This week I introduced a package of legislation to strengthen hydropower as a reliable and affordable source of energy. The package includes the Defending Our Dams Act, the Protecting Our Water Energy Resource (POWER) Act, and legislation to reform hydropower licensing.

The Lower Snake River dams are the foundation of our region’s energy security and are vital to delivering agriculture exports to foreign markets. Without the dams, our region would suffer severe economic consequences and experience rolling blackouts during times of extreme weather.

This legislation elevates our dams as a prime example of clean, reliable, and affordable base load power that we should be encouraging, not dismantling.

Click below for statements of support from local industry groups.

On Tuesday, I introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a federal Joint Task Force to combat the trafficking of synthetic narcotics like fentanyl. 

This Joint Taskforce will pool resources across the federal government and respond with everything from sanctions to joint drug raids to keep this deadly substance out of our communities.

It will also focus on international threats, including the role of the People’s Republic of China in the opioid crisis.



We still have a lot of work to do, but my colleagues and I are leading the effort in Congress to get our nation’s opioid crisis under control. 

On Tuesday, I had a great conversation with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. 

We discussed my priorities for the agriculture industry and the ways we can support our farmers and ranchers in Central Washington and across the country. The path to getting our farm economy back on track won’t be easy, but I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to start delivering results for farm country. 

This week the House of Representatives passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 to keep the government open and protect essential services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the other programs for those that need them most.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, a continuing resolution is never my first choice in ensuring the federal government remains funded. However, it is clear that the only option left before us to avoid a lengthy government shutdown was to pass a clean bill for the remainder of the fiscal year.

I am focused on getting to work with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to start the new fiscal year appropriations process and deliver on our promise to strengthen our economy, reduce waste and abuse, and get our fiscal house in order before it is too late.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association about the role Hydropower plays not only in our state, but our entire nation.

PNWA is a coalition that understands the need for clean, reliable, and affordable energy, and I look forward to working with them to ensure our dams are here to stay! 

This week, students from Liberty Bell High School in Winthrop, Washington visited D.C., and I had a chance to speak with them at the Capitol building!



We discussed everything from our capital’s history to my work in Congress, and they had some great questions about how our government works. I was happy to spend some time with such bright young minds and am glad they made the trip out to D.C.

On Tuesday, I had the privilege to meet with Principal’s Raquel Martinez of Pasco and Jeff Charbonneau of Zillah to discuss some of the challenges they are facing in their school districts.

Theys shared with me their mission of ensuring their student have every opportunity and resource. to be successful and I look forward to supporting their efforts as the school year continues! 

On Wednesday, I met with local city leaders about developing key infrastructure and affordable housing in our communities.



I was reassured that our local leaders are working around the clock to ensure our cities are operating smoothly. 

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with multiple members of the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research to discuss their research initiatives and projects regarding our small fruit industries.

Washington is home to a unique community of growers who are leading the country in agriculture research and innovation. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our scientists and researchers as they work to strengthen the agriculture industry.