This week, I introduced the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act, which would modernize the process for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to respond to changes in organics and better align agency standards with industry best practices and consumer demands.

As a third-generation farmer, I understand how crucial it is to ensure transparency in our organics process—for both producers and consumers—and it's imperative that we provide our growers with certainty. Since the agricultural sector is constantly evolving, in order to keep progress moving forward, we must keep up with best-in-practice standards.

To maintain this exponential growth, organic standards need to be responsive to changes in scientific information, environmental and ecological data, as well as consumer demands. However, in the last several years, the federal regulatory apparatus has fallen behind, slowing innovation and continuous improvement within the industry.

This bill would set forth the pathway to bring federal regulations up to speed with the evolving organic industry and is critical to keep the organic sector growing.

The past few weeks, I have been working hard to prevent the introduction of grizzly bears to Central Washington.

Since 1995, when the Washington State Legislature declared that "grizzly bears shall not be transplanted or introduced into the state," Central Washingtonians have consistently voiced their concerns and opposition. Yet unelected bureaucrats from the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service continue to try to force these predators upon our communities.

Grizzly bears possess a bite force capable of devastating a human body within seconds and are infamous for breaking into homes and inflicting fatal injuries. This concern was reaffirmed recently when a grizzly bear, after breaking into a chicken coop north of Colville, was captured, underscoring the real and immediate risk they pose to the safety of people in the area.

A male grizzly bear's range can go up to 500 miles from where it is introduced—which far surpasses the experimental boundary the NPS and USFWS have predicted. To make matters worse, this Administration is relocating grizzly bears into the North Cascades with the expectation that these apex predators will move throughout the state of Washington.

Ultimately, it is Central Washingtonians who are being asked to deal with the consequences of this decision, and attending the following public comment sessions is a great way to ensure your opinions are heard. 

• October 30, 2023, from 5:30-8:30 PM PST at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds
• November 3, 2023, from 5:30-830 PM PST at the Winthrop Barn Auditorium, 51 State Route 21, Winthrop.

Don't forget, the Central Washington Congressional App Challenge is still accepting submissions!

This competition is open to all middle and high school students who reside in or attend a school in Washington's 4th Congressional District. It 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!