Fighting the Fentanyl Epidemic in Central Washington

This week, I hosted a roundtable with parents of fentanyl poisoning victims, members of law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to discuss the ongoing fentanyl crisis and my legislation to combat it. The William and James Wonacott Act is named after Andrew Wonacott of Yakima’s two sons who succumbed to fentanyl and will enhance penalties for those who sell, give, or distribute the deadly substance.

James Wonacott, 32, passed away in November 2022 and was known as a loving and involved member of the Yakima community. Less than one year later, James' younger brother, William, fell victim to the same fate. The Wonacott family lost half of their children and have to live with that grief every day.

The William and James Wonacott Act will define federal punishments by making selling, giving, or distributing equivalent to first-degree murder and raise the mandatory minimums. The lethal actions of these drug dealers have a direct impact on our communities, and I am committed to fighting back.

The fentanyl crisis has harmed far too many Central Washington families, I am proud to honor William and James in this crucial legislation that holds dealers and distributors accountable.

Listening to Central Washington Producers on the Farm Bill Tour

With the Farm Bill coming up, I spent this week traveling throughout the district hearing from agricultural producers about their concerns.

My first stop was Quincy, where I held a round table discussion with local leaders. Labor shortages and crop insurance were some of the main concerns we spoke about, which was a theme throughout the trip.

Next, I joined producers in Sunnyside. While there, we covered important issues like market access programs and conservation. They also shared the sentiment of those in Quincy regarding labor shortages and crop insurance, which led to a very productive conversation.

After Sunnyside, I traveled to Goldendale to meet with producers in Klickitat County.

Their concerns mirrored those in both Sunnyside and Quincy, and their input will be absolutely invaluable while I work on the Farm Bill.

My last stop was to the Tri-Cities, where I spoke with local growers about margin insurance, groundwater and the Odessa groundwater project, and the necessity of taking a regional approach to supporting growers in the Pacific Northwest.

Our nation’s producers provide the food, fiber, and fuel we use every day and we must do everything we can so the agriculture industry will continue to thrive for generations to come. I am committed to passing a Farm Bill that will help rural communities like Central Washington thrive and strengthen the future of American farmers who are struggling with high input costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions that are challenging their ability to make ends meet.

Visiting the Wallula Paper Mill

I traveled to the Wallula Paper Mill this week to discuss some of the challenges they are currently facing. Supply chain disruptions and water standards have had a severe impact on their production.

As Co-chairman of the Pulp and Paper Caucus, I remain committed to supporting this industry that is so vital to our communities.

Supporting American Energy Independence in Goldendale

While visiting Goldendale, I toured the proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project site.

Pumped storage is an affordable and reliable way to store and dispatch renewable energy. As Central Washington leads the nation in clean energy technology, supporting innovations like these types of projects are vital. American energy independence is of the utmost importance, and these projects will help us reach that goal.

Agriculture Open House

Community members interested in learning about a career in agriculture are invited to an Agriculture Open House with Yakima Valley College on March 21st.

Local representatives will be there to cover a vast range of topics, including winemaking, crop sensor technology, and more.

Recognizing Betty Edmondson

This Women's History Month, we honor Betty Edmondson, the first female mayor of Yakima.

Betty's legacy includes improving the parks and recreation system, and her wise words "by example you will succeed."