This week, I was happy to welcome the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Mike Bost, to Central Washington.

On Monday, we hosted a round table in Pasco, where we heard from veterans about the VA, healthcare, an disability claims, and listened to the issues they are having receiving the benefits they deserve.

On Monday afternoon, Chairman Bost and I headed to Kennewick where we hosted another round table.

We spoke with veterans about issues with the rollout of the electronic health records (EHR) management system, as well as expanding benefits for veterans.

The EHR management system has encountered cost overruns, patient data safety concerns, and technical issues, which is why Chairman Bost and I introduced the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act and the EHR Program Restructure, Enhance, Strengthen, and Empower Technology (RESET) Act to ensure accountability going forward.

On Tuesday, Chairman Bost and I spent some time in Yakima where we toured Chuck Austin Place.

Chuck Austin Place is part of the Yakima Housing Authority and provides over 40 units for formerly homeless veterans.

While there, we discussed the importance of supporting our homeless population and the great work they are doing to provide permanent supportive housing.

I hosted Chairman Bost at a veterans round table at the Yakima VFW Post 379 on Tuesday.

We heard from veterans about reforms to the VA to make it more accessible and discussed available benefits.

I look forward to continuing these important conversations and fighting to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

On Wednesday, I visited the Yakama Nation and toured their new justice center.

We discussed my legislation, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would provide the resources necessary to bolster tribal law enforcement efforts while also fighting back against the rampant fentanyl crisis.

I visited the Columbia Basin Veterans Hub on Wednesday and discussed its role in the community with counselor Robert Bates.

He shared some insights regarding the mental health of our veterans, as well as the importance of healthcare accessibility in rural areas.

We must ensure our veterans have the resources they have earned, and I will continue to advocate for them in Congress.

Washington State's population is expected to grow by over one million in the next decade, and it's crucial we are prepared to meet that increased demand for reliable and affordable power.

Yesterday, I met with Bonneville Power Administration to discuss how we should properly prepare for the growing energy needs in Central Washington.

On Thursday, I met with the National Grocers Association and toured Fiesta Foods in Pasco.

We discussed increases in store thefts and strategies to combat it, as well as rising costs in grocery stores nationwide due to years of rampant inflation.

Families are struggling, and there is no sign of prices going down. We need common-sense policies for families, and I remain committed to working towards solutions.

Today, I visited Mabton Elementary School to read to some young learners and meet with educators.

I heard from them about bridging the opportunity gap for students in rural school districts, as well as the importance of after school programs.

We must ensure our children, especially those in rural school districts, are being set up for success.

I also visited Harriet Thompson Elementary School in Grandview today.

I spoke with school officials about the importance of early childhood education—especially learning math skills.

It's crucial we make sure children have the early foundational skills they will need throughout their lives.

Today, I met with Okanogan Specialty Fruits and hosted round tables for employees and stakeholders.

I spoke about the need for initiatives that support our growers, like crop insurance, the Market Access Program, and Foreign Market Development programs.

We also discussed my work battling food waste and how it impacts the specialty crops industry.

Washington state is one of the top specialty crop states in the nation, and it is imperative the federal government prioritizes policies that help producers rather than hold them back.