Today, I held the third meeting of my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force.   Reconvening My Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force Today, I held the third meeting of my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force. While there, we discussed the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force 2023 Annual Report. This report will demonstrate our efforts to address the fentanyl, substance use, and mental health epidemics. It also outlines the goals we have been discussing at the federal, state and county levels. We were also briefed by Safe Yakima Valley on their successful application for a SIMs Washington State Department of Commerce grant. This is a major step in the right direction in identifying the resource gaps in our communities and how to overcome the evolving challenges. Both the report and the grant are critical tools we now have while we pursue new legislation to fight the fentanyl epidemic. While this deadly drug ravages communities and continues to claim lives, we have chosen to act. This crisis requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, and I thank all the dedicated groups and individuals who have joined together in that pursuit. Discussing Innovation and Issues Within the Yakima Community This week, I was given the opportunity to visit the Corumat facility, a materials science organization who is building a carbon-negative packaging factory in Yakima. Efforts like these ensure the development of new industry practices that keep the United States on the forefront of innovation in manufacturing. Their team of scientists, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and ecologists are working to build sustainable, compostable products for a waste-free future, and I was honored to get a first-hand look at their work. I was also honored to speak with Yakima Footprints—a non-profit that promotes fellowship, respect, and cooperation between all arms of law enforcement and the community. While there, I discussed pressing issues, such as skyrocketing crime, the fentanyl crisis, the surge on our Southern border, and the public policy challenges our law enforcement officers are facing. I remain committed to our law enforcement and public safety officers, and firmly believe Yakima—and Yakima Footprints—are doing the same. I thank them for their unwavering commitment, not just to public safety, but to the many charities, clubs, and young people that may be blessed by the work done there. Finally, I was privileged to meet with Yakima County judges, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the commissioner's office, prosecution, defense, and other concerned members of our community. We discussed the ongoing work of my Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force, how to to draw qualified prosecution and defense counsel to our community, and suggestions for how we can partner with federal resources to take on new challenges for our region. This was an important opportunity to gather, learn, and get feedback on issues which are greatly affecting Yakima County, and I am grateful for it.   Services My Office Provides Having trouble navigating the bureaucratic red-tape of a federal agency? Need assistance with VA benefits? Looking to book a tour of our nation's capital? Visit my website to see all the services my office provides. Visit My Website for More Information Looking for 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 Spring 2024 term. The internships are in-person and will run from January to the end of March. Dates are flexible. District ties will be considered however are not required. Apply on My Website   It is an honor and a privilege to serve you in Congress. To stay up to date on how I am working to represent Central Washington, I encourage you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also find regular updates on my website. Sincerely, Dan Newhouse Contact Me     Rep. Dan Newhouse | 504 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]