This week, I led a letter alongside a group of Northwest lawmakers to President Joe Biden requesting additional information on the “package of actions and commitments” the United States Government proposed to determine the future of the Lower Snake River Dams.

Throughout the letter, alongside the document containing the proposed package, we raise numerous questions about the provisions that raise concerns for consumers in our region.

On the section of the document advancing an “urgent, comprehensive strategy to (a) restore salmon and steelhead to healthy and abundant levels”:

• How are the terms “healthy and abundant” defined?
• What is the plan to fund the $200,000,000 commitment for the Phase 2 Implementation Plan for salmon reintroduction? 

On determining “replacement” energy services for the Lower Snake River dams:

• Will this “accounting mechanism” incorporate grid reliability, including the 24/7 baseload energy deployment potential these dams provide, as a factor in determining replacement energy services?

On potentially breaching the four Lower Snake River dams:

•  Is your administration hoping the studies and actions funded by this report will substantiate enough “evidence” to undermine the economic viability of the hydroelectric system?
• Is there any scenario that would lead your administration to proceed with breaching without express authorization from Congress?
• Is it your official position at this point in time that these dams should ultimately be breached?

The livelihoods of Central Washingtonians and residents of the Pacific Northwest depend on the Columbia River System.

If this “package of actions and commitments” is adopted, it would have wide-ranging impacts, which is why we are conducting the necessary oversight to ensure no part of this commitment circumvents Congressional authorization.

Over a month after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and her people, both parties had agreed to a deal on hostage and prisoner exchanges, and a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

However, Hamas quickly broke this ceasefire agreement by staging an attack on a Jerusalem bus stop, and the Israeli Defense Forces have since resumed military operations in Gaza.

"The Day of Judgement will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: O’ Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him,” reads the Hamas Covenant that outlines a path to the group’s goal of destroying Israel through jihad.

As calls for ceasefire continue to flood the media, and cases of antisemitism and islamophobia are on the rise in our communities, there is a common misunderstanding of what a “ceasefire” means, and that there had already been a ceasefire in place prior to October 7—which Hamas broke.

While the intentions of peace and safety associated with the idea of a ceasefire are fair in nature, the reality is that Hamas consistently breaks ceasefire agreements, and this would only give their ranks time to re-calibrate before the next violent crusade.

We must remain vigilant against groups that promote, incentivize, and execute this magnitude of hate and evil. Israel has a right to defend itself from its attackers, and I remain committed to supporting our ally.

This week, I voted YES on H.R. 5283—the Protecting Our Communities From Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023.

This legislation, which I cosponsored in the House, revokes the lease signed by the Biden Administration that permits National Park Service land to be used to house incoming migrants.

Over the past three years, the Biden administration has failed to secure the Southern Border and has turned a blind eye to illegal immigration. America’s public lands, especially our national parks, should not serve as a backup plan for housing migrants as a consequence of the administration’s failed policies.

As Chairman of the Western Caucus, protecting our public lands from misuse is of the utmost importance to me. These parks should be a place of recreation—not a housing complex for illegal immigrants.

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 Spring 2024 term. The internships are in-person and will run from January to the end of March. 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.