit of the American people and species conservation.

Since the ESA was enacted in 1973, approximately 1,700 species have been listed as threatened or endangered, not counting experimental populations. Only three percent of these species have been considered recovered and delisted. It is clear the ESA is in desperate need of reform, not only for the sake of our species, but for the landowners across Central Washington who are negatively impacted by its land use restrictions, impact on property values, costly permitting requirements, and federal overreach—including recent attempts to reintroduce grizzlies into the North Cascades!

I am proud to launch this working group to work towards providing tangible, actionable solutions to the ESA for the betterment of the American people and species recovery.

Discussing Central Washington Priorities

This week, I sat down with C-Span's Washington Journal to discuss my work on the House Select Committee on the CCP, our nation's bloated spending, my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force, and other issues important to Central Washington and our nation.

The objective of the Select Committee is to foster bipartisan consensus regarding the threat posed by the CCP and to formulate a comprehensive plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our core values.

While the United States is putting up guardrails, the CCP is building a fast lane to accomplish its objectives.

I also had the opportunity to discuss my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force and the work we're doing to combat the fentanyl crisis plaguing our communities.

While there is no “silver bullet” solution to solving this crisis, I have great confidence that the task force—as well as my new legislation— are the first steps forward towards a future without fentanyl causing countless, tragic deaths in our communities.

Securing Election Integrity with New Legislation

This week, I introduced the American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act alongside House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Administration Chair Bryan Steil (R-WI).

Our democracy relies on safe and fair elections, and we must take every step necessary to restore voter confidence and participation.

This legislation is a federalist approach to boost voter confidence and encourage states to implement common-sense election integrity reforms. Some provisions include giving state and county election officials access to the Social Security death list so they can keep their voter rolls maintained, and making it easier for states to use REAL ID to confirm citizenship.

Preserving the integrity of our elections is of the utmost importance. This groundbreaking legislation not only protects Americans' First Amendment right to speak their political views, but it also prevents government censorship of speech and ends the Biden Administration's weaponization of the federal government for partisan purposes.

The ACE Act is the most conservative, transformative election integrity bill in the House in over 20 years, and I am proud to support it.

Providing our states with the tools to improve voter confidence will help restore government by the people, for the people.

Stopping the Biden Administration's Unlawful Land Grab

This week, my amendment to prohibit funds from being used to finalize the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed “Landscape and Conservation Health” rule was adopted in the Interior and Environment Appropriations.

This proposed rule is not only illegal, but it would also hinder access to public lands for energy and critical mineral development, grazing, forest management, and recreation.

As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I believe in the multiple-use mandate to produce sustainable yield—not lock up our lands from accessing the bountiful resources and beautiful views our public lands offer.

With more than 90% of BLM’s 245 million acres located in the West, the rule would have an outsized effect on the residents of Central Washington, so I am pleased that my colleagues have adopted my amendment to prevent this from happening.

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, is a wonderful opportunity for all students from Central Washington to represent our region and demonstrate their ingenuity and creativity. Students may participate individually or in teams of up to four.

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!

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. 

Creating a Stronger Economy for Future Generations

Since President Biden was sworn into office, two-thirds of U.S. residents are living paycheck to paycheck, real wages are 3% lower, inflation has been hammering the middle class for 27 months, prices are up by 16.6%, and 25 million people are behind on their loans.

Instead of the failed “Bidenomics,” let’s embrace some of the policies of “Reaganomics,” which brought about unprecedented economic growth and prosperity for the country.

Reaganomics taught us the core principles of fiscal responsibility: cutting wasteful spending, lowering taxes, ending excessive regulations, and creating a workforce that is ready to meet the demands of the future.

The Biden Administration’s economic policies are failing the American people—giving us a new catchphrase won’t change that fact.

By embracing these policies once again, we can create an economic environment in which everyone—in Central Washington and across the nation—has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Intern Spotlight



I'd like to highlight one of my summer interns, Charlie Claridge.

Charlie is attending CSU Chico and completing his degree in political science.

His policy interests include veteran affairs, agriculture, and U.S.-China relations.

Thanks, Charlie, for your hard work and contributions to the constituents of Washington's Fourth Congressional District!

Art in the Park

It's time, Central Washington!

This year's Art in the Park is happening in Richland on July 28th and 29th.

Featuring over 260 artists, food trucks, live music, and performances, Art in the Park is the perfect excuse to spend some time with your family and enjoy the outdoors.