Reaffirming My Commitment to Protect the Lower Snake River Dams

This week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced they would be conducting a taxpayer funded study on replacing the Lower Snake River Dams.

If this administration insists that they are not planning to breach the dams, then why are they conducting yet another study looking for ways to replace the power if the dams are breached?

I understand better than most in Congress how crucial the Four Lower Snake River Dams are to our region, which is why I will be starting oversight of the DOE's Grid Development Office in the coming weeks to get to the bottom of this.

These studies have ended with the same conclusion in the past, and this one will just be more of the same.

The Lower Snake River Dams provide a critical source of renewable, reliable, and affordable energy, and we should be encouraging rather than dismantling them.

I have said it before and I will say it again: Congress alone has the authority to breach the dams, and as long as I am your representative, I will continue fighting to ensure our dams remain in place.

Protecting Our Post Offices

Today, I introduced the Upholding USPS Delivery Standards and Election Integrity Act amid public concern to changes to local mail facility processes.

I have consistently been hearing serious concerns regarding the impact of the new USPS mail facility reviews slowing delivery times—potentially even impacting election operations here in Central Washington.

This bill guarantees that the USPS cannot conduct mail center reviews during an election year.

We do not want to see a potential change in operations that could interrupt ballot collection box delivery processes amid an election—especially for small and rural post offices.

This steers us clear of situations where mail is forced out of more metropolitan areas, slowing down deliveries, and protects post offices like Wenatchee and Yakima which have both experienced such an attempt by the USPS.

Touring the Priest Rapids Dam

This week, I visited the Priest Rapids Dam and heard from Grant County PUD's Fish and Wildlife Team.

They took me on a tour of their fish hatchery facilities, where we discussed all the important work they are doing to preserve the local salmon populations.

I also saw firsthand their impressive hydropower operations.

Hydropower is a key part of an all-of-the-above energy portfolio which allows us to power thousands of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest, and it was great seeing them up close.

Thank you for having me!

Attending WSU's Institute for Northwest Energy Futures Ribbon Cutting

It was an honor to attend the ribbon cutting for WSU Tri-Cities' new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures.

The crucial work done here will influence policies across the country and serve as a guide for other states and institutions to use in implementing common-sense clean energy production and standards.

With new national clean energy goals in place, the time for this type of program is now, and we are lucky to have it going on in our backyard.

As a proud graduate of WSU, I thank them for all the hard work they have committed to such an important issue, and look forward to seeing the work that comes out of this new facility.

Talking Manufacturing with the Association of Washington Business

Earlier this week, I joined the Association of Washington Business for their annual State of Manufacturing Event.

We discussed industry leaders located throughout Central Washington and their impact on our region's manufacturing economy.

Places like the Tri-Cities and Moses Lake are home to numerous manufacturing facilities which creates jobs and makes us a hub for building critical aspects of clean energy technologies.

With the push for more renewable forms of energy, Central Washington is at the forefront of innovation, and I am looking forward to seeing all the new types of technology which will be used across the world.

Visiting Vuca Farms

Today, I visited Vuca Farms, a family business founded in 2021 in the Yakima Valley.

As one of the premier growing facilities in our region, it stands as a testament to the innovation and hard work of our local agricultural community.

They, like many other family operations, are struggling with issues I hear about from our producers every day, and I remain committed to working towards solutions so our family farms can survive.

Discussing Airport Improvements at the Yakima Air Terminal

Earlier today, I visited the Yakima Air Terminal for a conversation with Yakima Air Terminal Director, Robert Hodgman.

We discussed the plans for airport expansion, as well as their ongoing project proposals for the future to ensure they can serve Central Washington effectively.

I am happy to see some of their recent efforts and look forward to seeing the improvements once they are complete.

Touring Paragon Films

Today, I visited Paragon Films, a plastic company in the Valley.

Paragon's commitment to producing state-of-the-art equipment and and innovative new products has allowed them to significantly expand their operations and become an economic driver in our region.

Small businesses like Paragon Films are the cornerstone of our community, and I thank them for the tour.

Mobile Office Hours

This week, my staff traveled to Grand Coulee 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 8 from 1 PM - 3 PM at TwispWorks, 502 S Glover St, Twisp, 98856 and Wednesday, October 9 from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Moses Lake City Hall, 401 S Balsam St, Moses Lake, 98837.

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Western Caucus Corner

This week, as Chairman of the Western Caucus, I wrote a joint op-ed on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Bruce Westerman.

Since its inception, the ESA has only recovered or de-listed 3% of its listed species. Only in the federal government would a 3% success rate be acceptable.

THe ESA needs reform—not only for the sake of our species, but for our rural communities affected by its land usage restrictions.