Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota was never a darling of conservatives; however, in his later years he shocked fellow Democrats by his outspoken backing for streamlining government regulations and eliminating frivolous lawsuits----positions championed mostly by Republicans.
For the first time in a long time, we have good news for our family farmers who have been under tremendous economic strain caused by drought, wildfires, and extreme heat.
Poland and America are like two trains passing each other in opposite directions. That is becoming increasingly clear as President Biden rolls out his progressive agenda. The key question looking forward: “Will government or consumers drive our economy?”
Gov. Jay Inslee’s end run around the legislature banning natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings is a bad idea. Even though the state legislature adjourned last spring without passing his bill, he unveiled building codes which would accomplish the same thing by fiat.
I never thought I’d have to be writing this but let me be clear: The Constitution and Declaration of Independence, our nation’s foundational documents and declaration of beliefs, are not controversial – period. I will always stand to protect, defend, and follow our Constitution.
I first arrived in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2009 already a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and entering my third straight calendar year in a warzone. I entered the country and joined America’s other war, Operation Enduring Freedom already entering its eighth year during our surge aimed at…
WATERVILLE —
Shortly after President Biden took office, he issued the sweeping executive order to transition America to TOTAL---100 percent---renewable electricity by 2035---15 short years from now.
Over the last year, we’ve witnessed a system that refuses to hold the communist Chinese government accountable when it comes to the origins of COVID-19. For months, Democrats have been labeling Republicans as xenophobic, fringe, or extremist for suggesting that the coronavirus outbreak may h…
Although New Zealand and Washington are located a half-a-world apart, they have lots in common---beautiful seashores, majestic mountains, crystal clear streams and lakes; and, vibrant salmon and trout fisheries.
There’s been a lot of talk about our dams over the last few weeks, and I want to make it abundantly clear: Any “solution” for our salmon population that includes removing the dams on the Lower Snake River is a nonstarter.
Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal h…
On November 11, we celebrated Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served our nation in the Armed Forces. Though this annual day of remembrance and appreciation is an important tribute, the sacrifices our veterans have made in service to their country cannot ever be adequately re…
A couple of years ago, a major regional medical clinic leader announced his support for a local tax hike to beef up the city’s police force and provide cops with better training and capabilities. His rational was two-fold: the Clinic needed police to augment its security and good public safe…
As someone who was born and raised in beautiful Central Washington, I understand the importance of bolstering our clean energy resources. For as long as I can remember, our communities have been recognized as a hub for innovative solutions that ensure a cleaner, brighter, more energy-efficie…
Not only is the world in the grasp of the COVID-19 pandemic, but America’s western wildlands are burning up as well.
As we head into autumn, many Central Washington families, students and businesses look forward to celebrating the fruits of our agricultural region at state and county fairs.
Hunters, fishers and farmers are the original conservationists. Growing up in Central Washington, I have been surrounded by agriculture my whole life. As our farmers and ranchers work to feed the world, we also recognize the importance of conserving our precious natural resources and native …
Sunny summer weather helped restaurant owners and workers recover after they were broadsided by the coronavirus pandemic last March. However, as fall morphs into winter and diners are forced back inside, the big question will be: Are there enough customers to keep what’s left of the restaura…
I recently conducted a survey of constituents in Central Washington, asking a question that is on the minds of parents across our district and the entire country: "Do you support doing everything we can to safely reopen schools for in-person instruction in the fall?"
If Americans are to receive all of their electricity without coal and natural gas by 2035, they will need nuclear power.
It’s no secret: Rural communities face many unique challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap.
Our environmental quality strategy must be encompassing and not just focus on climate change.
If you have ever visited Washington, D.C., or even looked into planning a trip to the nation’s capital, you know there are quite a few sights to see.
The proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem has been looming over the communities of Central Washington since I was elected to Congress. I have worked with officials in the past two administrations to ensure that all aspects of this proposal — and all effects of…
As I have said in the past and will continue to vocalize in our nation’s capital: Hydropower is truly the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest.
Our largely rural, agricultural district understands the importance of conservation firsthand. The public lands we enjoy in Central Washington depend on local environmental stewardship, maintenance and upkeep. I support these efforts alongside the many communities across the 4th District and…
Our state is blessed with some of the most creative people and businesses in the world. Many of their innovations are making key differences during this COVID-19 pandemic and as our devastated economy recovers, there will be greater creative opportunities.
Throughout this pandemic, I have been hosting phone calls and video conferences to keep in touch with constituents. In my conversations across our district, I have asked numerous small-business owners and individuals who have lost their jobs: How can we help? The resounding answer: Let us reopen.
For generations, farmers and ranchers in Central Washington have understood that in order to continue their important job of feeding the world, we must work together to conserve one of our most precious assets: our land.
Throughout these unprecedented times, members of Congress — like many families across the country — are facing uncertainty about returning to work. While we understand that it will take time to return to business as usual, we should be taking important steps to ensure the legislative branch …
Life has temporarily changed for many during this pandemic, and as we adjust our schedules, work environments and daily activities to keep our communities safe and flatten the curve, we must ensure that our economy can recover and that families are able to provide for their loved ones.
As we get deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are finding more Americans to thank. Until recently, truckers have been behind the scenes just doing their jobs, but as shoppers learn how groceries and necessities reappeared on shelves, they join the list of unsung heroes.
After reading one of the lead articles in last week's Empire Press, I was very impressed with the way that Waterville School teachers are taking on the challenge of remote teaching and learning.
In Central Washington, we understand that healthy forests are the true key to wildfire prevention. Each summer, we come face-to-face with the threat wildfires pose to our land, our communities and our health.
When we look around Central Washington, it is hard to miss the thousands of acres of wine grapes that cascade across our rolling hills and valleys. In fact, there were more than 59,000 acres and nearly 70 varieties of wine grapes planted last year.
Employers are looking at additional benefits to help workers who are stressed out over paying rent, transportation and food, and student loans. Even though job numbers and wages have increased, too often there just isn’t enough money to make ends meet, particularly in high cost-of-living cit…
In 1964, the United States and Canada ratified the Columbia River Treaty to increase coordination between our countries on power generation and flood control issues, along with critical support of irrigation, navigation, and ecosystem habitat needs. While the treaty has provided a useful fra…
The Washington State Legislature convenes every January at our state Capitol, but the duration of the legislative session alternates between a "long" and "short" session based on the state's two-year budget cycle.
The grounding of the 737MAX is testing Boeing's resiliency. It has turned the company upside down in just six months. Boeing executives and engineers have been under duress since the two fatal crashes killing 346 people in Indonesia and Ethiopia, and that is likely to extend well into 2020.
Just before Veterans Day, the last known survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor died at age 98. With the passing of George Hursey of Massachusetts, it closed that chapter of World War II.
When I talk to farmers in Central Washington and across the country, having access to a stable and legal workforce is often their number one concern. Each year, it becomes harder to hire domestic workers, and farm owners have become increasingly dependent on the H-2A agricultural guestworker…
All of Central Washington’s constituents are special and I am proud to represent each of them in our nation’s capital. One constituent I am most proud of is General James N. Mattis, decorated four-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense. He exemplifies the American principles of ha…
With over 300 different commodities, Washington state has one of the most diverse agriculture industries in the country, and we are recognized around the world as a top producer of specialty crops.
In light of the proposal that just never seems to go away — introducing grizzly bears in the North Cascades — I invite all constituents of the 4th Congressional District to join me in expressing your opinion about how this will affect you and your family.
Across the country, we have seen communities and patients struggle to access and afford healthcare.
In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $400 million available for farmers and rural business owners under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Waterville Days a success
“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.”
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