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News from Congressman Dan Newhouse
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This week, I joined my colleagues in tpassing H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. House Republicans delivered on our commitment to permanently extend tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government.
This legislation:
- Delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business.
- Provides over $140 billion – the largest border security investment in history – to secure our borders and keep Americans safe.
- Restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring states to shoulder a share of the benefit costs, preventing states from manipulating SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations, and restoring SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without young dependents.
- Strengthens Medicaid for Americans who truly need it, while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Unleashes American energy, ensuring affordable energy for families and creating jobs across the country.
One of my top priorities throughout this process has been maintaining investments in nuclear energy to keep energy prices low throughout our region. Central Washington is home to a rich nuclear history, and I am proud to have led the fight to ensure our tax code allows for continued investments in our nuclear fleet, including the small modular reactor project in the Tri-Cities.
We have made real, common-sense reforms to strengthen the integrity of Medicaid, protecting the program for low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities. By implementing work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents, and preventing those here illegally from accessing the program, we are protecting Medicaid for those who truly need it most.
As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to support meaningful reforms to SNAP while investing in the farm safety net to deliver much needed assistance to rural America. This package more than doubles our trade promotion programs to allow Washington state agriculture exports to reach new markets around the globe.
H.R. 1 supports families and businesses across Central Washington by delivering over $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction to get our fiscal house in order. There is still work to be done, and as this legislation moves to the Senate, I will continue to advocate for the people of Washington’s Fourth District, protect essential services for those who truly need them, and keep taxes low for the middle class and small businesses in our region.
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| Advocating for Agricultural Research |
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On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, calling on the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase support for agricultural research, education, and Cooperative Extension programs.
Investing in advanced, innovative agricultural research is critical to equipping the next generation of farmers and ranchers with the tools and knowledge needed for success. These investments not only drive growth in our nation’s agricultural sector but also strengthens rural communities and protect our food supply.
Click below to read more.
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| Supporting Our National Parks |
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This week, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum, to ensure the continued support some of our nation’s most important natural and cultural resources: National Parks.
National Parks, visited by 331.9 million people last year, are increasingly crowded and need more funding and staffing. The National Park Service creates American jobs (both private and public), supports local rural economies, and produces $55.6 billion in economic output, while providing enjoyment for millions of Americans.
Click below to read more.
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Strengthening Water Infrastructure in Central Washington
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On Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) and the Bureau of Reclamation appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water for their fiscal year 2026 budget requests.
I raised concerns about two critical infrastructure projects in our district: the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Canal and key navigation improvements on the Columbia Snake River system.
I emphasized the urgent need to address the imminent risk of failure in the Yakima-Tieton Canal and how important it is to adhere to the timeline for repairs, with work needing to begin by 2026. The livelihoods of many in Central Washington depend on the canal’s integrity, and I was happy to hear that the Bureau of Reclamation has already provided emergency assistance and is committed to helping secure additional funding and support.
I also stated the importance of completing the South Jetty rehabilitation and gate replacements at the Bonneville and McNary locks on long the Columbia Snake River system. These projects are essential to protecting local communities, supporting agriculture, and ensuring the continued movement of goods through a vital commercial corridor.
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OPINION: Growing Agritourism in Washington State
By Rep. Dan Newhouse
From the world-class vineyards of the Columbia Valley to the bountiful farmers markets that support local growers, agritourism is one of Washington state’s fastest growing industries. Agritourism delivers a unique blend of our strong agriculture and the natural beauty that drives tourism throughout the state, attracting thousands of visitors every year. As its influence and value grows, leaders in local, state, and federal governments should support this industry that contributes more to our economy every year.
Between 2002 and 2022, income from agritourism businesses jumped from $202 million to $1.2 billion. Agriculture in Washington state already delivers billions of dollars in revenue from products and trade, and having agritourism as a serious stake in that value means we must turn our attention to its success.
Last week, I introduced the Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces—or AGRITOURISM—Act. This bipartisan legislation creates a first of its kind Office of Agritourism at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide the industry a seat at the table in D.C. Giving agritourism access to the personnel and resources housed in the agency will empower the industry and support continued growth.
As a third-generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, I understand the role small farms have in local economies. The wineries, breweries, and farmers markets contributing to the agritourism industry have deep roots in our area, and creating opportunities in the industry will help carry them into the next generation.
Agritourism is vital to our local, state, and regional economy. As I continue my work on the House Agriculture Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I will be looking for new ways we can support this growing industry. I encourage you to explore all that our local agritourism has to offer, contribute to the success of small businesses, and enjoy the agricultural heritage that our region was built on. |
| Meeting Central Washington’s Growing Energy Demands |
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On Wednesday, I met with members of Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to discuss a range of issues affecting energy providers and consumers throughout our region.
We talked about the growing demand for energy in the Pacific Northwest and the importance of working together to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply.
Maintaining and preserving reliable, affordable energy for Central Washington is one of my top priorities in Congress and I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure the energy needs of our rural communities are met—now and into the future.
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| Supporting Our Postal Service |
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This week, I heard from members of the Washington Postal Workers Union about the challenges facing the postal workforce.
Our conversation focused on staffing shortages, operational pressures, and the growing concern over efforts to privatize the United States Postal Service (USPS).
I stand firmly against any efforts to privatize the U.S. Postal Service. I remain dedicated to working with postal workers to keep the USPS a strong, public institution that delivers reliable service to rural communities like in Central Washington.
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Newhouse pursues legislation to stabilize Washington farm workforce
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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? My office has you covered.
Also see my Central Washington Opioid Overdose and Fentanyl Resource Tool Kit and my Central Washington Wildfire Resource Kit for additional resources.
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Are you interested in interning with my office?
I am currently accepting paid summer internship applications for my Washington, D.C. office.
Internships are an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students and college graduates to get experience working in policy, communications, or government in the heart of our nation.
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Rep. Dan Newhouse | 460 Cannon House Office Bldg. | Washington, DC 20515 US
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