Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten. Honoring Our Gold Star Families I introduced the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution, designating September 22 - 28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten. By designating this week as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in the name of freedom—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved. Visit My Website for More Information Fighting for Forest Restoration This week, the House of Representatives passed the Fix Our Forests Act. As Chairman of the Western Caucus and a lifelong Central Washingtonian, I understand better than most in Congress how families are affected by wildfires. In Washington state alone, wildfires have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres in recent years, and there is no sign of it slowing down. We need proactive forest management now, and the Fix Our Forest Act will help us achieve this goal. This bipartisan legislation will restore forest health, increase resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protects communities by expediting environmental analyses, reduces frivolous lawsuits, and increases the pace and scale of forest restoration projects. Visit My Website for More Information Celebrating Hydropower this Clean Energy Week This week, I celebrated Clean Energy Week and reflected on the abundant clean energy resources in Central Washington. With the rising demand for new forms of energy, it is more important than ever that we explore clean energy resources. A key part of this approach is hydropower, and in Central Washington, we are fortunate to have the Lower Snake River Dams powering our region. We know the dams provide many benefits, including flood control, navigation, and irrigation, but they also produce energy that is clean, safe, and affordable. Studies have shown us that if a CO2-free replacement to the dams was attempted, it would cost billions of dollars and result in rate increases that would fall to home and small business owners that rely on community-owned utilities. The reality we face is that, as energy demands continue to increase, we simply cannot afford to kill our most reliable form of energy. It is incumbent upon us in local, state, and federal governments to employ common-sense policies that work for consumers, producers, and our environment so that we may continue to benefit from and innovate new forms of clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Read More in the Washington Times Securing Our Critical Mineral Supply Chain Today, I introduced the Securing America's Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act to establish a National Roadmap to provide a pathway to reshore domestic critical material processing facilities away from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and reduce unworkable permitting barriers to help secure our supply chains. It is no secret the United States is in a dangerous position with our reliance on adversaries like the CCP for the critical minerals we use in everything from our energy sector to our defense industrial base. This bill is a big step towards bringing critical mineral processing back to our shores and keeping bad actors out of our supply chains. As a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, I know we as lawmakers need to be doing all we can to prioritize national security before it is too late. Visit My Website for More Information Advocating for a Productive Agricultural Future This week, I met with representatives from the Family Farm Alliance. We discussed pressing issues in agriculture like the need for reliable irrigation systems, food security, and the importance of a comprehensive Farm Bill. As one of the few farmers in Congress, I understand the crucial role our producers play—especially in an agriculturally rich region like Central Washington—and I will continue to work hard and advocate for the priorities of our farmers. Discussing Grid Reliability with Northwest RiverPartners On Wednesday, I met with representatives from Northwest RiverPartners. We discussed the importance of grid reliability, as well as consumer affordability. As the demand for energy continues to rise, it is crucial that we can not only meet that demand, but also ensure that it is still affordable for small businesses, families, and industry throughout the Pacific Northwest. Meeting with the Washington Council on International Trade This week, I spoke with the Washington Council on International Trade, where we discussed the impact of tariffs on our supply chain. I have often said that food security is national security, and ensuring our supply chain is strong is something that benefits us all. I look forward to our continued partnership on this issue. Discussing Semiconductor Manufacturing with the Costa Rica Ambassador On Tuesday, I had a great conversation with the Costa Rican Ambassador to the United States, Catalina Crespo-Sancho. We spoke about our nation's reliance on foreign critical minerals and the importance of semiconductor manufacturing. American domestic energy dominance is within reach, and I am looking forward to our continued conversations. Mobile Office Hours This week, my staff traveled to East Wenatchee and Okanogan for mobile office hours. Mobile office hours are a great opportunity for folks to come out and let my office know how I can better serve you. If you are having an issue with a federal agency or want to come ask a question, I urge you to stop by! Missed this week's session? Don't worry, mobile office hours will occur on a weekly basis. Next week, join my office on Tuesday, October 1 from 1 PM - 3 PM at the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, 17 Midway Ave, Grand Coulee, 99133. Visit My Website for More Information Western Caucus Corner Last week, as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I spoke with Rep. Mark Alford (R-TX) and the President of the National Pork Producers Council, Lori Stevermer, for the podcast, A Voice for Rural America. We discussed California's Prop 12 and its negative impact for producers and consumers across the United States. Consumer choice is an important freedom in the United States, and our pork producers should be able to sell their products freely throughout the country without having to abide by California's consistent regulatory red tape which only hurts consumers and producers alike. Click Here to Listen to A Voice for Rural America 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. Don't Forget: Sign Up for the App Challenge Today The App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who reside in or attend a school in Washington’s 4th Congressional District. Students may participate individually or in a team of students up to four. The competition will run until October 24, 2024, and applicants are welcome to submit their application any time during this period. Visit My Website to Apply   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 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice