{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Republican\" and state = \"WA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-proposed-rules-package-117th-congress", "Newhouse Statement on Proposed Rules Package for 117th Congress", "2021-01-02", "2021", "2021-01", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Chairman-elect of the Congressional Western Caucus Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Rules Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced H. Res. 5, Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, and for other purposes:\nThrough these House Rules changes, Democrats are further isolating rural American voices from being heard and limiting the ability for those of us in a growing Republican Conference to represent those who elected us, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. The effectiveness of Congress relies on free and open debate, and these rule changes - from eliminating procedures that provide amendment opportunities for legislation on the floor to allowing the federal government to skirt our budgetary responsibilities - are detrimental to the tradition and function of the People's House. Most absurd, the rules package would quite literally silence and punish Members and staff from both parties from expressing their opinions.\nWe have a new Congress filled with strong advocates ready to stand up for the values we believe in throughout the West and beyond. By shutting out Republican voices, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are shutting out the voices of millions of Americans, including those in rural communities. The people of rural America deserve better.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050", "Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. \r\nThe Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. \r\nThese energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future.\r\nDetails on Herrera Beutler's legislation:\r\nGrid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428.\r\n \r\n    Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on:\r\n    \r\n        Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and\r\n        Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid\r\n    \r\n \r\nBEST Act, H.R. 2986.\r\n \r\n    Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048", "Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. \r\nWith Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. \r\nFolks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049", "Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. \r\nHerrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region.\r\nThe Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler.\r\nThe Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama.\r\n\"Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA).\r\nThe Columbia River is the largest wheat export gateway in the nation, second in the nation for soybeans, and the third largest gateway in the world. The channel supports over 50 million tons of cargo valued at $24 billion each year, and over 40,000 local jobs are dependent on commerce that runs through the Columbia River. Traffic is expected to grow, increasing the need for additional locations for large, deep-draft vessels to safely turn and park on the lower river.\r\nBackground on Columbia River Turning Basins:\r\nTurning basins along the Columbia River allow large, deep-drafting ships to turn around in the event of severe weather or emergencies. Currently, there are a limited number of areas for vessels to safely turn on the Columbia River. Frequently, several ships will form a caravan spaced approximately two to three miles apart. There can be upwards of four or five ships in the caravan ranging from 750 to 1000 feet in length, carrying a wide variety of product, and loaded as deeply as possible to maximize the 43-foot channel. Additionally, intense storms from autumn through spring necessitate closures on the Columbia River Bar which can require the caravans to turn around and return to an anchorage location as far as the Vancouver/Portland area. With very few places on the lower Columbia River to safely turn vessels of this size, it is vital another federal turning basin be established at the Lower Martin Bar.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-led-effort-modernize-water-supply-infrastructure-included-year", "Newhouse-Led Effort to Modernize Water Supply Infrastructure Included in Year-End Spending Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. The end-of-year spending package passed by both Chambers of Congress on December 21, included ground-breaking provisions Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced to maintain and update critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure projects across the rural West. The provisions establish a first-of-its-kind Aging Infrastructure Account to provide stability and flexibility for local water managers who maintain and operate federal BOR water infrastructure.\nRep. Newhouse released the following statement:\nI introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act to ensure federal water supply infrastructure, like irrigation canals and dams, remain functional and efficient for the families, communities, and huge sectors of our economy across the West that depend on these critical Bureau of Reclamation projects, said Rep. Newhouse. The creation of an Aging Infrastructure Account demonstrates the federal government's commitment to modernizing and updating our nation's crumbling water supply infrastructure. This is a huge win for communities  like ours in rural Central Washington  that rely on this infrastructure for our way of life.\nRep. Newhouse was recently elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress, with modernization of aging water infrastructure in the West serving as a key pillar of his platform. The inclusion of these provisions is a demonstration of his effective advocacy and leadership in securing these substantive improvements for rural communities.\n\"The National Water Resources Association thanks Congress for including water infrastructure legislation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We are especially grateful for the inclusion of Representative Newhouse'sWater Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. As the incoming Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Representative Newhouse successfully advocated for the incorporation of language which will improve western water infrastructure and protect the health and livelihoods of millions of Americans while driving crucial economic activity.  Ian Lyle, National Water Resources Association\n\"The Washington State Water Resources Association recognizes and thanks Congressman Newhouse for his leadership in securing funding for the improvement of water infrastructure in Washington state and across the West. His chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will ensure continued focus on the importance of water supply to the future of irrigated agriculture and the economies that depend on those supplies. Passage of theWater Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Actis evidence of Congressman Newhouse's vision for his constituents and all of the Western states. We thank him for his significant effort on this legislation.\"  Tom Myrum, Washington State Water Resources Association\nWestern water infrastructure that was built early in the last century is aging. Rep. Newhouse's H.R. 4659  which will soon be signed into law - establishes a revolving loan account to address extraordinary maintenance backlogs within Bureau of Reclamation-owned facilities. Failing to address this critical backlog in the short term could well lead to dealing with it in the long term, in a much more costly manner. Rep. Newhouse's good work on this bill will better help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical Reclamation water supply infrastructure. - Dan Keppen, Family Farm Alliance\nThe Columbia Basin Project, while not yet completed, has components that are now 70+ years old. Aging infrastructure is an ongoing concern, and the Bureau has the permanent responsibility to address maintenance. Farmers need water to continue providing an affordable, safe, and reliable food supply. Without reliable water, farmers cannot meet ever-increasing food demands of the American people and the world. The Aging Infrastructure Account is a welcome and necessary component that allows water managers to access funds for outstanding maintenance needs on projects in the West including the Columbia Basin Project. These investments help support the $5 billion economic activity generated from our region alone. Congressman Newhouse's longtime relationship and understanding of the needs of our region and specifically the Columbia Basin Project is to be applauded. We hope his chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to address the water infrastructure needs throughout the West.  Vicky Sharlau, Columbia Basin Development League\nMuch of the water infrastructure throughout the Yakima Valley is in urgent need of replacement and improvement. This Aging Infrastructure Account will go a long way to help our local water managers and operators ensure that we can continue to provide reliable water deliveries to farmers and families, make ecosystem enhancements throughout our region, and maximize efficient use of water in drought years. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for being a champion for western water users.  Scott Revell, Roza Irrigation District\nBackground:\nRep. Newhouse introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Act in October 2019. The legislation, which aims to help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical water supply infrastructure, includes language to create an Aging Infrastructure Account for BOR maintenance projects and allows repayment of funds to be used by BOR on future extraordinary maintenance programs without further appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-provide-tax-relief-small-businesses-using-ppp-funds", "Newhouse Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Small Businesses Using PPP Funds Included in Relief Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included the language of his legislation, H.R. 6884, the FIRST Act:\nThe Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline for small businesses throughout Central Washington and across the country, but business owners have expressed unease about the unintended tax consequences of this historic program, said Rep. Newhouse. This relief package includes language of a bill I introduced the FIRST Act  that will ease these concerns by allowing businesses to continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. These funds were intended to help business owners, not tie their hands when they go to file their taxes for 2020. I am proud to have worked to include these clarifying provisions in the final bill.\nIn May, Rep. Newhouse introduced the FIRST Act to reiterate congressional intent of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing business owners who utilize PPP funds to continue to take tax deductions for ordinary business expenses.\nThe National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) praised the inclusion of the FIRST Act and Rep. Newhouse's leadership on behalf of small businesses:\nThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided vital financial assistance to 107,660 Washingtonian small businesses. Unfortunately, IRS guidance limited the benefit of the PPP by prohibiting the deductibility of forgiven expenses. Congressman Newhouse stood up for small businesses and pressed for Congressional action to ensure struggling businesses would avoid surprise tax increases as they try to emerge from the pandemic. As a result of this advocacy, today's legislation clarifies that forgiven PPP expenses are deductible  saving already-strained small businesses from an unexpected tax bill. NFIB appreciates Congressman Newhouse's continued leadership to protect small businesses.  Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, NFIB", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402047", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Finalize COVID Relief for Southwest Washington Families, Small Businesses", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the final agreement on a COVID relief package. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve the deal later today, and quick Senate passage is also anticipated. \r\nWith so many Americans out of work, small businesses on the brink of permanent closure, and families struggling to make ends meet, I'm relieved to have helped Congress reach agreement on another COVID relief package that will provide immediate aid to individuals and communities.I've been tirelessly working to get this relief to those who need it, both by developing the framework for the agreement with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and keeping the pressure on Democrat leadership with a discharge petition to circumvent D.C. gridlock and pass a small business relief bill. \r\nThis relief should have been delivered to the American people months ago. Nevertheless, residents will benefit immensely from additional forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been small business lifelines, an unemployment insurance extension, direct cash payments, assistance for our frontline health care providers, and funding for more readily available COVID vaccines and testing. \r\nI remain confident that America will get through this crisis and thrive on the other side, and I'm going to continue doing everything I can to maintain the bridge to get us there, Herrera Beutler said. \r\nCOVID relief legislation highlights: \r\n \r\n    $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program for first-and second-time borrowers\r\n    Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, for up to 10 weeks, for the period of December 26, 2020  March 14, 2021\r\n    $600 Economic Impact Payments for adults and dependents \r\n    $82 billion for schools and universities to assist with reopening for safe in-person learning\r\n    $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen\r\n    $68 billion for vaccine purchase, distribution, testing, and existing provider relief fund", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reacts-passage-omnibus-spending-bill-and-covid-19-relief", "Newhouse Reacts to Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill and COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief to Central Washington communities:\nThis funding package includes a number of priorities for Central Washington  from strengthening our world-class agricultural industry and water supply infrastructure to supporting energy innovation at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and ensuring the cleanup efforts at Hanford continue in a timely manner, said Rep. Newhouse. After months of refusing to negotiate, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats stopped withholding critical COVID-19 relief, and I am proud to have finally delivered additional relief to families, workers, and businesses throughout our district. This long overdue package does not address all of our concerns, but it makes significant progress to help our communities recover from this pandemic, reopen our society, and rebuild our way of life.\nThe full text of the funding bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402046", "Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Katie Porter Introduce Organ Transplant Legislation", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which will prohibit using an individual's physical or mental disability as the sole basis of determining their eligibility for an organ transplant. \r\nThe legislation, named after Charlotte Woodward, a vocal advocate against discrimination who has Down syndrome and received a heart transplant in 2012, helps clarify that doctors, hospitals, transplant centers and other health care providers are prohibited from denying access to necessary organ transplants solely on the basis of a qualified individual's disability. \r\nThere are misconceptions that people with disabilities can't manage the treatment needed after an organ transplant or wouldn't benefit from such an operation  and those claims are simply not true, Herrera Beutler said. Charlotte Woodward is a wonderful woman with Down syndrome who is also the namesake for this legislative solution. Charlotte has been sharing her experience of successfully receiving and managing a heart transplant in order to put an end to this discrimination and help more people receive the life-saving gift of organ donation.I'm proud to introduce legislation with my colleague, Rep. Katie Porter, to ensure that people with disabilities aren't turned away when they're in need of life-saving organ transplant.\r\nToo often, discrimination stops Americans with disabilities from getting the lifesaving organ transplants they need, Porter said. I'm proud to partner with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler on critical legislation that bars healthcare providers from denying necessary transplants solely because an individual has a disability. These protections for Americans with disabilities and their families will save lives.\r\nAs one of the very few people in the world with Down syndrome who has had the opportunity to receive a lifesaving heart transplant, I am so very, very grateful that people with disabilities will have the same opportunity as I in the future, Charlotte Woodward said. In the past, too many precious lives were lost due to discrimination in organ transplantation. I am so very, very thankful for the generosity of my heart donor and that of her loving family. Her gift has allowed me to live my life to the fullest and to go on to advocate for others to be able to do the same. The passage of this bill will be a monumental step towards a more just world, and I am proud to play a part in it.\r\nAccording to the National Down Syndrome Society, a Stanford University study found that 85% of pediatric transplant centers consider intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD) as a factor in their determinations of transplant eligibility at least some of the time.\r\nAdditionally, the National Working Group on Disability and Transplantation found that 52% of people with ID/DD receive a referral for a specialist evaluation, and 33% of those who are referred are never evaluated.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402045", "Herrera Beutler Presses for Addition of Commuter Representatives to I-5 Bridge Replacement Process", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today formally called on I-5 bridge replacement project leaders to extend a December 18 deadline for applications to its advisory groups and create commuter representative positions to ensure the project meets the needs of the people who will actually use the bridge on a regular basis. \r\nIn a letter to Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and Interstate Bridge Replacement Project Administrator Greg Johnson, Herrera Beutler shares a growing concern from Southwest Washington residents that the current process is repeating fundamental mistakes made by the failed Columbia River Crossing project.\r\nbring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs, Herrera Beutler wrote. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. \r\nThe full text of the letter follows, and a PDF is available here. \r\n\r\nDear Secretary Millar and Administrator Johnson, \r\nI want to first of all thank you for briefing me on the I-5 bridge replacement process last week. Through our discussions to date, you've demonstrated a sincere commitment to an improved I-5 bridge across the Columbia River. \r\nI want to reiterate a point we discussed that I believe would aid this process and alleviate a growing concern being expressed to me by our communities that not enough is being done to ensure that this process will avoid the pitfalls that ultimately doomed the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). I implore you to add a Commuter Representative Advisory Group to your community engagement organization that will provide honest and direct input on behalf of daily car commuters who are and will continue to be the largest users of the bridge. \r\nIn recent years, I've heard some claim that a few individual legislators killed the CRC at the 11th hour, but such a revisionist view brushes over critical errors that were made in the planning stages of the CRC that led to its demise. For instance, it wasn't until 2012 that Clark County citizens were finally granted a county-wide vote on whether they supported light rail as part of the project (they rejected it  and again in 2013 by a double-digit margin). And recall that it wasn't until seven years into the process before it was discovered that the bridge design was too low to accommodate vessels critical to regional commerce. The two are related, since light rail was a factor in limiting design flexibility. \r\nThe lack of critically-minded commuter representatives in the current process is an omission that could be fatal to the project. Recall that the CRC boasted of the number of listening sessions, advisory panels and citizen engagement activities it held, yet it still managed to ignore community opposition to major components of the project. \r\nPlease avoid repeating that mistake. Instead, bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. \r\nAdditionally, you communicated to me a December 18 deadline for considering advisory members. That short timeline is incompatible with the glaring need I've outlined. I urge you to extend this deadline to recruit and interview qualified citizens to serve as commuter representative advisory members. A short extension of the process now to fully engage Southwest Washington commuters could very well prevent having the project derailed later on after multiple years and hundreds of millions of dollars spent. \r\nI am certain you've brought all of the engineers, consultants and organized interest groups the project will ever need into the process. What's needed now is a voice for the tens of thousands of Southwest Washington commuters who drive across the I-5 bridge every day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-it-time-secure-updated-columbia-river-treaty", "COLUMN: It is Time to Secure an Updated Columbia River Treaty", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Without the systems and infrastructure we have built to harness the power of the mighty Columbia River, the Pacific Northwest as we know it would cease to exist. Dams along the Columbia provide countless benefits to our communities  from reliable, affordable electricity and flood control to irrigation, navigable waterways, and a clean energy grid second to none in the country. We must continue to work collaboratively with our neighboring states and Canada to ensure we can responsibly reap these benefits while caring for our environment and natural ecosystems.\nThat is why the United States and Canada entered into the Columbia River Treaty in 1961. Millions of people on both sides of the border have an interest in maintaining a strong agreement, but outdated provisions  particularly those relating to commercial and power coordination  have caused great concern for homeowners, businesses, and ratepayers in our district and the surrounding region who are being treated unfairly.\nThe Treaty in its current form is punishing ratepayers in the Northwest. Current market rates are forcing us to pay Canada for benefits far in excess of the value provided to the United States. Ratepayers on our side of the border are currently required to overpay Canada by approximately $200 million per year according to the Treaty's provisions, costing some households in Central Washington as much as $500 per year.\nWhen the Treaty was first signed, we didn't have nearly the same technological capabilities we do today. Scientific innovation aimed at improving power generation and increasing fish passage through our dams  much of which is happening right here in Central Washington  has advanced our ability to make our region a literal powerhouse for clean and affordable energy. Continuing to operate under this decades-old agreement while ignoring these advancements is doing all entities a disservice, but it is particularly harmful to those of us in the United States who are sending millions of dollars to Canada annually while receiving little to no benefit in return.\nSince coming to Congress, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to urge the Administration to modernize the Columbia River Treaty and provide more equitable benefits to Americans.\nIn 2018, the United States and Canada began these negotiations, but good faith efforts by the State Department and U.S. negotiators have been rejected by Canada. No Treaty negotiations have taken place since June nor are they likely to resume for months to come. With the U.S. sending $1 million to Canada every two to three days, this situation is no longer tolerable and demands a strong response from the United States.\nThat is why I introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside my Pacific Northwest colleagues, Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Greg Walden (R-OR), urging President Trump to direct Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the power provisions of the Columbia River Treaty.\nThe United States is stuck in a bad deal, and it is time to stop the wealth transfer to Canada. Issuing the intent to terminate signals to Canada that we are serious about a timely negotiated outcome and simply initiates a 10-year period for the United States and Canada to negotiate a modernized Treaty equitable to both countries. We must prioritize making a fair deal that no longer disproportionately impacts U.S. ratepayers.\nIt is time to secure an updated Columbia River Treaty, and I am hopeful the Trump Administration will take this necessary action to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-tri-cities-students-winners-2020-congressional-app", "Newhouse Names Tri-Cities Students as Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named four Kennewick students as the winners of the 2020 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app-designing competition for K-12 students. Brianna Simpson of Richland High School, Conner Anderson of Chiawana High School, Taran Zorn of Kamiakin High School, and Erika Gaskins of Southridge High School worked as a team to design the winning app, Llama Trauma. All four students are seniors attending the Tri-Tech Skills Center, a cooperative program that provides students with technical and professional skills training they might not receive in conventional high schools.\nTheir app puts the user in the role of a scarecrow tasked with protecting crops being grown for a food bank from hungry llamas. The students designed the app to draw attention to the growing problem of food insecurity in the United States and encourage Americans to donate to their local food banks.You can see a preview of the app by clicking here.\nCongratulations to Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika on their winning app, Llama Trauma,said Rep. Newhouse.I am impressed by their creativity and ability to highlight the important topic of food security. Designing an app during a pandemic posed an additional obstacle, and these students went above and beyond to design a successful app in a remote learning environment. I am encouraged that Central Washington's students will be among the next generation of this country's top innovators, and I wish Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika future success.\nThe winning students will receive a mentoring session from scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to further develop their skills, in addition to a credit from Southwest Airlines. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and theCongressional App Challenge website.\nBackground:\nThe Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8% between 2019 and 2029, compared to 3.4% growth for non-STEM occupations. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. invest in our youth now and help them acquire necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.\nLast year's Central Washington Congressional App Challenge winners, three 12th graders who also attended Kennewick High School and Tri-Tech Skills Center  Maxwell Blake, Preston Ryan, and Lucas Kaser  won with their appClean Streets.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-nw-lawmakers-president-trump-terminate-columbia-river-treaty", "Bipartisan NW Lawmakers to President Trump: Terminate Columbia River Treaty Power Provisions to Benefit U.S. Ratepayers", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), and Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced a resolution to encourage the Trump Administration to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the commercial and power coordination provisions of the Columbia River Treaty. \nThe United States has been unfairly burdened by the outdated Columbia River Treaty, and it is long past time to stop the wealth transfer from our constituents to Canada, said the bipartisan group of lawmakers. The existing Treaty punishes Northwest electric ratepayers, forcing them to pay for benefits far in excess to the value provided to the United States. With good faith negotiations at a standstill, we urge President Trump to take a strong stance and issue the notice of intent to terminate the power coordination provisions of the Treaty.\nClick here to read the text of the resolution.\nBackground:\nUpdating the Columbia River Treaty, which has not been revised since it was ratified in 1964, will allow the U.S. and Canada to find solutions for management of the river that could provide new opportunities for cooperation on clean energy solutions, flood control, and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest region.\nIn 2016, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden joined U.S. House and Senate colleaguesto call on the U.S. State Department under President Obama to finalize its negotiating parameters and to press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator.Both actions are required for formal discussions to begin.\nOn June 21, 2017, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden were joined by Pacific Northwest lawmakers in sending a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to commence negotiations with Canada over the Columbia River Treaty as soon as possible.\nThe United States and Canada began negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in May 2018. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of State has hosted public town halls to provide updates on the modernization process. One of these public town halls was hosted in Richland, Washington, at the request of Rep. Newhouse.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-urges-administration-open-mmiw-cold-case-office-central", "Newhouse Urges Administration to Open MMIW Cold Case Office in Central Washington", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt requesting a Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous American Indians and Alaska Natives be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. Cold Case Task Force Offices are an additional step toward addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, specifically dedicated to solving cold cases.\nAs you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year, wrote Newhouse. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis.\nNewhouse continued, With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country.\nThe Cold Case Task Forces are in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order establishing an interagency task force, Operation Lady Justice. The offices will be staffed with law enforcement personnel and newly appointed special agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS), along with personnel from other Operation Lady Justice Task Force partners, including tribal law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Offices of the U.S. Attorneys.\nOn July 27, 2020, the Trump Administration established the first Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in Bloomington, Minnesota. Six additional Cold Case Task Force offices were opened in Rapid City, South Dakota; Billings, Montana; Nashville, Tennessee; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and Anchorage, Alaska.\nRead the full text of the letter here and below: \nDear Attorney General Barr and Secretary Bernhardt,\nThank you for your leadership implementing Operation Lady Justice and your commitment to solving the open cases involving missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) through the establishment of Cold Case Task Force Offices across the United States. I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. \nThrough the establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice, President Trump has undertaken an unprecedented initiative to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous people  particularly MMIW.\nAs you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis.\nNative Americans make up an estimated 2% of our state's population, however a recent report by the Washington State Patrol shows that Native Women account for 7% of the state's reported missing women. My congressional district is home to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes) and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation)  two of the 29 federally-recognized tribes in Washington state, and there are currently 31 open cases of MMIW on or near the Yakama Nation reservation alone.\nBoth Yakama Nation and Colville Tribes have been actively engaged in working with my office to enact solutions that improve law enforcement coordination, empower law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate MMIW cases, and increase communication with Native communities. With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402036", "Herrera Beutler Secures Funding to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Southwest Washington", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) applauded an announcement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver will be receiving a $136,159 grant to help prevent youth homelessness. \r\nAs a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Herrera Beutler helped secure the funds now being invested in the Homeless Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. This initiative targets housing assistance to young adults under the age of 25 who have recently left the foster care system and are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. \r\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, and the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) estimates that 25 percent of those young adults will experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care. \r\nYoung adults who age out of foster care face the incredible challenge of securing housing and are often left without the support they desperately need, Herrera Beutler said. I'm proud to have helped secure the funding necessary to jumpstart this initiative specifically targeted to help foster youth in Southwest Washington.Making sure these folks can access housing assistance so they can further their education or obtain and keep steady employment can make the difference in transitioning into a safe, secure adulthood.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-lockdowns-destroy-livelihoods", "COLUMN: Lockdowns Destroy Livelihoods", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this year, our economy and our way of life was rocked when the COVID-19 pandemic caused small businesses to shutter their doors. With employees across the country out of work and small business owners wondering if they would ever reopen, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure businesses could continue to provide paychecks to their employees while we weathered this pandemic storm.\nThe U.S. Small Business Administration took on the herculean task of distributing these loans at a record pace, and the Paycheck Protection Program resulted in saving over 104,000 in Central Washington jobs.\nUnfortunately, more than $138 billion in funding remains untouched in the PPP. The program, which has served as a lifeline for millions of Americans, simply needs to be reauthorized  but Speaker Pelosi has blocked numerous attempts to bring a bill to the floor that would do just that.\nTo be clear: These funds are being used as a political pawn. Instead of immediately delivering relief to the small businesses who are once again facing state-imposed restrictions and regulations, Speaker Pelosi is politicizing these funds for her own ideological purposes.\nFor months, she has refused to negotiate anything smaller than a massive relief bill filled with policy riders that fit her agenda. In fact, she recently admitted that she was purposefully waiting for a new President before she would settle for anything less. By doing this, she is demonstrating that small businesses and the millions of Americans who rely on them for employment are not her priority.\nI have joined House Republicans in advocating for a targeted relief package that will help our communities and our economy rebound from the pandemic.\nEarlier this year, I introduced the FIRST Act  a bill to allow businesses who received Paycheck Protection Program funding to utilize the program to its full extent and continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. The FIRST Act will ensure businesses that are struggling to make ends meet are not further impacted when they file their 2020 tax returns. I have been working with my colleagues  both Democrats and Republicans  to ensure this legislation is included in the next bipartisan package of pandemic relief.\nMany small businesses that survived the first economic lockdown have been struggling for months  with some hanging on by just a thread. Now, the Governor's latest one-size-fits-all statewide lockdown mandate could be the final straw.\nImposing lockdowns  without critical relief from the federal government  will destroy livelihoods.\nWith states across the country shutting down for the second or third time, our small businesses are desperate. By opening access to the remaining PPP funds and providing deductions for business expenses, as the FIRST Act does, we can soften the blow of these harsh mandates.\nOver the past few months, I have met with small business owners and employees across Central Washington. They all need help. With less than 10 scheduled legislative days remaining in the 116th Congress, this fight is not over. Revitalizing our country and rebuilding our economy remain my top priority, and I will continue working to deliver the desperately-needed funds our small businesses need and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402035", "U.S. Reps. Herrera Beutler, Murphy Introduce Legislation to Provide Hardship Waivers to Give Relief to Unemployed Workers", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) have introduced legislation to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. \r\nRecent reports detail unemployed and furloughed workers are finding themselves in debt because of errors made by state unemployment agencies. These individuals in need of unemployment payments are suddenly being forced to pay back thousands of dollars, with state agencies threatening to garnish paychecks and tax refunds to obtain repayment.\r\nH.R. 8812, the Relief for Working Families Act, extends hardship waivers to states to waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. States are able to grant hardship waivers to individuals who receive state unemployment benefits, but federally distributed benefits have yet to have the same standard applied. \r\nWashington's Employment Security Department should not be further burdening struggling workers because of its mistakes. Until it can develop a system to more accurately administer unemployment benefits, we should give ESD the tools to provide relief to folks struggling to put food on the table, Herrera Beutler said. I'm introducing legislation that ensures individuals are not held accountable for states' mismanagement of jobless benefits, but that preserves states' abilities to crack down on scams and seek repayment of truly fraudulent claims. \r\nBecause of indifference and incompetence from state leaders, Florida's unemployment system failed workers when they needed help the most, resulting in non-payment of benefits, under-payments, delayed payments andin some casesoverpayments, Murphy said. These overpayments were made due to bureaucratic mistakes. Florida workers should not be punished for errors made through no fault of their own. Requiring workers to pay back these funds nowwhen some federal assistance has lapsed and state mismanagement of the unemployment system continuesonly adds insult to injury. This bipartisan bill seeks to prevent such an injustice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-western-caucus-executive-director-117th-congress", "Newhouse Names Western Caucus Executive Director for 117th Congress", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman-elect Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named Sean V. O'Brien as the organization's new Executive Director for the 117th Congress.\nI have worked with Sean throughout my three terms in Congress, and I know him to be committed to solving the issues facing the rural West, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Sean has been instrumental in my efforts to strengthen and secure water supply infrastructure, ensure public lands are accessible for America's hunters, recreationists, and local communities, and reform the outdated federal policies harming our nation's land, water, and species management. His relationships on Capitol Hill and with the many partners of the Western Caucus will be invaluable to achieving our goals in the 117th Congress.\nNewhouse continued, I am grateful for the service of our outgoing Executive Director, Tim Charters, who helped Chairman Gosar grow the Western Caucus into the prestigious advocacy organization it is today. I look forward to working with Sean to continue to grow our membership, expand our influence, and defend and protect the values of rural America. He will do an excellent job serving the Caucus.\nI am humbled to serve as Executive Director for an organization that does so much to raise the voices of rural communities in our nation's capital, said O'Brien. Chairman-elect Newhouse has developed a strong vision to execute a results-oriented strategy that will elevate the Caucus to new heights. Under his leadership, we are ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the bipartisan Members of the Caucus and the communities they represent across our great nation.\nSean V. O'Brien currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director to Rep. Newhouse, handling energy, forestry, and natural resources portfolios, including Rep. Newhouse's work on the House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee. He specializes in issues including hydropower, nuclear energy, grid storage, water supply and critical infrastructure, and Endangered Species Act reform.\nO'Brien previously served as Campaign Manager for Rep. Newhouse's re-election race in 2016. He studied Political Science at Gonzaga University and is a graduate of the Gorton Leaders Program at the Slade Gorton Policy Center as well as the Association of Washington Business Institute's Leadership Washington Program.\nTim Charters will continue to serve the Western Caucus through the 116th Congress, concluding January 2, 2021.\nBackground:\nOn November 19, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus unanimously elected Rep. Dan Newhouse to serve as Chairman for the 117th Congress.\nThe Congressional Western Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities. The Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress who represent these communities and fight for the priorities of the American people in the process. Hands-on Member education and experiences have been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.\nInitially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy, and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values, and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.\nCurrently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402034", "Herrera Beutler Applauds New Bipartisan COVID Relief Proposal, Presses for Swift U.S. House Consideration", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today applauded a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief plan unveiled by the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of Senators today.The plan would quickly direct aid to families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers intended to last through the end of March. \r\nHerrera Beutler is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus  made up of 25 Democrat and 25 Republican House members  that helped develop the plan. The framework allocates $908 billion in total aid, including both new funding and reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding. A breakdown can be found, here.\r\nThis effort represents a bridge to get America's workers, small businesses and communities through this challenging time until vaccines and treatments are readily available, Herrera Beutler said.I won't let up in my efforts to break the gridlock that's plagued Washington, D.C. and get a COVID relief package through Congress and out to the Americans who need it. While the framework released by the group today needs further refinements, families and employers in Southwest Washington are suffering through no fault of their own and we need to move quickly. I urge Speaker Pelosi to act now and take up this bipartisan plan to provide the relief and support that our communities have desperately needed for months.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month", "COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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 history that should be recognized.\nThe federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.\nThe Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.\nI have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.\nThe Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.\nThis fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.\nThe federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.\nThe Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.\nAs discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.\nNative American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month", "COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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 history that should be recognized.\nThe federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.\nThe Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.\nI have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.\nThe Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.\nThis fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.\nThe federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.\nThe Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.\nAs discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.\nNative American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month-0", "COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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 history that should be recognized.\nThe federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights.\nThe Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district.\nI have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country.\nThe Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources.\nThis fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes have also formulated management plans rooted in science for regional wildlife  including the gray wolf  that take into account local ecosystems and food supplies. By instituting sound management practices, the Tribes demonstrate that humans can play a beneficial role in supporting our natural species and environments.\nThe federal government can  and should  do more to follow the example of our Tribal neighbors' management successes.\nThe Umatilla Tribes have also been strong partners in the management of our local lands and river shorelines, including serving as key advocates for our joint efforts to return the Ancient One  or Kennewick Man  to our region's tribes. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) recently teamed up with the Umatilla Tribes to host a virtual Treaty Rights 101 workshop for Central Washington community leaders. With more than 60 local elected officials and community members from Tri-Cities counties, ports, and cities in attendance, the workshop was truly an inspiring demonstration of how we can continue to engage with our local tribes to observe and honor their heritage while making progress on priorities for our growing region.\nAs discussions continue regarding the reconveyance of Columbia River shoreline lands back to local communities, it is dialogues like these that will help form stronger communication between local governments and regional tribes to further develop legislation that best reflects the views and needs of our communities.\nNative American Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can collaborate and build stronger relationships with our Tribal neighbors. By honoring our region's Tribal history, we can ensure that we are respecting the treaty rights of tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining strong government to government relationships that benefit all people living and working in Central Washington. Tribes will continue to be crucial partners as I work in Congress to craft legislation, reform federal regulations, and improve of our way of life throughout our district.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-newhouse-elected-western-caucus-chairman", "What They Are Saying: Newhouse Elected Western Caucus Chairman", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. On November 19, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress.\n WHAT THEY ARE SAYING \nThe American Public Power Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus in the upcoming Congress. He has long recognized the importance of hydropower to his public power constituents and the entire Pacific Northwest. His knowledge of energy issues in the West will be a great asset to the Congressional Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him in his new role.  American Public Power Association\nWestern Energy Alliance is pleased that Congressman Newhouse will lead the Congressional Western Caucus. He understands the public lands issues that are crucial for communities across the West, and how productive uses like energy, mining, timber, ranching, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. He has been a strong voice for the balance that must be maintained on public lands to ensure rural communities thrive while enabling all Americans to enjoy recreational opportunities on public lands. The recent election clearly showed the American people are practical, and that policies like simply stopping development of oil and natural gas on federal lands would upset the decades-long balance that enables job creation and economic opportunity across the region while providing the resources for conservation. Chairman Newhouse will be a strong leader to ensure such misguided efforts do not go forward.  Kathleen Sgamma, President of the Western Energy Alliance\nRep. Dan Newhouse is a champion in the House of Representatives for accelerating new nuclear energy and energy storage technology innovation which will both continue to bring high paying jobs and economic value to the American West.  Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath\nWe congratulate Congressman Newhouse and look forward to working with him to promote U.S. energy leadership through the responsible development of our energy resources. Rep. Newhouse knows firsthand the importance of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry to communities throughout the West and we are confident that under his leadership the Western Caucus will continue to be a leading voice in Washington.  Bill Koetzle, Senior Vice President of the American Petroleum Institute\nCongratulations to Congressman Newhouse for being unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus; American oil and gas producers look forward to working with you on solving our energy challenges and meeting our growing energy needs.  Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council\nThe National Mining Association (NMA) congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his recent selection as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and looks forward to continuing to work with him and his staff in the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus has long been a partner in seeking to promote public land access, responsible resource development, and ensuring that the voice of rural America is heard. NMA and its members are committed to working with the Western Caucus in a bipartisan fashion to help support our nation's economic recovery and further strengthen our national security.  National Mining Association\nThe American Exploration & Mining Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. The bipartisan Western Caucus has proven time and again to beeffective inadvancing the priorities of western communities and the Nation asawhole. AEMA looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Western Caucus under Congressman Newhouse's leadership to ensure America has a secure and stable supply of the mineral resources required by our modern society.  Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration & Mining Association\nOn behalf of the 400 members of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), I would like to commend the members of the Western Caucus for their decision to unanimously elect Rep. Dan Newhouse as Chairman. Rep. Newhouse is a fierce advocate for western communities and his pragmatic leadership will be instrumental in advancing policies that promote environmental stewardship and improve the livelihoods of American families. NSSGA is ready to work with Chairman Newhouse and all the members of the Western Caucus to streamline federal permitting, modernize outdated regulations to cut unnecessary red tape and invest in infrastructure that increases access and drives economic opportunities for rural communities.  Michele Stanley, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association\n\"Congressman Newhouse has long been a strong advocate for water infrastructure. He has worked tirelessly on common sense water policies that will benefit communities large and small. As a farmer he knows how important water infrastructure is to our nation, its food supply, and the economy.The National Water Resources Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Western Caucus.\"  Ian Lyle, Executive Vice President of the National Water Resources Association\nThe American Forest & Paper Association congratulates Representative Newhouse on his election as Chairman of the Western Caucus. In Washington state, Congressman Newhouse has been a strong leader for the paper and wood products industry, which is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the United States with approximately 950,000 employees. We look forward to working with Representative Newhouse and the entire Western Caucus, creating further economic impact, supporting manufacturing jobs in America and advancing the sustainability goals of our industry.  Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association\nThe American Farm Bureau Federation applauds the election of Rep. Dan Newhouse as the Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. As a third generation Yakima Valley farmer, Rep. Newhouse truly understands the unique challenges of farming and ranching in the West and the negative impacts federal regulations can have on the rural economy. We look forward to working with Chairman Newhouse and the Western Caucus to pursue bipartisan solutions for rural America in the 117th Congress.  Dale Moore, Executive Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation\nThe Congressional Western Caucus has long been a strong supporter of Western irrigated agriculture. As a third generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, there could not be a better choice than Rep. Dan Newhouse to take over at the helm of the Western Caucus. We congratulate him, and look forward to working with him in the 117th Congress.  Dan Keppen, Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance\nFrom the benefits of public lands grazing to the mitigation of catastrophic wildfires and beyond, the issues the Western Caucus engages on are essential to the management of our nation's public lands and therefore the sheep industry. It is critical that we continue to highlight opportunities and provide the context necessary for Congress and policy makers to make decisions that support not only the West, but the nation. Representative Newhouse understands these issues and has a record of engaging with stakeholders from all sides to find solutions. The American Sheep Industry is proud to welcome Representative Newhouse as Chairman of the Western Caucus.  Benny Cox, President of the American Sheep Industry Association\n\"Congressman Newhouse is a strong advocate for cattle producers and has been instrumental in getting critical legislation across the finish line while at the same time educating others on the issues that producers face on a daily basis. His tireless work ethic and policy acumen makes him perfectly suited to take on this role and lead the Congressional Western Caucus into the future. We congratulate Chairman-elect Newhouse on his successful election and look forward to continue working with him in the 117th Congress.  Ethan Lane, President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association\nWe congratulate Congressman Newhouse on being elected to serve as Chairman of the Western Caucus. Rep. Newhouse has been an effective champion for the dairy industry on issues ranging from ag labor to trade to the environment. We look forward to working with him and his caucus colleagues on both sides of the aisle as he assumes this new role.  Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation\n\"From Washington state to Washington D.C., Representative Newhouse has been a legislative champion for public lands ranchers and the natural resources upon which they rely. His farming background gives him unique insight into the issues that matter to livestock producers and he understands the gravity of his work to represent rural communities and America's public lands from his Congressional post. Representative Newhouse's passion for and leadership on natural resource and land-use issues makes him well-suited to lead the Congressional Western Caucus. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role and can think of no one better to lead the Caucus into the new Congress. Ranchers across the West send him hearty congratulations for this well-deserved recognition. Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council\nCongratulations to Congressman Dan Newhouse on his election as Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. I have known and worked with Dan for years as a constituent in Washington State but now look forward to continuing to work with him at a federal level on important issues like agriculture, private and federal land management, water issues and much more.NACD looks forward to continuing to work with Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus while emphasizing the locally-led principle for natural resource management for farmers, ranchers and other landowners across the U.S.  Michael Crowder, President-elect of the National Association of Conservation Districts\nSCI congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his appointment to chair the Western Caucus. Hunters have a champion in the Chairman. The Western Caucus will continue to be a strong voice for sportsmen on Capitol Hill under his leadership. We look forward to our work together in the new Congress and beyond.  W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International\nRep. Newhouse is a friend of DU and a leader for western states' issues. His broad background in agriculture and conservation, his passion for rural America and his ability to craft solutions make him a perfect leader of the Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him and stand ready to be a resource for his efforts.  Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited\nThe National Shooting Sports Foundation congratulates Congressman Dan Newhouse as incoming Chairman of the Western Caucus. Steadfast in his support of hunting and conservationtwo of the most important things that connect Western values and the firearm and ammunition industryNSSF appreciates Congressman Newhouse's unwavering leadership in preserving and protecting the traditions we Americans hold dear. We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Newhouse and the caucus in the 117th Congress on priorities important to the industry and the diverse and growing Second Amendment community.  Lawrence Keane, Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation\nBackground:\nThe Congressional Western Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities. The Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress representing western, rural, and resource-based communities and fighting for the priorities of the American people in the process. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.\nInitially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.\nThe Caucus focuses on hands-on Member education and experiences of rural, resource, and western life has been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wishing-you-safe-and-happy-thanksgiving", "COLUMN: Wishing You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From turkey and mashed potatoes to parades and football games, there are a number of family traditions that signify Thanksgiving, but none are as important as the opportunity to reflect on all we have to be grateful for and give thanks.\nThe global pandemic has changed almost everything about our lives. Millions of Americans are working and learning from home, many are struggling to make ends meet, and thousands have tragically lost loved ones. We all long for personal connection, and the uncertainty of this virus and the seemingly endless lockdowns have resulted in hopelessness and deteriorating mental health for far too many of us.\nLike almost every holiday or event celebrated in 2020, this Thanksgiving will be a little different; but now  perhaps more than ever  it is important to be thankful for what we have and look forward to the future.\nThis year, I am grateful to live in Central Washington, where we witness our communities continue to come together throughout the pandemic to demonstrate that we still have a lot to be thankful for.\nUp and down our food supply chain, grocery store employees, producers, and processors are working to ensure that food remains on our shelves and on our tables. Despite the challenges facing our agricultural producers, Central Washington's farmers and ranchers are distributing thousands of pounds of food to families across our state and region. Food banks are working in overdrive to process donations and provide for those in need, and local restaurants continue to donate meals to front line workers.\nLocal businesses adapted their business models  in some cases overnight  to keep their employees safe, and they continue to employ enhanced safety measures and precautions to protect workers. Other businesses are shifting their operations to produce masks and other personal protective equipment, as well as sanitizers that have been utilized throughout the Pacific Northwest.\nTeachers, school administrators, and parents are ensuring our children continue to receive a high-quality education, while safely working toward getting our kids back into classrooms where they can continue to learn, create, and evolve into the next generation of Central Washington leaders.\nAnd of course, we all owe a great deal of gratitude to our healthcare professionals and first responders who have been working around the clock to treat patients, stop the spread of COVID-19, and keep our communities safe and healthy.\nThroughout these challenging times, we still have a lot to be thankful for, and I have never been prouder to hail from Central Washington. We can show our gratitude by each of us doing our small part to protect our communities. Those who are able can shop at a small business this holiday season or support a local restaurant during the lockdowns.\nShow compassion to one another and recognize that this holiday season may be more difficult than others. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take the time to extend your thanks to those around you, and if you are going to gather with your families and loved ones, please do so safely.\nFrom my family to yours, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-elected-chairman-congressional-western-caucus-117th-congress", "Newhouse Elected Chairman of Congressional Western Caucus for 117th Congress", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus voted unanimously to elect Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as Chairman of the Western Caucus for the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus, currently led by Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ), is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities.\nThe Congressional Western Caucus is the premiere organization advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Chairman Gosar brought our Caucus to new heights, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership over these past four years. I intend to build upon this robust foundation, expand our influence, and help achieve new victories for our Members in the 117th Congress. Based on feedback and conversations with fellow Members, I have developed a strong vision for a Member-driven, solutions-oriented future of our Caucus. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and serve as your next Chairman.\nI congratulate my friend, Dan Newhouse, on becoming the new Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Over my 4 years as Chairman, Dan has been a constant by my side. From the Arizona desert to the North Slope of Alaska, I could always count on Dan to be there working for rural and western constituents. I know him to be an outstanding advocate for the priorities of the Caucus and a leader for Western and Rural America. He will lead the Caucus and its membership into a bright future and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come, said Chairman Gosar.\nRep. Newhouse has been a valued leader and advocate for the West. Having truly worked the land as a farmer, he knows firsthand the detriment of federal overreach on the people who live, work, and recreate in rural America. The Foundation is excited to work closely with him as the new Chairman of the Caucus, said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation.\nBackground:\nThe Congressional Western Caucus serves as a unified voice for Members of Congress representing western, rural, and resource-based communities and fighting for the priorities of the American people in the process. Click here to learn more about the Western Caucus.\nInitially, the Caucus was born in the West out of concerns of undue federal interference with rural, agricultural, timber, water, energy and hunting values that had been a part of American society for centuries. The Caucus was founded to fight this federal overreach, promote rural values and preserve our uniquely American way of life. Over time, the Caucus has grown beyond the geographic West, allying with Members of Congress throughout the country that share our values, issues, and vision of a stronger America.\nThe Caucus focuses on hands-on Member education and experiences of rural, resource, and western life has been a hallmark of the Caucus for the last two decades. Currently employing four professional staff, the Caucus brings policy, press, educational opportunities, and advocacy for its entire bipartisan membership through the official Eligible Congressional Member Organization (ECMO) status.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-joins-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-reauthorizing-whip", "Newhouse Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Bill Reauthorizing WHIP Program for 2020 Wildfires", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Authorization Act. This bipartisan bill introduced by Members from West Coast states hit hard by wildfires reactivates the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for 2020 natural disasters, including wildfires. WHIP+ offers critical assistance to agricultural producers, including winegrape growers, whose crops were impacted by smoke taint.\nWildfires and smoke taint pose a great threat to Washington state's distinguished wine industry, a community that is already facing billions of dollars in losses, said Rep. Newhouse. WHIP+ will help our winegrape growers recover from the damages of this year's catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the West, and it will ensure they can continue producing the high-quality Washington wines we are so proud of.\nOur district has again been hit hard by historically damaging wildfires this fire season. As we work to recover, we must support the small family farmers who are at risk of losing everything because their crops were damaged by smoke from the fires,said Rep. Thompson. That's why I am proud to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill activates the WHIP+ program for these 2020 fires and helpsthese growers hit hard by disasters. It will be a vital support system for producers, both in our district and up and down the West Coast, including our vibrant wine community. Know that I will continue working to ensure this bill is passed as soon as possible and to bring back every Federal dollar and resource to help our community rebuild.\nReps. Newhouse and Thompson co-chair the Congressional Wine Caucus, a bipartisan organization of 117 Members from across the United States that advocate for the wine community from grape to glass. In September, wine industry officials sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives outlining the effects of wildfires on the West Coast wine community and urging Congress to reauthorize WHIP+ for 2020.\nOregon agriculture, including our world-renowned wine grape growers, produce some of best crops in the nation, said DeFazio. Tragically, many of these businesses experienced significant damage during September's wildfires, costing millions of dollars in losses. I'm proud to co-sponsor the WHIP+ bill to ensure these producers get the funding they need to rebuild and repair.\nThis was the worst wildfire season we have ever seen in California. Fires burned more than 4 million acres across the state, causing so much hardship on top of the COVID crisis and the economic collapse that we were already experiencing, Lee said. The damage to California farms from fire and smoke has been incalculable. We are the largest agricultural state in the nation, and the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act will help make sure that California farmers can access funds they need to stay in business and continue to feed the country.\nThis year, record-breaking wildfires wreaked havoc on many of our communities on the Central Coast of California. In addition to the structural damage, large swaths of our agriculture, including wine grapes, were tainted due to smoke exposure,said Congressman Panetta.WHIP+ historically has been a lifeline to producers who suffered this type of disaster. As it stands, unfortunately, the program does not cover 2020 losses. Our legislation, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, will ensure that wine grape growers, who suffered severe losses during this unprecedented wildfire year, are eligible for these crucial payments.\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\nBackground:\nThe Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 authorized the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to help agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. WHIP+ covers losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines that occurred as a result of hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters. Click here to learn more about WHIP+.\nIn Washington State, there are more than 1,000 wineries and over 300 winegrape growers. With 16 unique AVAs across the state, Washington's wine industry continues to grow and produce high-quality varieties that are enjoyed all over the world. In addition, Washington State University is one of the country's leading viticulture research institutions and one of only 14 universities in the United States to offer a Viticulture & Enology degree.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-voice-west", "COLUMN: A Voice for the West", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Central Washington, we understand all-too-well the frustrations that come from feeling like rural communities are being ignored. Large cities and urban areas seem to suck all the air out of the room, leaving those of us in rural America feeling we do not have a voice.\nThis is especially true in our nation's capital and why I take my responsibility as the voice for Central Washington very seriously. As one of 435 Members in the House of Representatives, I work every day to educate my peers about the priorities and issues facing our district.\nFrom water supply and public land-use to agriculture and energy development, our communities face unique challenges  but we aren't in it alone.\nFor the past few years, I have served as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, a bipartisan coalition that aims to advance priorities of rural America. The Western Caucus provides an opportunity for Members not just in the West, but from across the country  from Alaska and Arizona to South Carolina and Louisiana  to advocate for our constituents through a platform that unites, elevates, and strengthens our voices.\nAs a Caucus, we advocate for legislation and policies that empower rural communities. We have worked to encourage responsible resource development and energy independence, increase access to public lands and promote multiple-use, protect our communities from wildfires, support our nation's agriculture industry, and strengthen the water infrastructure that makes our way-of-life possible throughout the West.\nTogether, we have spearheaded efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act, working alongside the Trump Administration to  finally  delist the gray wolf and allow for state and local entities to manage gray wolf populations.\nWe have strongly advocated for reforms to our nation's regulatory processes in order to decrease burdens on rural communities, encourage critical infrastructure development, and responsibly manage, conserve, and utilize our natural resources. We saw a lot of these reforms come to fruition in President Trump's modernization of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and his repeal of the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.\nWe have made a lot of progress, but there is much more to accomplish.\nAs a Vice Chairman of the Caucus, I have had the chance to travel across the United States to learn about the issues facing different regions of our country. Whether it be discussing wildfire prevention and forestry reforms in California, locally-led conservation efforts in Montana, carbon-capture technology in Texas, the maintenance backlog at our national parks in Arizona, or energy development in Alaska, these trips are educational opportunities that I have not taken for granted.\nWhile our Members represent diverse populations, we have a common interest in standing up for rural America. That is why I am proud to launch my bid for Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.\nAs a lifelong resident of Central Washington and a third-generation farmer, I have a unique understanding of the negative impacts federal decisions and one-size-fits-all regulations can have on our communities. I want to use this experience to expand the influence of the Caucus and protect the values of rural communities throughout the West and beyond.\nAs we look toward the 117th Congress, the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to serve as champions for those who feel they have been left behind by the federal government's overreaching laws and burdensome regulatory red tape. As Chairman, I will continue to advocate for the priorities of Central Washington and rural communities across our great country, and I look forward to serving as a Voice for the West.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wildfire-recovery-demonstrates-central-washington-s", "COLUMN: Wildfire Recovery Demonstrates Central Washingtons Resiliency", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the past few months, catastrophic wildfires raged  once again  throughout Central Washington and across the West. Smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest, and whole towns were essentially wiped off the map.\nUnfortunately, we are not strangers to the devastation of catastrophic wildfires. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic that already put strain on our local economy and agriculture industry, the damages seem even greater. While the fires may no longer be burning here at home, the impacts on our communities remain.\nI recently visited Okanogan County, where I toured some of the damage from the Cold Springs Fire. The Cold Springs Fire claimed homes, community structures like the Omak Mill, and  most tragically  the life of a one-year-old child and his unborn sibling.\nWe ended the tour at T3 Ranch, where the Townsend Family and community volunteers stored fire recovery supplies that were donated from as far away as North Dakota, proving to me, once again, that in the face of catastrophe, Central Washington remains resilient.\nIn the aftermath of these disasters, our communities are coming together to rebuild and recover with the hope that the federal government will hear their pleas for action and  finally  reform our land management practices to protect the homes, businesses, and communities across the West that face this threat every year.\nThe Washington state congressional delegation has supported requests for federal disaster declarations in counties across the state, but the facts are clear: Rural communities are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing federal disaster funds.\nIn years past, Washington state and many counties in our district have been granted Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support emergency work and repair of public facilities. However, our small, rural communities have been denied Individual Assistance that would help families and businesses directly recover and rebuild homes and businesses they have lost.\nThat is why I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reform our disaster funding criteria, so that local impacts of disasters are taken into account and rural communities across the country are treated fairly.\nDespite this disadvantage, people of the communities I have visited in the wake of this year's wildfires remain full of hope and are looking toward the future.\nWhile in Okanogan County, I hosted a Wildfire Recovery Roundtable with local elected officials, tribes, and community leaders to discuss ways the federal government can work with those on the ground to both rebuild and prevent these disasters from devastating our communities.\nThe roundtable confirmed what I and many of my colleagues in Congress understand: Healthy, resilient forests and grasslands are the key to wildfire prevention.\nDecades of mismanagement, misguided environmental policies, and lackluster forestry and grazing practices have led to forests and grasslands that act as tinder for wildfires, just waiting to be set ablaze each summer. We cannot continue to sit idly by. We have to responsibly log our forests and graze our lands, or we will watch them burn.\nSince coming to Congress, I have strongly supported legislation to improve land management practices on public lands, allowing federal, state, and local managers to increase the resiliency of our forests and grasslands. The federal government has made progress, but there is much more work to do.\nI have seen firsthand how citizens, volunteers, local organizations, and government entities work together to revive our communities, rebuild our fallen structures, and actively work to prevent future devastation. Just as Central Washington remains committed to wildfire recovery efforts, I remain committed to supporting them in Congress and advancing federal wildfire prevention measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-gray-wolf-delisting-trump-administration-follows-sound-science", "Newhouse: Gray Wolf Delisting By Trump Administration Follows Sound Science, Not Politics", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced the final rule to remove the gray wolf from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the lower 48 states:\nThe gray wolf is an Endangered Species Act success story, said Rep. Newhouse. By empowering states to manage gray wolf populations, the federal government is recognizing the effectiveness of locally-led conservation efforts,basing management decisions on sound science instead of politics,and providing certainty to families, farmers, and rural communities in Central Washington and throughout the country. This action is one of the many steps the Trump Administration is taking to modernize the Endangered Species Act and protect American wildlife, and I look forward to continuingto build uponthese efforts in Congress.\nWCA applauds today's Department of the Interior announcement regarding the removal of all gray wolves from the list of ESA-protected species, said Ashley House, Executive Vice President of Washington Cattlemen's Association.We have tremendous confidence in the science that informed this important decision and thank Secretary Bernhardt for his leadership on this matterWe would especially like to extend sincere gratitude to Congressman Dan Newhouse for all his efforts that were undoubtedly instrumental in bringing forth the delisting and for his continued support of ESA reform.We are hopeful that this decision will guide our Washington state policy and policymakers towards a similar statewide decision towards management of the gray wolf population here locally. As ranchers, we remain optimistic that we will be able to protect our livelihoods and ability to produce a safe, affordable, domestic food supply while working in tandem with wildlife managers for balanced management and realized success.We commend the administration for this terrific work.\nThis is great news for Washington state where our wolf population has reached recoverable levels, said Mike LaPlant, President of the Washington Farm Bureau. We are very thankful for the work of President Trump, Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Director Aurelia Skipwith,and Congressman Newhousefor all their work to make this happen. It's time to end the federal/state split management of wolves in Washington and allow our state wildlife managers to manage wolves in conjunction with all other species.\nIn 2013, the Obama Administration's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that gray wolf recovery goals had been achieved, yet the effort to delist the animal from the ESA was met with politically-motivated attacks and lawsuits by radical environmental groups. Management of gray wolves was transferred from the states to the federal level following two 2014 U.S. District Court decisions that reinstated gray wolves under the protections of the ESA.\nThe best available scientific and commercial information continued to indicate the gray wolf does not meet the definitions of a threatened or endangered species. With a range-wide population of more than 6,000, gray wolf recovery efforts have exceeded the combined goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations. In Washington state alone, there are at least 108 known wolves in 21 known packs, including at least 10 breeding pairs, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation reported 37 wolves in five packs.\nThe gray wolf joins the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, American alligator, brown pelican and 33 other species of animals and plants in U.S. states, territories and waters that have been brought back from the brink with the help of the ESA.\nBackground:\nOn March 15, 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to delist the gray wolf and announced the opening of a 60-day public comment period on the proposed action, ending May 14, 2020. In response to requests, the Service extended the comment period until July 15, 2019, to allow all interested parties additional time to comment on the proposal and to allow for a public hearing. In addition, a final peer review report on the proposal was made available on June 3, 2019.\nOn May 28, 2019, Rep. Newhouse and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) led 34 colleagues in a bipartisan letter in support of the proposed rule, urging the Administration to use the best available science to delist the gray wolf. Click here to read the letter.\nIn the 115th Congress, Rep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 6784, theManage Our Wolves Act, which passed the House on November 16, 2018.\nIn Washington, the gray wolf is only listed as endangered in two-thirds of the state. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has publicly supported changing the federal designation in order to fully implement their local management plan. Clickhereandhereto read the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's 2015 and 2018 letters requesting the federal delisting of the gray wolf.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-honors-zillah-family-2020-angels-adoption", "Newhouse Honors Zillah Family as 2020 Angels in Adoption", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ZILLAH, WA Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recognized Zillah residents Margarita (Maggie) and Eugene Dawson as Central Washington's 2020 Angels in Adoption. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)'s Angels in Adoption program honors families, individuals, and organizations making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and welfare. The Dawson's were nominated by Rep. Newhouse to receive this honor.\nMaggie and Eugene knew their nieces and nephews would need a loving family after this unimaginable tragedy,said Rep. Newhouse.They stepped up, surrounded by support from their community, to provide a home and help the children heal from their trauma. Now, as a family of 12, the Dawson's serve as an inspirational example of how families can thrive, even in the darkest of times. They are angels who truly exemplify the family values we hold dear in Central Washington.\nMaggie and Eugene Dawson welcomed their eight nieces and nephews to live in their home just two days after the children's mother lost her life at the hands of their father. Together with their two biological children, Maggie and Eugene have created a safe place and secure family unit, ensuring the children have a chance to grow up with their siblings and cousins. In 2017, they were granted permanent custody of the seven minor children.\nBackground:\nThe Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAI's Angels in Adoption initiative provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity from their district which has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.\nCCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-newhouse-brings-attention-mistreatment-dairy-industry-epa", "ICYMI: Newhouse Brings Attention to Mistreatment of Dairy Industry by EPA", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RICHLAND, WA On October 9, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) welcomed the Western Caucus Foundation to Central Washington for its Fall Policy Roundtable: When Agencies Weaponize Fake Science. The roundtable aimed to bring attention to the negative impact of misguided federal government decisions and regulations on rural communities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s mistreatment of the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.\nAs Vice Chairman for the Congressional Western Caucus, Rep. Newhouse moderated the roundtable, which included representatives from the Western Caucus Foundation, Washington State Dairy Federation, Idaho Dairymen's Association, Darigold, and Save Family Farming, as well as Central Washington dairy farmer Adam Dolsen and fellow Western Caucus Member, Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). Chief of Staff to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Mandy Gunasekara, joined the group virtually.\n\"I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with theWesternCaucusFoundation, our panelists, and Ms. Gunasekara from EPA on an issue that has been affecting certainly my constituents in Central Washington and those in rural areas across the country: weaponized 'science,' said Rep. Newhouse. It is no secret that many of the legacy regulations put in place by the Obama Administration have burdened rural America, and you don't have to look far to find an example. In our region, regional EPA employees have been unfairly punishing dairy farmers for years, forcing several dairies to permanently close their doors  all based on a flawed report. We cannot allow federal agencies' regulatory decision-making to demonize whole industries, weaponize shoddy science, or rely on data that has not even been peer-reviewed.I appreciate EPA's willingness to have these important discussions and their commitment to working with rural communities to achieve our shared goals of protecting the environment while providing for jobs and economic development.\nWashington, D.C. has a long history of making decisions that pit East Coast interests against the needs of the rural West, said Rep. Fulcher (R-ID). Fortunately, the Trump Administration has a been a strong partner in pushing back on this lopsided status quo, but there is still work to be done. Unelected bureaucrats with their we know better' attitudes cannot continue to unilaterally dictate federal actions. I will continue to stand up on behalf of Idaho's dairy farmers  and all farmers  to fend off these misguided assaults on our rural way of life. With partners like the Western Caucus Foundation, we can continue to solve problems for Idahoans and Americans in rural communities across the country.\nIn addition to informing and educating policy makers on issues unique to the American West, a key pillar of the Western Caucus Foundation's mission is to ensure local voices have a platform in the face of federal bureaucrats' outsized influence in our nation's capital, said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundation. This roundtable was a perfect opportunity to hear from local representatives of dairy farmers in the Pacific Northwest and their frustrations with the weaponization of fake science by federal agencies. We commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to righting this ship and for its many efforts to respect the rights of individuals in the West.\nRegion 10 remains stuck in its position in allegiance with the environmental activists that are trying to destroy agriculture, not only in Washington state but across the nation, said Dan Wood, Executive Director of the Washington Dairy Federation. Instead of dealing with transparency and science, we have these dastardly political moves by EPA in the court room. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation, for hosting this roundtable, which will hopefully serve as a catalyst for the change Washington dairy farmers deserve.\nIdaho's dairy farm families have long felt that their voice goes unheard by many federal agencies, said Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen's Association. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus Foundation for providing a platform for these important conversations with EPA and thankful for Congressman Fulcher's leadership on behalf of the Idaho dairy industry.\nMy family and I  alongside farmers across the Pacific Northwest  work hard to produce dairy products for families across the world, said Adam Dolsen, Owner of Cow Palace Dairy. For years, our industry has been targeted by environmentalist groups and federal bureaucrats touting shoddy science. Congressman Newhouse understands that we need a positive change, or the American dairy industry will cease to exist. I was grateful for the opportunity to join the Western Caucus Foundation's policy roundtable and begin having these important discussions with EPA.\nWhen EPA makes the decision to attack an entire industry based off of false science, it affects all of agriculture, said Gerald Baron, Executive Director of Save Family Farming. We have been working to defend Washington's dairy farmers from harmful regulations and unfair enforcement by the EPA, and this roundtable was another step toward ensuring relief for our dairy industry and for producers across the country. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for including us in the discussion and for your commitment to holding EPA accountable.\nBackground:\nIn 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report titled, Relation Between Nitrate in Water Wells and Potential Sources in the Lower Yakima Valley, Washington (EPA-910-12-003) (Yakima Valley Nitrate Report) . The Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used to place liability on current dairy farmers for high nitrates in Yakima Valley groundwater. While dairies can and sometimes do contribute to nitrates in groundwater, overwhelming evidence shows that levels above EPA limits in this area are almost certainly the result of past farming practices and naturally higher nitrate levels in this fertile farming production land.\nCursory peer reviews were performed on the report, but the complete review was missing whole sections. EPA Region 10 staff refuse to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Service complete a proper peer review, per many versions of the EPA's own peer review policies. EPA Region 10 staff also had the designation of the study changed from influential to other, giving the EPA full discretion for the peer review process.\nThe Yakima Valley Nitrate Report has been used, without adequate peer review, to force dairies in Central Washington out of business and into financial peril. The report has also been used by an environmental attorney who has sued multiple additional dairy farms and used it to impose unprecedented regulations in Washington state.\nOn July 1, 2019, Rep. Newhouse requested that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler perform a legitimate peer review study of the September 2012 EPA Yakima Valley Nitrate Report. In aletter, Rep. Newhouse asks Administrator Wheeler to suspend the study from enforcement action and litigation pending completion of the peer review. Click here for more details.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-american-dream-alive-and-well-main-street", "COLUMN: The American Dream is Alive and Well on Main Street", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and that could not be truer in Central Washington's rural communities. The owners and employees of Main Street businesses are integral to the well-being of our communities, and the support for small businesses I have witnessed during my travels throughout our district is inspiring.\nWe are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Unfortunately, our small and local businesses  from restaurants and clothing retailers to hardware stores and hair salons  have been hit hard, and many are struggling to survive.\nI have participated in several Main Street Tours over the past few years in towns like Ritzville, Prosser, and Zillah. These tours are an opportunity for me to visit the smaller rural communities of Central Washington, meet with local business owners and community leaders, and hear firsthand about the challenges they face and what I can do to help.\nI recently traveled to Grant and Franklin Counties, where I participated in Main Street Tours of Quincy and Connell, two communities that have demonstrated great resilience and strength throughout these difficult times.\nIn Quincy, we visited the site of the Woodinville Whiskey Distillery Co., which aims to open in December. This new distillery will not only add jobs to the local economy, but it will highlight the contributions of local agriculture by making bourbon with rye and corn produced by Quincy farmers. This is just one example of job creation in the face of the economic challenges of a pandemic.\nDespite these challenges, Central Washington's communities are growing, and Quincy High School is working to help students meet the needs of existing and emerging job markets in our region. Quincy High, which focuses on preparing students for the workforce with strong programs from agriculture to STEM education, recently completed a $100 million expansion to accommodate for increasing populations.\nIn Connell, I was greeted by a variety of local business owners who opened their doors to me and shared their experiences with state regulations and lockdowns. Each and every one of them was optimistic for brighter future.\nRestaurants like Pizza Station are surviving the pandemic through curbside pickup and by establishing a delivery service. Another local pizza joint, Papa Ray's, has relied on family members pitching in to keep the business afloat. Both restaurants expressed gratitude toward the community of Connell for supporting them when they needed it most.\nI visited Imagination Station, Connell's only licensed childcare facility, where staff took voluntary pay cuts in order to continue providing services to children and families; Connell's Small Mall, where local vendors have gathered to sell their goods for decades; and the Old Brick Store, a collectibles store with a rich local history. It was clear to me at all of our stops on the Main Street Tour that the people of Connell truly exhibit the value of community we cherish in Central Washington.\nIf you ever wondered if the American Dream is alive and well, I encourage you to look toward Main Street. The small business owners, employees, educators, and families that inhabit our local cities and towns truly care about improving their communities and contributing to the greater good. I have and will continue to work to ensure that each and every Central Washingtonian can pursue the opportunities that make America great, and it is an honor to represent our Main Street small businesses in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402023", "Herrera Beutler Helps Secure $3 Million Grant to Establish Industrial Workspace in Washougal", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award of $3 million to the Port of Camas-Washougal to help establish an industrial workspace for use by local manufacturing employers. \r\nThe EDA grant, targeted to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and $1.4 million in state funds, and is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $10.6 million in private investment.\r\nIn addition to helping establish the Opportunity Zone in Washougal, Herrera Beutler also partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to successfully earn this grant. Her advocacy included this 2019 letter to EDA.\r\nYet another reason I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was because it established Opportunity Zones like the one that's bringing 130 new jobs and $10 million in private investment to Washougal, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. Job creation has always been my top priority, so I'm grateful to the Department of Commerce for targeting the tools Congress provided through the 2017 tax cuts bill in support of the Port of Camas-Washougal's effort to bring more manufacturing jobs here.\r\nEDA is proud to support local efforts to improve infrastructure to spur new business growth, Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said. EDA investments in Opportunity Zones enhance the return on investment for business interests and encourage the public/private partnerships critical to driving private investment and new jobs to cities like Washougal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-bringing-bipartisanship-other-washington", "COLUMN: Bringing Bipartisanship to the Other Washington", "2020-10-19", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It is no secret that, in recent years, politics have become increasingly divisive. What Americans across the country see on television is arguing, partisan attacks, and politicized accounts of votes on specific pieces of legislation.\nWhat they don't see is the behind-the-scenes conversations, the bipartisan collaboration, or the hundreds of bills we unanimously pass out of the House. These things are happening all the time, but one of my priorities in Congress has been to make these occurrences more frequent and to bring these collaborative efforts into the limelight.\nI am proud of my long history of working across the aisle with my colleagues  from the Washington State House of Representatives and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to the halls of Congress. In my experience, working together  in a bipartisan fashion  is the best and most effective way to deliver results.\nNot long ago, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and I participated in a Civility & Respect Tour throughout Washington state. We traveled across our districts to speak with small businesses, students, and federal partners about the importance of bipartisanship in Congress. These trips served as beneficial opportunities to hear different perspectives from fellow Washingtonians located just hours away from my own congressional district.\nI recently joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) for a similar event in the form of an online discussion about increasing bipartisanship in Congress. As a former technology executive, Rep. DelBene has different experiences and perspectives than I do as a lifelong farmer  but there are several priorities of our districts and our state that align. We discussed our shared goals of strengthening international trade deals, working to reform our agricultural labor programs, and ensuring that our state has the tools and resources we need to combat COVID-19 and keep families safe.\nAccomplishing these goals for Washington would be impossible if it weren't for the across-the-aisle collaboration and relationships we have built within our state delegation, which is something I am very proud of. Reps. Kilmer, DelBene, and I have worked to promote this collaboration through our work on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress as well.\nWashington state is well-represented on the Select Committee. As Chairman, Rep. Kilmer brought together 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans, including Rep. DelBene and myself, to work together on a truly bipartisan basis to improve the People's House.\nWe recently released the Select Committee's final report, which includes 97 bipartisan recommendations about how to make Congress more effective and transparent for the American people, including recommendations to specifically increase bipartisanship and relationship-building in Congress.\nThe Select Committee made recommendations for creating venues for bipartisan partnerships in the Capitol, as well as a biennial bipartisan retreat, where elected Representatives and their families could get to know each other outside of the House floor and committee rooms.\nAs Rep. Kilmer once said to me: The best way to know where someone is coming from is to actually see where they come from. I have taken his words to heart, and I truly believe that a sense of understanding, respect, and  eventually  bipartisanship will result from Members actively learning more about their peers from across the country.\nAs we approach the election on November 3, it is important to remember that civility and respect must play an important role in our political and daily lives. I am proud of Washington state's ability to work together, across party lines, for the priorities of our great state, and I will continue to embrace the relationships I have built across the aisle. I hope others will do the same.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402020", "Herrera Beutler Conversation with Camas Native, Astronaut Michael Barratt, and NASA Administrator Now Available", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler's Q&A session with Camas native, NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and Vancouver iTech Preparatory and Camas' Odyssey Middle School, is now posted and available for others to watch any time.\r\nThe virtual conversation focused on NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024. Students from both participating schools asked a range of questions, many of which focused on Dr. Barratt's personal experience in space, his career path, and how NASA is studying the effects of space on the human body.\r\nIt was an honor to talk to a Camas native, NASA astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and connect him with Southwest Washington students to share about our space program, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. I believe we sparked interest in more than a few students to consider how they too can one day explore space, and maybe walk on the moon or Mars. With the right STEM skills and hard work, they now know that the sky doesn't have to be the limit.\r\nInspiring the Artemis Generation to pursue STEM careers is crucial to cultivate the talent America needs to succeed in sending human explorers to deep space, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. To further NASA's mission, we want to engage students and show them they can be part of the Artemis Program to go forward to the Moon in preparation for Mars. Congresswoman Herrera Beutler has shown great leadership in the state of Washington and the nation, helping provide STEM opportunities for students at all educational levels and supporting NASA STEM Engagement overall.\r\nAdditional Information:\r\nNASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt's Biography\r\nNASA's Artemis Program\r\nNASA STEM Engagement", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/absolute-game-changer-newhouse-applauds-department-energy-investment", "An Absolute Game-Changer: Newhouse Applauds Department of Energy Investment in Central Washington Nuclear Energy Projects", "2020-10-14", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the recipients of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). ARDP will provide initial funding to projects developing advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. The selected ARDP recipients, X-energy and TerraPower-GE Hitachi, will work in partnership with Energy Northwest in Richland, WA, as the key utility partner to continue innovating the next generation of nuclear energy technology.\nRep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the ARDP awards and Energy Northwest's role in the selected projects:\nThe selection of these projects is an absolute game-changer for our state and makes it official: Tri-Cities, Washington is a global leader in nuclear energy innovation, said Rep. Newhouse. The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program indicates the Department of Energy's commitment to the development of safe, reliable nuclear power, which is unquestionably necessary as our country heads toward a clean energy future. I applaud DOE's recognition of the brilliant scientific minds in Central Washington, our region's history of nuclear development and innovation, and the legacy these projects will establish for the future of nuclear power in the United States. I could not be more thrilled with this announcement and this momentous opportunity for our region.\nX-energy will deliver a commercial four-unit nuclear power plant based on its Xe-100 reactor design. The Xe-100 is a high temperature gas-cooled reactor that is ideally suited to provide flexible electricity output as well as process heat for a wide range of industrial heat applications, such as desalination and hydrogen production. The project will also deliver a commercial scale TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel fabrication facility, leveraging DOE's substantial investment in development of this highly robust fuel form.\nTerraPower will demonstrate the Natrium reactor, a sodiumcooled fast reactor that leverages of decades of development and design undertaken by TerraPower and its partner, GEHitachi. The high-operating temperature of the Natrium reactor, coupled with thermal energy storage, will allow the plant to provide flexible electricity output that complements variable renewable generation such as wind a solar. In addition, this project will establish a new metal fuel fabrication facility that is scaled to meet the needs of this demonstration program.\nBackground:\nThe Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, is designed to help domestic private industry demonstrate advanced nuclear reactor in the United States.\nUnder the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, DOE received $230 million to start a new demonstration program for advanced reactors. ARDP elements include Advanced Reactor Demonstration, Risk Reduction for Future Demonstrations, Regulatory Development, and Advanced Reactor Safeguards.\nClick here to learn more about ARDP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-executive-order-support-reliable-modernized-water", "Newhouse Applauds Executive Order to Support Reliable, Modernized Water Infrastructure", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Modernizing America's Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure. The Executive Order establishes a Water Subcabinet of senior federal agency officials to ensure federal coordination on water policy and facilitate efficient, effective management and modernization of water supplies and systems. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the action:\nOne of my highest priorities since coming to Congress has been strengthening and modernizing the federal water infrastructure that makes our way of life possible in Central Washington and across the West, said Rep. Newhouse. The establishment of the Water Subcabinet by President Trump is a monumental step toward meeting the water supply, storage, and infrastructure needs of rural communities across the United States. From continuing to build upon the incredibly collaborative efforts in the Yakima River Basin to fulfilling the federal government's commitment to the completion of the Columbia Basin Project, I will continue to work with federal agencies to secure this vital resource for Central Washington. President Trump's Executive Order will go a long way in successfully doing so.\nUnder the Executive Order, the Water Subcabinet will:\n Promote effective and efficient water resources management by reducing duplication between Federal agencies developing water policy;\n Develop a national water strategy to ensure the reliability of our water supplies, water quality, water systems, and water forecasting;\n Protect taxpayer investments and improve water infrastructure planning by promoting integrated planning and coordination for drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, water storage and delivery, and water resource management; and\n Support and enhance workforce development to recruit, train, and retain water sector professionals.\nClick here to read the text of the Executive Order and click here for a fact sheet.\nThe Water Subcabinet will be co-chaired by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler. It will include senior officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, and the Department of the Army; and it will work in close coordination with senior officials from the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and other federal agencies as appropriate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-delist-gray-wolf", "COLUMN: Delist the Gray Wolf", "2020-10-12", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Endangered Species Act was signed into law to help protect and recover animals and wildlife facing critical threats or risk of extinction. As Americans, we share the common goal of protecting our environment, creating healthy ecosystems, and ensuring that our growing human populations can live in tandem with the plants and animals around us.\nWhile the law was well-intentioned, the ESA has not seen meaningful reforms since 1978. Our country has grown and evolved immensely in the last four decades, and it only makes sense to bring this landmark species protection law into the 21st Century.\nI have worked alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Western Caucus to modernize the ESA and move species recovery forward more effectively. From ensuring data from local, state, and tribal governments is utilized when making these important decisions to requiring the federal government to disclose their decision-making data to the public, we aim to make the ESA listing process more transparent and responsive to those it affects most.\nAmericans in rural areas across the country  and right here in Central Washington  are fed up with the federal government mandating one-size-fits-all regulations without considering the needs of local communities. We also understand the importance of locally-led conservation projects, which have effectively resulted in the protection of our land and our native species.\nEarlier this Congress, I introduced the WHOLE Act to ensure that all conservation measures are considered when federal decisions impacting ESA-listed species are made. By considering the totality of conservation efforts  not just those established by the federal government  we can incentivize further investment in species recovery and promote more comprehensive efforts between the federal government and states, local communities, and tribes.\nThe Trump Administration has proposed updates to the ESA that will result in effective, science-based conservation. By promoting transparency and commonsense policymaking, these new regulations ensure local input is considered when making critical habitat decisions and will empower our communities to celebrate our species recovery efforts.\nWhile the Administration has been making progress, there is still work to do.\nThe negative impacts of an outdated, overreaching Endangered Species Act are realized throughout our communities in Central Washington. The most glaring example: the gray wolf.\nThe gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in 1978. At that time, the best available science suggested the species was at risk of extinction. Now, gray wolves can be found across the United States and in nearly fifty countries around the world, and we must use the best available science to delist the gray wolf and allow our states to manage its populations.\nIn Washington, gray wolf management becomes even more convoluted. With patchwork protections in different areas of our state, it appears we are abandoning scientific reasoning and expecting these apex predators to abide by arbitrary, invisible boundaries.\nIn 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that gray wolf recovery goals had been achieved, yet the effort to delist the animal from the ESA was met with politically-motivated attacks and lawsuits by radical environmental groups. As a result, the growing gray wolf population continues to threaten agriculture and livestock, hunting and recreation, and other wildlife  as well as human lives  in communities across the United States.\nThe recovery of the gray wolf should be considered an ESA success story. As I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure a modernized, effective Endangered Species Act, I am calling on the Administration to use the scientific data we have available: delist the gray wolf, allow our states to manage populations, and celebrate this win for species recovery.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-newhouse-bill-address-crisis-mmiw-law", "President Trump Signs Newhouse Bill to Address Crisis of MMIW Into Law", "2020-10-10", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after President Trump signed Savanna's Actand theNot Invisible Actinto law:\nPresident Trump signing these bills into law signals to Native communities across the country that this crisis will no longer go unnoticed, said Rep. Newhouse. The families and loved ones of missing and murdered indigenous women have waited far too long for justice, and it is my hope that we can begin working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. I am grateful for the tribes, advocates, and community members who have helped bring awareness to this issue and for all of my colleagues in Congress who helped us take this important step.\nRep. Newhouse introduced Savanna's Act in May 2019. The bill passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 21, 2020. Click here to learn more.\nBackground:\nOn May 14, 2019, Rep. Newhouse joined Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to introduce Savanna's Act, a bill that aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) across the country. The bill develops guidelines and best practices for law enforcement agencies across the country, improves coordination between law enforcement agencies, and enhances reporting, record keeping, and communication for law enforcement and families of victims.\nSince the bill's introduction, Rep. Newhouse has continued to urge Congress to act and pass legislation to provide relief to Native communities. In October,he hosted an hour-long bipartisan call-to-actionon the House floor.Click here to watch remarks by Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues.\nLater that month, Rep. Newhouse arranged meetings with House leadership for two Yakama Nation leaders, then-Chairman JoDe Goudy and Councilwoman Lottie Samm, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to express the impact the MMIW crisis was having on local communities and to discuss the importance of passing legislation like Savanna's Act.\nSavanna's Act was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. While House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-CA) did not meet with the delegation, Rep. Newhouse and the Yakama Nation leaders met with Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, and Chairwoman Karen Bass (D-CA) of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.\nFollowing the announcement of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, orOperation Lady Justice, Rep. Newhouse invited Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney to Central Washington to hear firsthand from tribal leaders. The group discussed how federal actions and legislation would help Native communities more effectively investigate crimes and deliver justice to the loved ones of these women.Click here to read more about the meeting in theYakima Herald-Republic.\nLast month, Rep. Newhouse convened a similar meeting, inviting U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop to meet with local, state, and tribal law enforcement officers and discuss the challenges they face in curbing the disproportionately high murder and violence rates against Native American women. At this meeting, Rep. Newhouse discussed how Savanna's Act would aid law enforcement agencies to track findings and more effectively investigate cases of MMIW. The U.S. Attorney also announcedOperation White Swan, a federal effort that aims to curb violence on the Yakama Nation reservation.\nOn March 11, Savanna's Act passed through the House Judiciary Committee unanimously.Rep. Newhouse issued a statement of support.\nOn July 17, Rep. Newhouse led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Pelosi, urging congressional action onSavanna's Actand theNot Invisible Actbefore August recess. The letter has not received a response.\nOn September 17, Rep. Newhouse was joined by his Congressional Western Caucus colleagues, Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), todemand a House voteon Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act.\nOn September 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act unanimously.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402029", "The Daily News: Opinion Editorial: Forest Management", "2020-10-09", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the past few weeks, we didn't have to turn on the TV or see photos online to understand the severity of the wildfires burning up and down the West Coast. \r\nUnbreathable air shut us into our homes. The dark skies gave us a gut-wrenching, hopeless feeling. Many Washington, Oregon, and California residents lost homes and businesses. Hundreds of thousands of acres of vital wildlife habitat were destroyed.\r\nAs always, our brave first responders battled the blaze in a huge effort to protect our communities. Resources for firefighting are critical, and I've worked to successfully increase funding for wildland fire preparedness from my position in Congress.\r\nBut we don't need to put first responders in harm's way, battling these largely preventable crises every year. We shouldn't resign ourselves to a new normal of annual destruction and pollution, where we're worried about our lives, homes, and loved ones with asthma or fragile health conditions. There are steps we can take immediately in our northwest forests to drastically reduce the scope and duration of these destructive, unnatural fires.\r\nI agree with this quote from Washington's Democrat Commissioner of Public Lands, Hillary Franz: By actively managing our forests  using strategies such as prescribed burns and thinning  we can restore forests to a more natural and resilient condition. We can bring our forests back to health, boost jobs in rural Washington, and reduce the threat of wildfires.\r\nA changing climate is also a real factor in creating some of the conditions that contribute to fire. But we are virtually fanning the flames if we only throw up our hands, ignore forest management, and wait for the entire world to agree on climate change. Reducing carbon emissions, including the carbon released by our burning forests, and taking science-based forest management action is not an either/or choice. Let's do both.\r\nThe damage done by inaction on forest management is no exaggeration. A recent news story provides a tragic example: a U.S. Forest Service thinning project near Mt. Hood was suddenly halted by a familiar foe of science-based forest management  an extremist environmental group from the city of Portland. The group and its lawyers, like many extremist groups before it, sued successfully to stop the project and supposedly save old-growth and the spotted owl.\r\nThe result? A lightning storm ignited a fire in the project area that decimated more than 17,000 acres, including significant old-growth and owl territory. \r\nEnough. The U.S. Forest Service needs to find a way to let science-based management practices win the day  not special interest-funded lawyers. \r\nAdmittedly, the Forest Service has been hampered by the harmful practice of fire borrowing which meant it was robbing from forest management and other non-fire accounts to fight catastrophic wildfires. Congress finally put an end to fire borrowing in 2017. The Forest Service needs to fight extremist lawsuits in court, and then use its replenished funding to finish these important projects.\r\nAnd it has to catch up from years of neglect in our federal forests. Dead branches, leaves, immature trees, and brush  known as ladder fuels  lie untouched on the forest floor. These ladder fuels allow fires to grow rapidly and uncontrollably. They need to be removed. \r\nThere's also an overpopulation of mature and harvestable trees. U.S. Forest Service officials estimate that hundreds of millions of board feet of lumber are added each year to the forest in my backyard, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, while only about 50 million board feet are harvested. These trees grow uncontrolled, competing for sunlight and water in densely packed areas that attract pests to infect them and reduce them to overgrown kindling. \r\nCongress has failed to advance a solution I helped shape, Rep. Westerman's bipartisan Resilient Federal Forests Act. It should revisit this solution immediately. The bill would address our forest health by making it easier to salvage timber and reforest after fires, would manage forests to emphasize early seral habitat that's critical for the species that provide food for the Spotted Owl, and gives the U.S. Forest Service other critical tools to proactively manage forests.\r\nAgain, a lack of active management has left our forests with a diminished natural resiliency due to overgrowth which forces an unnatural competition between trees for water, leads to stress-induced bug kill and disease, and creates an explosion of ladder fuels that energizes the infernos we are experiencing.\r\nWe can fix this. We don't need to resign to a future of smoldering homes and 500-plus air quality indexes. I'm going to continue to do my part in fighting for common sense solutions that give our forests and communities a fighting chance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-delbene-underscore-role-working-across-aisle-cascadia-college", "Newhouse, DelBene Underscore Role of Working Across the Aisle at Cascadia College Forum", "2020-10-07", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SUNNYSIDE, WA  Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) underscored the need for more bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. and greater civilized discourse in the current polarized atmosphere at a virtual forum hosted by Cascadia College on Monday evening.\nEncouraging civility and increasing conversations across the aisle has been one of my priorities in Congress. It is no secret that politics have become increasingly divisive, but it is our responsibility to work together and deliver results for our constituents, said Rep. Newhouse. From our early COVID-19 response to supporting international trade, the Washington state delegation shares several bipartisan priorities that require collaboration, and I am proud of how we have been able to put our political differences aside to address the priorities of Washingtonians. Thank you, Rep. DelBene, for inviting me to join you in this important conversation to show that we can disagree without being disagreeable.\nIt is no surprise that politics has become more divisive in recent years but there is still more that unites us than divides us. My congressional district was described as the most evenly divided in the country when it was created and it is an honor to serve all my constituents, said Rep. DelBene. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us we can still come together in a bipartisan way. Our state was hit early by the outbreak. Our federal delegation  Democrats and Republicans  united to do all we could to get the state the resources it needed in those critical early days. I want to thank Rep. Newhouse for joining me for this important discussion at Cascadia and for the strong partnership we enjoy.\nThe conversation was moderated by Cascadia College President Dr. Eric Murray. The event is part of a series to highlight the importance of working together to solve tomorrow's problems. Engaging students can help prepare future leaders to replace harmful rhetoric with civil discourse and gridlock with progress.\nThe full video of the virtual forum can be found here.\nReps. Newhouse and DelBene both serve on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, where they work on a bipartisan basis to bring Congress into the 21st Century and ensure the People's House works efficiently for all Americans. The Select Committee recently approved the fifth package of recommendations. Click here to learn more.\nIn addition to the Select Committee, Reps. Newhouse and DelBene have worked on several bipartisan priorities for Washington state, including supporting state needs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening international trade agreements.\nBackground:\nRep. Newhouse has participated in similar events aiming to promote civility and bipartisanship.\nIn October 2018, Rep. Newhouse joined Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) on a bipartisan Civility & Respect Tour. The tour allowed both Members to travel to each other's districts, meet with constituents, and discuss how working across the aisle is critical for making progress in Congress and increasing respectful dialogue across the country.\nIn August 2019, Reps. Newhouse and Kilmer participated in a discussion on bipartisanship as part of the Association of Washington Business Federal Affairs Summit.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402011", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Named Friend of Farm Bureau", "2020-10-05", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today announced she has earned the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her steadfast support of Southwest Washington's farmers and ranchers in Congress.\r\nHerrera Beutler received an official notice from the American Farm Bureau that she received this distinction. The Friend of Farm Bureau award is given to members of Congress who have supported farm-friendly legislation and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus.\r\nIt's an honor to be recognized as a Friend of Farm Bureau' for my work in Congress to support farmers and ranchers throughout Southwest Washington, Herrera Beutler said. From oyster growers and cranberry farmers in Pacific County, to the berry and tree fruit farmers throughout our region, I'm going to continue fighting for solutions that help them succeed, because when they are successful, everyone in our region reaps the rewards. I'll always be an unwavering friend to our Southwest Washington farmers and ranchers and will fight for their priorities in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-central-washington-manufacturers-create-and-innovate", "COLUMN: Central Washington Manufacturers Create and Innovate", "2020-10-05", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, October 2, we celebrated National Manufacturing Day, a day to applaud the millions of American manufacturers who are working to produce the finest, high-quality products in the world.\nI have had the opportunity to visit with manufacturers throughout Central Washington, and I am grateful for their contributions to not only our local economies, but to our national security and economic independence as well.\nMany modern-day manufacturing careers require some type of secondary education, and our institutions have stepped up to the challenge. From universities and community colleges to technical schools and apprenticeship programs, our students are offered more opportunities to pursue manufacturing careers than ever before, and our teachers and instructors are eager to train the next generation of creators.\nOn the heels of National Manufacturing Day, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) celebrates our state's manufacturers throughout Manufacturing Week. Manufacturing in Washington supports more than 284,000 good-paying careers and contributes more than $60 billion in goods to our state's economy.\nAWB's Manufacturing Excellence Awards recognize local businesses working to create and innovate right here in Washington. This year, several Central Washington manufacturers are being honored.\nShields, a Novolex company in Yakima, is being recognized as a finalist for the Operational Excellence Award. The workers at Shields create food packaging, bags, and more that are used in homes, retail, grocery stories, and industries around the world.\nYakima Chief Hops (YCH), a grower-owned hop supplier located in the nation's hop capital of Yakima Valley, is nominated for the Green Manufacturing Award. YCH recognizes, as all farmers do, that healthy crops rely on a healthy planet, and they are continually innovating and finding ways to make their operation more environmentally friendly.\nLastly, Humming Hemp, based in Tri-Cities, has been recognized as a finalist for the Innovation Award. Humming Hemp creates protein bars, oils, and other superfood products using healthy ingredients and sustainable farming practices. In 2019, Humming Hemp expanded distribution to Kroger stores across the United States.\nThese are just a few of the many examples of Central Washington's extraordinary manufacturers, but they are well-deserving of AWB's recognition. I congratulate them for working to create jobs and produce goods they are proud of, because  as the Manufacturing Excellence Awards demonstrate  manufacturers large and small play a crucial role in our local economies and global supply chains.\nPresident Trump understands the importance of a label reading Made in the U.S.A., which is why I will continue to support this Administration's pro-growth regulations and encourage the continued negotiation of beneficial trade deals like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement that was finalized earlier this year.\nEnsuring opportunities for American manufacturers is absolutely crucial to our national economy, especially as we head toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that American made goods and products are the best in the world, and we should be proud of the men and women who create, innovate, and manufacture them.\nI am proud to support Central Washington's manufacturers. As our local economies continue to grow and evolve, so will our manufacturing industries. I will continue working in Congress to pass policies that spur job growth and empower our young people to pursue careers in manufacturing so our future generations can continue creating.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402008", "U.S. House Passes Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Helping MOMS Act", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Robin Kelly (D-IL), aimed at reducing and ending America's growing maternal mortality crisis.\r\nThe bill providesstates with the option to extend Medicaid coveragethroughthe entirepostpartumperiod of one year, a proven strategyforreducing maternal deaths. Currently, most statesonlyprovide Medicaid coverage for 60-daysimmediately following childbirth. In order to increase the coverage window, the state must apply andbe approved fora waiverbythe U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.\r\nI'm pleased the House approved our bipartisan Helping MOMS Act, which is going to ensure women can access care in the year following birth, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. We know that seven out of ten new moms will face a health complication during that time, so guaranteeing their ability to see a doctor and get treatment if needed is a monumental step in our fight to end this nation's maternal mortality crisis.\r\nThis is abigstep toward reducing the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths by ensuring new momscan continue to seek necessary medical care,Congresswoman Kelly said. I'm proudto havebroughtmy colleagues from both sides of the aisle together to address thisgrowingpublic healthcrisis.This is nota magic pill tosolveAmerica'smaternal mortalitycrisis,butthisbill providesasolid, bipartisan,evidence-basedapproachto saving lives.We must continue working, inside and outside of government, to ensure startingafamily doesn't cost a woman her life.\r\nData clearly shows that 70 percent of new moms will have at least one health complication within a year of giving birth.With more than half of new moms covered by Medicaid, theHelping MOMSActcould significantlyimprove these health outcomes.\r\nIn recent years, the U.S. has made headlines for its disturbing and growing rate of maternal mortality. It was more dangerous to have a baby in 2018 than it was in 1985. According to the CDC, 700-900 American moms lose their lives every yeardue topregnancy or birth-related complications.More than half of these tragic deaths are entirely preventableper theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).\r\nHerrera Beutler'sbill,Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, was signed into in 2018  a landmark piece of legislation and the largest successful step Congress has taken to combat maternal mortality. Her bill authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toissuethe first round of grants to states to help with their efforts to combat maternal mortality. Washington state received $375,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pnw-members-applaud-final-decision-columbia-river-system-completion", "PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum", "2020-09-29", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Members of the Pacific Northwest's congressional delegation released the following statements after the final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations was filed, signaling the completion of President Trump's Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West:\nFederal water infrastructure makes our way of life possible throughout the West. Central Washington boasts one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and our farmers and ranchers would simply not be able to provide food and fiber for the world without a reliable supply of our most precious resource: water, said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). The Presidential Memorandum, which called for the completion of the scientific environmental review for the Columbia River System Operations a year sooner than originally slated, is delivering certainty to not only our agriculture industry, but to the millions of people who rely on the clean and reliable power generated by our hydroelectric dams. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for working collaboratively to support our federal water infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply and delivery, and develop a plan for the future.\nThe Columbia and Snake River dams are foundational to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). They provide us clean, renewable, low-cost energy, support our farmers, provide flood control to our region, and so much more. Based on the best available science, the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Record of Decision confirms what we already knew, our dams and river system are essential to our region. Alongside this decision, the administration's announcement today regarding their actions to ensure a reliable supply of water to the Western United States is essential to meeting the needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Thank you to President Trump for prioritizing and delivering results on these important issues.\nThe Columbia River is vital to the way of life of Southwest Washingtonians, providing clean hydropower, productive salmon runs, safety from floods, and reliable transportation on the Columbia River, said Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA). The final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the culmination of science-based collaboration by several federal agencies, as well as regional, state, local, and tribal stakeholders. I am pleased that completion of the EIS was prioritized and that it will balance the many needs of Southwest Washingtonians for the future.\nThe carbon free, baseload energy that the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) provides is more important than ever, said Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). The Snake River Dams are critical to our grid's reliability. While many in California will attack our critical infrastructure, they needed the systems baseload energy this summer to prop up their flawed energy policy. With the release of the FCRPS Record of Decision, the science shows, yet again, that our hydropower system is crucial to our way of life in Idaho and the entire West.\nOregon and the Pacific Northwest are blessed with a river system that helps us transport goods and that generates 43 percent of our state's electricity. I am pleased that the Trump Administration successfully prioritized the completion of the most recent environmental review guiding operations of the Columbia River System, to protect fish and support clean, renewable energy in our region,said Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR).\nOn October 19, 2018, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West (Western Water PM) directing the Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Army Corps, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Energy to coordinate and complete the environmental reviews of major water infrastructure projects in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The Western Water PM specifically included the comprehensive scientific review of the Columbia River System Operations.\nThe final Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration as co-lead agencies on July 31. The EIS documents evaluate the impacts of the long-term, coordinated water management functions for the operation, maintenance, and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the federal Columbia River System. Reps. Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Herrera Beutler released a joint statement applauding the release.\nThe joint Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations EIS was signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration on September 28, 2020. The Record of Decision is the final step in the Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.\nBackground:\nIn addition to streamlining environmental review processes for specific projects, the Western Water PM directed the Departments of the Interior and Commerce to convene water experts and resource managers to develop an action plan to improve information and modeling capabilities related to water infrastructure projects. The Federal Action Plan for Improving Forecasts of Water Availability was released in October 2019.\nThe Western Water PM also called for improving use of technologies to improve the reliability and accuracy and delivery of water and power, including enabling the use of recycled water. The National Water Reuse Action Plan was issued in February 2019.\nClick here to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-renewing-our-commitment-impact-aid-and-rural-students", "COLUMN: Renewing Our Commitment to Impact Aid and Rural Students", "2020-09-28", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many of us are familiar with how our school districts are funded. Construction costs, maintenance updates, teacher salaries, and more are funded by local taxpayers. With local property taxes, levies, and bonds, superintendents and school district administrators work to ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Over the past several years, many of our school districts have expanded to accommodate growing numbers of students. But what happens when a school district is on or surrounded by federal land?\nTo fulfill our commitment to future generations of Americans, the federal government established the Impact Aid program. Impact Aid provides federal dollars to school districts who serve federally-connected children, or communities on land that is exempt from local property tax, such as U.S. military installments, tribal reservations, low-rent housing properties, and other federally-connected lands.\nFrom tribal reservations and Bureau of Reclamation lands to the Hanford Site, the federal government has a significant footprint in Central Washington. Because of this, almost every county in the 4th Congressional District contains areas with a diminished local tax base that our school districts rely on to provide for our students.\nWhether they know it or not, hundreds of families in our region have benefited from this federal program, from Mt. Adams School District in Yakima County to Nespelem School District in Okanogan. In 2018, Central Washington's school districts received more than $6 million in Impact Aid payments. These reimbursements have allowed school districts to complete construction at new schools, expand classroom sizes, and ensure safe facilities for our students and families.\nGrowing up near the Yakama Nation reservation, I have long understood how federally-impacted lands affect our local school districts, and since being elected to Congress, I have met with superintendents up and down Central Washington who have strongly advocated for continued Impact Aid reimbursements and shared stories of how these payments have allowed they to continue teaching our younger generations.\nAs Co-Chair of the House Impact Aid Caucus, I understand how important this federal program is for local students and families in Central Washington. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure adequate funding of this program so our children  and children throughout rural and federally-impacted lands across the country  are not left behind.\nOn September 30, the United States celebrates 70 years of the Impact Aid program providing these critical reimbursements for our local school districts. I partnered with Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) to introduce a bipartisan resolution in the House celebrating the program's anniversary and the lasting effects it has had on our rural students.\nAs we navigate a return to in-classroom learning for students of all ages, it is especially important that Congress renews our commitment to the Impact Aid program. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our students in all school districts receive the educational opportunities they deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402007", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Files Discharge Petition in House to Revive Paycheck Protection Program", "2020-09-25", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This morning, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) filed a discharge petition in the U.S. House of Representatives to force a vote to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a lifeline for small businesses in Southwest Washington and across the country.\r\nThe discharge petition, should it garner the required 218 signatures from U.S. Representatives, will then allow the House to bring to the floor a bill, authored by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01), to distribute the remaining nearly $135 billion in current PPP funds sitting idle after the program's August 8 expiration.\r\nSpeaker Nancy Pelosi continues to stall bringing forth legislation that would distribute the forgivable PPP loans to small businesses who are nearly on the brink of collapse.\r\nThis public health crisis has left our small businesses near permanent closure, and that will happen on a massive scale if Congress doesn't act. Yet Congress isn't acting, so I've filed the discharge petition in the House today so we can bypass the political posturing and bring relief to our nation's small businesses and their employees. Other relief remains vital, but we either save jobs and businesses now or provide triage soon for the damage caused by empty buildings, lost livelihoods and health care plans, and fewer employment opportunities overall. Reviving the PPP has to be our priority, Herrera Beutler said.  The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a critical lifeline for America's small businesses. Since its launch, the program is credited with saving 51 million jobs nationwide. But our work in helping small business owners stay open and keep employees on payroll is not done. A recent report indicates that as many as 36 percent small businesses say if no new funding comes from Congress soon, they will be forced to lay off workers or cut back hours. Democrats have consistently blocked or delayed relief, but Republicans are not giving up. That is why House Republicans, led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler have filed a discharge petition to force a vote on a stand-alone extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through the end of the year. It only needs 218 signatures to force a vote, so I hope that our Democrat colleagues will join us in delivering relief. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to act on our Commitment to America; we will be relentless in our fight to protect jobs, small businesses, and the American dream, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.\r\nSince March, small businessescorner stores, retail shops, and family restaurantshave been struggling to survive.Congress worked in a bipartisan manner to pass the CARES Act, which delivered rapid assistance to small firms through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program.Unfortunately, in recent months, additional relief for small businesses has been caught up in the partisan logjam and the livelihoods of real people hang in the balance. Congress must work together to get help to small businesses in Washington, Ohio, and across our great nation.Rep. Herrera Beutler's discharge petition to force a vote on my legislation is the way to do just that.I thank her for her leadership on behalf of America's small businesses, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) said.\r\nWATCH: Herrera Beutler on her way up the steps of the Capitol to file the discharge petition. Video here.\r\nDemocrats Strongly Considering Signing Discharge Petition\r\nMultiple news outlets, including Roll Call and The Hill, are reporting that several House Democrats are strongly considering bucking their party to sign Herrera Beutler's discharge petition.\r\nAnd as of yesterday, Politico is reporting that House Democrats are pressuring Democratic Leadership to work on a bipartisan COVID relief, citing Herrera Beutler's discharge petition as the motivating factor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-levin-introduce-resolution-honor-70th-anniversary-impact-aid", "Newhouse, Levin Introduce Resolution to Honor 70th Anniversary of Impact Aid", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced a resolution to recognize and celebrate the 70th anniversary of Impact Aid on September 30, 2020. As Co-Chair of the House Impact Aid Caucus, Rep. Newhouse leads 90 bipartisan members to support and advocate for the Impact Aid program, which provides critical reimbursements for school districts impacted by nontaxable federal property.\nCentral Washington's students and school districts greatly benefit from the Impact Aid program, and I am proud to support these critical reimbursements, said Rep. Newhouse. From tribal reservations to Bureau of Reclamation lands, the federal government has a large footprint in our district, and we have a responsibility to ensure our students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve  despite a significantly diminished local tax base. I thank Rep. Levin for partnering with me to introduce this resolution recognizing 70 years of Impact Aid.\nThe Impact Aid program provides critical support to over 1,200 school districts that serve some of our most vulnerable student populations. We must continue to provide these school districts with the resources they need to serve students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, said Rep. Levin. Impact Aid is also critical for the military families I serve and schools on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, including San Onofre Elementary and Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Rep. Newhouse reaffirming our commitment to supporting them.\nFor 70 years, Impact Aid has played a critical role in school districts' efforts to provide all students with the opportunities they need to meet their full potential, said Hilary Goldmann, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. The flexible funds provided by the program are used for instructional materials, technology, staffing, social emotional supports and other priorities identified by local officials. In the context of COVID-19, Impact Aid is keeping students, staff and communities safe and learning. We thank Congress for its continued support of the program, which recognizes the Federal government's obligation to school districts where it holds land.\nClick here to read the full text of the resolution.\nNearly 880,000 children of our men and women in uniform, children residing on Indian lands, children in law-rent public housing, and children of civilians working or living on federal land are considered federally-connected children who are served by local educational agencies eligible for Impact Aid Basic Support payments.\nFor Fiscal Year 2019, Washington's 4th Congressional District's school district received the following Impact Aid Basic Support payments:\nColumbia School District #206: $137,132.51  Grand Coulee Dam School District #301-J: $126,932.80  Granger School District #204: $42,182.10  Mt. Adams School District #209: $2,886,034.90  Nespelem School District #14: $1,538,060.55  Okanogan School District #109: $76,374.45  Omak School District #19: $96,763.25  Toppenish School District #202: $496,796.75  Wapato School District #207: 2,265,797.94\nBackground:\nThe Impact Aid Program was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1950. The program is the oldest K-12 federal education program. Nationwide, approximately 1,200 school districts enrolling more than 10 million students benefit from Impact Aid funding. Click here to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-short-term-continuing-resolution", "Newhouse Statement on Short-Term Continuing Resolution", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support H.R. 8319, the Continuing Appropriations Act, a spending bill that funds the government through December 11, 2020:\nA short-term funding solution is never ideal, but this Continuing Resolution provides for many of Central Washington's priorities, said Rep. Newhouse. I'm glad to see Democrat leadership listened to the outcries from both sides of the aisle and included critical agriculture provisions like mandatory programs for conservation, child nutrition, risk management, and wildfire recovery to help our farmers and ranchers continue their essential work. The legislation also includes a provision I worked to include to ensure we can retain our Hanford workforce and the extension of important health programs our communities rely on, including Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Center programs. As an Appropriator, I believe Congress must do its job and pass the full appropriations bills, and as negotiations proceed, I will continue to advocate for responsible federal spending that will meet the needs of our communities and empower Central Washington to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402000", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect New Mothers from Surprise Bills", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect new parents from surprise medical bills. The No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act, co-led by Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45), would simplify the process for enrolling newborns in health coverage.\r\nAs a mother to three young children, I can report that the last thing on your mind after having a baby is rushing to fill out complex insurance paperwork to ensure your infant's health insurance is covered, Herrera Beutler said. Yet this glaring loophole that leads to surprise billing is saddling countless new parents with thousands of dollars in expenses they weren't anticipating and is contributing to rising health care costs in our country.I'm pleased to partner on this bipartisan legislation today to ensure new parents will have the flexibility to enroll their new infant in health insurance, and to focus on what is most important  the health and wellbeing of the mom and their new child.\r\nThe No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act will simplify the insurance enrollment process by:\r\n \r\n    Requiring all health plans and insurers cover newborns under the mother's coverage for 30 days after birth.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Establishing a uniform 60-day enrollment period for all plans and insurers after the first 30 days after birth for newborns. This gives parent(s) sufficient time to enroll their newborn in coverage and handle enrollment issues that may arise.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Requiring all health plans and insurers notify parent(s) if they receive a bill for an uncovered newborn. If an insurer receives a bill from a hospital or provider for a newborn that is not yet enrolled in coverage, they must notify the parent(s) immediately.\r\n \r\nRepresentatives Peter Welch (VT-At Large), Tom Cole (OK-4), David Trone (MD-6), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Gil Cisneros (CA-39), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) also joined as original cosponsors of the legislation.\r\nThe legislation has earned the endorsement of numerous women's and children's health organizations, including March of Dimes, March for Moms, American Hospital Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and American Academy of Family Physicians.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402001", "U.S. House Passes Jaime Herrera Beutler-Supported Bill to Improve Maternal Health", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), which will take steps to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity and improve health services for women in Southwest Washington and across the country.\r\nH.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2019, will increase access to health services for women in rural areas, expand telehealth grants to include maternal health providers, and improve the quality of care and training for maternal health providers to improve birth outcomes and save lives during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. \r\nIt's encouraging that Congress is continuing to tackle the maternal mortality crisis that has been plaguing our country for far too long, Herrera Beutler said. The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act is a step in the right direction, and will build upon my Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which was signed into law in 2018. I'm going to continue advocating for solutions will help improve the health and wellbeing of moms and babies in Southwest Washington and across the nation.\r\nThe legislation will also create a grant program to establish rural obstetric networks aimed at improving birth outcomes and reducing maternal mortality for Native American and Alaskan Inuit population, two minority groups who face a higher rate of maternal deaths.\r\nMaternal Mortality Crisis in the United States\r\nThe United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related complications each year. \r\nHerrera Beutler's landmark maternal health legislation, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, was approved by Congress and signed into law in 2018, and was the strongest effort Congress had taken to reserve the endemic maternal mortality rate in the U.S.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402002", "U.S. House Approves Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Scarletts Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act  bipartisan and bicameral legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), and Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Tom Cole (OK-4). The companion measure to this legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bob Casey, Johnny Isakson, Sherrod Brown and Doug Jones passed the Senate earlier this year.\r\nThis bill will provide critical support for advocates and families impacted by Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). It would also provide grants to states, municipalities, and nonprofits to improve data collection and death scene investigations for deaths categorized as SUID or SUDC. Additionally, this legislation would help promote safe sleep practices to help prevent these tragedies and when one does occur, ensure a death review is conducted. \r\nThe United States has one of the highest infant mortality rates among other developed nations and this legislation is a crucial first step in addressing this crisis.\r\nI've heard one too many heartbreaking stories from parents who have lost a child due to SIDS, which are unbearable losses to these families, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased the House approved this critical, bipartisan legislation today that aims to help identify possible causes to sudden and unexpected deaths among children and infants and prevent other families from experiencing these terrible tragedies.\r\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are roughly 3,500 sudden unexpected infant deaths and 400 sudden unexpected child deaths in the U.S. each year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-led-legislation-address-crisis-mmiw-heads-president-trump-s", "Newhouse-Led Legislation to Address Crisis of MMIW Heads to President Trumps Desk", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) praised the unanimous passage of Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. Both pieces of legislation were previously passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee and the United States Senate. The bills will now head to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\nHouse passage of these two bipartisan bills, which aim to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, comes as a result of Rep. Newhouse's efforts over several years to encourage federal action.\nOn July 17, 2020, Rep. Newhouse led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Pelosi urging congressional action on Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act. Most recently, on September 17, he was joined by his colleagues in demanding a House vote on the legislation.\nClick here to watch Rep. Newhouse's remarks on the House floor in support of Savanna's Act.\nThe passing of this legislation is long overdue, said Rep. Newhouse. Throughout Central Washington and across the country, the families and loved ones of thousands of missing or murdered indigenous women are awaiting justice. This crisis has been going on for decades, and our Native communities have had enough. It is because of their voices and their strong advocacy that we are able to pass this legislation and  finally  send Savanna's Act to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.\nRep. Newhouse joined Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to introduce Savanna's Act in May 2019. The legislation, named in honor of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, addresses the disturbing increase in murdered and missing Native America women by creating new guidelines for responding to such cases and by incentivizing various law enforcement agencies to implement them.\nNative women have endured horrific rates of assault, rape and murder for far too long, and innocent people like Savanna have been lost with too little effort spent on ending this scourge, said Rep. Torres. That shameful reality stops today. I am incredibly grateful to the bipartisan group of lawmakers who joined forces with me to champion Savanna's Act throughout the legislative process and usher it to a successful vote today. While we celebrate this victory, every one of us knows it's bittersweet. I hope this vote brings some closure to the countless family members in Native communities who live with the pain of a lost loved one every day. Their unwavering advocacy made this day a reality, and an untold number of lives will be saved as a result.\nEveryone deserves to feel safe in their communities, but Native American and Alaskan Native women continue to face murder and violence at rates that should make our country ashamed. Savanna Greywind's story is heartbreaking and the fact that there are an unknown number of stories like hers is terrifying. This long-standing epidemic will take time, resources, and dedication to resolve itand today we're taking a major step by passing Savanna's Actto improve data collection of missing and murdered indigenous women which is critical to solving this problem. Representatives Torres and Newhouse were great partners as I worked hard to prioritize the safety of all Native women,on and off Tribal lands, with this bill,said Rep. Haaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.\nRep. Newhouse cosponsored the Not Invisible Act, a bill that further coordinates federal efforts to respond to and solve cases of missing and murdered indigenous women.\nClick here to watch Rep. Newhouse's remarks on the House floor in support of the Not Invisible Act.\nFor too long, indigenous women and Native communities have faced this crisis alone and suffered in silence, said Rep. Newhouse. By sending this bill to President Trump's desk, we are signaling that we have heard them, and they are no longer invisible.\nBoth pieces of legislation are supported by Central Washington tribes.\nToday's passage of Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act are important steps in helping the Yakama Nation and tribes across the United States protect our loved ones. The establishment of data bases on missing and murdered Indian people and ensuring tribal law enforcement agencies have access to those data bases will provide valuable information. The establishment of a multi-agency Commission that will include federal, state, local and tribal officials to make recommendations on best practices to combat the disappearance, homicide and trafficking of Native peoples is also a welcomed development. We greatly appreciate Dan Newhouse's leadership in the enactment of this important bipartisan legislation, said Athena Sanchey-Yallup, Secretary of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and Chair of the Yakama Nation Missing and Murdered Indian Women Committee.\nIn 2017, the Urban Indian Health Institute, began a study to assess the number of cases of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls in cities across the United States. Washington State was identified as the second highest in the nation with 71 cases and Seattle had the highest ranking for a city with 45 cases. The statistics for the non-reporting, under-reporting and under-prosecuted cases of missing and murdered indigenous women is staggering! The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation fully supports and thanks Congressman Newhouse for securing enactment of Savanna's Act because it will improve law enforcement data to help prevent these horrific crimes against our daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, and nieces, said Chairman Rodney Cawston, Colville Business Council. \nBackground:\nOn May 14, 2019, Rep. Newhouse joined Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to introduce Savanna's Act, a bill that aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) across the country. The bill develops guidelines and best practices for law enforcement agencies across the country, improves coordination between law enforcement agencies, and enhances reporting, record keeping, and communication for law enforcement and families of victims.\nSince the bill's introduction, Rep. Newhouse has continued to urge Congress to act and pass legislation to provide relief to Native communities. In October,he hosted an hour-long bipartisan call-to-actionon the House floor.Click here to watch remarks by Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues.\nLater that month, Rep. Newhouse arranged meetings with House leadership for two Yakama Nation leaders, then-Chairman JoDe Goudy and Councilwoman Lottie Samm, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to express the impact the MMIW crisis was having on local communities and to discuss the importance of passing legislation like Savanna's Act.\nSavanna's Act was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. While House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-CA) did not meet with the delegation, Rep. Newhouse and the Yakama Nation leaders met with Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, and Chairwoman Karen Bass (D-CA) of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.\nFollowing the announcement of the Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, orOperation Lady Justice, Rep. Newhouse invited Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Sweeney to Central Washington to hear firsthand from tribal leaders. The group discussed how federal actions and legislation would help Native communities more effectively investigate crimes and deliver justice to the loved ones of these women.Click here to read more about the meeting in theYakima Herald-Republic.\nLast month, Rep. Newhouse convened a similar meeting, inviting U.S. Attorney Bill Hyslop to meet with local, state, and tribal law enforcement officers and discuss the challenges they face in curbing the disproportionately high murder and violence rates against Native American women. At this meeting, Rep. Newhouse discussed how Savanna's Act would aid law enforcement agencies to track findings and more effectively investigate cases of MMIW. The U.S. Attorney also announcedOperation White Swan, a federal effort that aims to curb violence on the Yakama Nation reservation.\nOn March 11, Savanna's Act passed through the House Judiciary Committee unanimously. Rep. Newhouse issued a statement of support.\nOn July 17, Rep. Newhouse led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Pelosi, urging congressional action on Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act before August recess. The letter has not received a response.\nOn September 17, Rep. Newhouse was joined by his colleagues to demand a House vote on Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-celebrating-national-clean-energy-week", "COLUMN: Celebrating National Clean Energy Week", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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-efficient future for us all.\nThis week, we celebrate National Clean Energy Week. During this time, Americans are encouraged to consider the impact that clean energy has on our daily lives, and Central Washington is no exception. The diverse energy sources in our region  from hydropower and nuclear energy to wind, biomass, and solar power  make Central Washington a shining example of an all-of-the-above energy system the rest of the nation should strive to achieve.\nPerhaps the most significant clean energy source in our backyards is hydropower. Our impressive dam system provides reliable energy to millions of people, and according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Washington state generates more hydroelectric power than any other state. The Grand Coulee Dam is the largest power station in the nation, supplying an average of 21 billion kilowatt-hours of clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to 11 states and Canada each year.\nAdditionally, the Columbia and Snake River Dams produce nearly 60% of the energy in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Many self-proclaimed environmentalists have tried to remove this important clean energy infrastructure, but those who listen to sound science have refuted their claims. I am honored to stand in steadfast support for this vital energy source that literally fuels our region.\nWind turbines scattered throughout Central Washington generate more than 3,000 megawatts of electricity each year. Adams County is home to Washington's largest solar farm, which is 25 times larger than any other solar farm in the state, and earlier this month, Violet Power announced they would be locating a new solar power manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, creating 1000 jobs and helping the U.S. secure our energy independence from countries like China.\nIt would also be a disservice to our region to recognize National Clean Energy Week and not discuss the important role of nuclear power. The only nuclear power reactor in the Pacific Northwest, located in Richland, Washington, produces more than 8 percent of our state's electricity, employs nearly 1,000 Washingtonians, and contributes more than $13 million in annual tax revenue.\nThrough the use of low enriched uranium fuel, miniature nuclear reactions boil water and produce steam to spin a turbine and to create electricity. The entire process emits zero greenhouse gases and has up to double the energy production capacity of natural gas and coal units. In 2018, just one nuclear power plant in rural Washington prevented the release of 6.21 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Numerous studies have shown that nuclear power is one of the most reliable, sustainable, and affordable forms of clean energy, and Central Washington benefits greatly from it.\nScientists and researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have demonstrated national leadership in grid storage research, advancing our ability to store and better utilize our renewable energy resources. Earlier this summer, I joined U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette at the site dedication for the new Grid Storage Launchpad, an investment by the federal government recognizing that the incredible work at PNNL will help the United States win the global battery arms race.\nThis National Clean Energy Week, we recognize that we still have work to do to secure our nation's energy independence and clean energy future, but there is a bright future ahead. Central Washington has served as a leader in sustainable energy development for decades, and I will continue to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of clean energy innovation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-agritourism-essential-and-safe", "COLUMN: Agritourism is Essential  and Safe", "2020-09-14", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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. For many, showcasing animals, livestock, and locally-grown food is a point of pride and the pinnacle of a year's hard work. Not only do fairs give us an opportunity to come together and better understand where our food comes from, but they also serve as an economic opportunity for many of our rural communities.\nIn addition to large-scale events like fairs, our local farmers and ranchers open their farms to children and families to share the stories, natural products, and traditions of rural America year after year. Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards have become a staple in fall traditions, and our farmers are proud to welcome the next generation on to their homesteads.\nAgritourism has always been culturally and economically central to our way of life, but it is even more apparent this year. The gates on our fairgrounds unfortunately remain closed, and many of the small farms, who rely on fall visitors, worry about what this season will look like for their businesses and livelihoods.\nAt the end of August, Governor Inslee issued a frustrating, misguided order, prohibiting the operation of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and other forms of agritourism. This is yet another example of the Governor not fully considering the ramifications of such actions. The issuance of such an order  with only weeks before these farms anticipate conducting operations on which they depend for a large portion of their revenues  is patently irresponsible and gravely disappointing.\nNot only are state restrictions on the agritourism industry putting these farms and their proprietors at profound economic risk, but they lack sound reasoning from a policy-making standpoint. Many forms of agritourism  from farm tours and hay bale rides to pumpkin and apple picking  are almost exclusively conducted outside and at a distance from others. Once again, my question for the Governor remains: Why are you picking winners and losers? If we can safely mask up and maintain social distance at a grocery store, why can't we mask up and maintain social distance at an outdoor farm?\nThese added regulations are particularly harmful when one considers the already immense impact on the agricultural industry caused by the cancellation of fairs across the state. State and county fairs, a less obvious form of agritourism, bring the agricultural industry into the limelight and create important educational opportunities for students and families. At the same time, they provide important seasonal revenue for local economies. Fairs in Central Washington and around the country generate billions of dollars that simply cannot be replaced or recouped without the ability to operate.\nI recently cosponsored H.R.7883, the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act, to provide much-needed relief grants to fairs that are unable to generate any revenue this year. The federal government can and must take such measures to prevent unmitigated and devastating losses to these vital sectors of local agricultural economies, which are prohibited from operating by state government mandates.\nIn our agriculturally rich region, our producers have a lot of knowledge and expertise to share. Fairs and agritourism bring families closer to those who grow and produce our food, creating a stronger community. As I have said all along in this pandemic, Central Washington is resilient, but these seemingly arbitrary regulations on whole industries will stifle our economy instead of support it.\nI will continue to work in Congress to ensure our families, businesses, and workers have the support they need  including our small farmers and ranchers who rely on agritourism and the fairs that are so integral to our way of life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-original-conservationists", "COLUMN: The Original Conservationists", "2020-08-31", "2020", "2020-08", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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 species. The same goes for sportsmen, many of whom hunt or fish in order to honor generational traditions or provide for their families. Without responsible land use, resource development, and local conservation efforts, hunting, farming, and fishing as we know it would cease to exist.\nThe values and merits of these trades and ways of life have been realized by those who came long before us. Today, rural communities across the country and in Central Washington appreciate the benefits of caring for our lands, emulating past generations while also advancing practices and technology to better serve present needs.\nThe United States is home to some of the most beautiful public lands in the world. Our national forests, grasslands, and landscapes rely on our contributions of active management and responsible use to maintain and preserve these lands for current and future generations. Our farmers and sportsmen understand this, which is why I have been proud to support our locally-led conservation and species management efforts.\nI have worked alongside the Trump Administration to modernize and clarify existing land use regulations, and I have worked directly with landowners and ranchers in our district to help achieve the shared goal of ensuring our land continues to serve our agriculture industry, recreationists, and native species. The President-elect of the National Association of Conservation Districts, Michael Crowder, is a resident of Central Washington, and he works each and every day to advocate for local conservation projects across the country while representing our district with pride.\nNow, the federal government has taken further action to empower sportsmen and women to continue their important conservation and species management efforts.\nU.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Bernhardt recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and fishing access in our nation's history. By opening up over 4 million acres of public land to our sportsmen and women  including seven refuges and hatcheries in Washington state  more Americans will now have the opportunity to utilize the lands that belong to us.\nAs U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Director Aurelia Skipwith stated, these outdoor activities epitomize our American heritage. This historic move by Secretary Bernhardt will go a long way toward fulfilling our nation's long-standing conservation and species management objectives.\nAdditionally, four of the largest national agriculture and sportsmen advocacy groups recently came together to pledge their partnership and collaboration for conservation of our public lands.\nThe National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Public Lands Council, Ducks Unlimited, and Safari Club International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the USFWS, demonstrating an impactful commitment to private and voluntary land conservation. By honoring the cultural and historical significance of our public lands, empowering rural communities to continue locally-led conservation efforts, and educating the public on the importance of grazing and hunting on public lands, the MOU promotes responsible use of the lands we love and rely on.\nAs a strong advocate for conservation of our natural resources, I support the hunters, fishers, and farmers of Central Washington and throughout the United States. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure these activities and traditions  generations in the making  remain strong as we work together keep America and her public lands beautiful, bountiful, and thriving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 56, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"state\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "Republican", "p2": "WA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 56, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=WA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 56, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA", "results": [{"value": "WA", "label": "WA", "count": 56, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 55, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 1, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&party=Republican&state=WA&year=2021", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 250.2916301600635, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}