Securing our borders are crucial to ensuring we stay secure as a nation, and I will continue advocating for solutions to this crisis. The Cartels Control Our Southern Border This week, I questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his annual budget request and failure to secure the southern border in a House Appropriations Committee hearing. When I visited the border in February, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents told me directly, “we don’t control the border, the cartels control the border—they control who comes across and when.” A local resident also told me that neighbors don’t even bother to lock their doors anymore because the smugglers and illegal migrants simply break into their home to steal what they need—in fact, some residents leave clothing and consumables on their patio in hopes of deterring another break-in. This is unacceptable, which is why I demanded answers from Secretary Mayorkas. The men and women of CBP and ICE do extraordinary work on the front line and beyond to execute their mission of protecting the homeland. However, as Border Patrol agents are pulled off the front line to process then release the majority of illegal migrants into the United States, the cartels have shifted their tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities those personnel shortfalls have created. Securing our borders are crucial to ensuring we stay secure as a nation, and I will continue advocating for solutions to this crisis. Watch the Full Hearing on YouTube Investing in Our National Parks This week, I proudly voted YES on the EXPLORE Act—legislation that I co-sponsored earlier in the House. The EXPLORE Act addresses some of the most pressing issues for federal land managers and works to increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities. This legislation: Improves public land access and opportunities across the country. Modernizes technology to improve visitor experiences, like increasing broadband connectivity and creating digital passes. Protects rock climbing routes in iconic places and creates new long-distance bike trails. Modernizes antiquated technology and facilities. Improves access to outdoor recreation experiences for military service members, veterans, Gold Star Families, individuals with disabilities, and kids. Creates new adaptive trails and recreation opportunities, as well as provides easily accessible and centralized information about these opportunities. Ensures recreation remains a priority among federal land managers in accordance with multiple-use mandate. Washington is known for its national parks, and it is crucial that we continue to invest resources in making improvements so we can all enjoy the natural beauty our state has to offer. 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winners Congratulations to our 2024 Congressional App Challenge winners, Jacob and Cooper! Their app, Human.exe, truly showcases the next generation of students' passion for STEM projects. Great job, Jacob and Cooper, you have represented Washington's 4th district well. WSU President It was great meeting with WSU President, Kirk Schulz, along with the WSU Chancellors. We discussed their priorities for next year's appropriations process, as well as the status of student financial aid resources and campus updates. I look forward to our continued partnership. Go Cougs! Recognizing a Local Leader This week, I recognized Theresa Sullivan, the CEO of Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake, for winning a Malcom Baldrige Quality Award for health care. The Baldrige Quality Award is the highest formal recognition given by the President of the United States for performance excellence. I am honored to represent Theresa, and sincerely thank her for her work providing critical health care services to the constituents of the Fourth District of Washington and for inspiring innovation in the healthcare field. Announcing the 2024 Central Washington Art Competition I am pleased to announce the start of the annual Central Washington Art Competition. All high school students are eligible to participate, and the winner will be invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. and their entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Central Washington. All artwork must be submitted to one of Rep. Newhouse’s district offices by April 29, 2024. Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. Paintings: Including oil, acrylics, and watercolor Drawings: Including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.) Collages: Must be two dimensional Prints: Including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints Mixed Media: Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc. Computer-generated art Photography Please contact my Washington, D.C. office with additional questions or one of my district offices to schedule a time for the artwork to be dropped off. Visit My Website for More Information Central Washington Veterans Service Fair I am proud to announce the 2024 Veterans Service Fair for all Central Washington veterans and their families! Date: May 11, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM PST Location: Three Rivers Convention Center 7016 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336 The Veteran Service Fair will feature organizations offering help with VA and healthcare benefits, counseling, and employment opportunities. This event is free and open to the public. Visit My Website for More Information Central Washington Job Fair If you are seeking employment or looking for a change in career, I invite you to attend my Central Washington Job Fair! Date: April 27, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM PST Location: Yakima Convention Center 10 N 8th St, Yakima, WA 98901 This event is free and open to all Central Washington job seekers and their families. Applicants should come prepared with resumes and/or interview materials. Visit My Website for More Information   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]