As we get ready to close the books on October, I have to admit I am frustrated. We have lost nearly an entire month to the chaos caucus and their political grandstanding. While they were arguing amongst themselves and frankly, wasting valuable time here is what I have been up to:

Ensuring clean water for families and communities balancing essential protections of the health of our environment and our local economies:

Through my work on the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, I introduced new legislation that will counter the damaging ruling in the Supreme Court's Sackett decision. That decision left 50% of wetlands and 70% streams unprotected.

But clean water is the difference between healthy communities and sick ones; thriving businesses and stunted ones; and preserved natural environments and polluted ones — each of which are critical to Northwest Washingtonians.

This legislation will reinstate the bipartisan partnership between federal and state governments to protect our waterways. If passed, it will establish a level playing field for industry to thrive while still protecting critical natural resources.

Will you help me continue advocating for clean water by making a contribution to my re-election campaign today?

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides more historic investments in Washington highways, bridges, and electric vehicle charging stations:

This month, the Federal Highway Administration announced a $1.08 billion award for Washington state's Department of Transportation to construct and repair critical infrastructure, including highways ($934.4 million), bridges ($130.7 million), and electric vehicle charging stations ($15.1 million). These funds help create more jobs and build a cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible transportation system. I am excited that this historic investment will enable us to reduce congestion and pollution, improve safety, and keep people and the economy moving.

Combating the flu:

Seasonal influenza means missed time with loved ones, lost time at work and school, and potential long-term health and financial consequences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were 640,000 flu hospitalizations and 57,000 flu deaths occurred during the 2022 flu season – that is higher than the number of Americans killed in motor vehicle accidents. We can prevent these deaths by being better prepared.

I believe we must make a strong investment in seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure to keep people healthy and safe. That is why I introduced legislation to ensure the country is prepared to tackle the next public health emergency.

With a new Speaker of the House elected, we simply cannot waste any more time. If we are going to take expedient action to pass a budget, to lower costs for working families, to tackle climate change, and make our communities safer — we must take back the House majority if we are going to accomplish anything. Will you make a contribution of $13 to my campaign before our October end-of-month deadline?

More soon,

Rick