{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"WA\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/end-old-congress-beginning-new-year", "COLUMN: End of Old Congress, Beginning of New Year", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2018 comes to a close, so does the 115th Congress. It is an honor to represent the diverse interests of the Fourth Congressional District, and I am especially proud of the accomplishments we achieved that will improve the quality of life in Central Washington.\nOne year after Congress passed historic tax relief for American taxpayers, we are seeing results in the form of higher paychecks, improved employee benefits, and growing small businesses. We are making it easier for Americans to save for their futures and encouraging innovation. I have heard stories from people across the Fourth District who are using their tax cuts and extra take-home pay to reinvest in our local communities. With the lowest unemployment rate in decades and hundreds of thousands of jobs being created each month, our country has a bright economic future.\nOne of the biggest economic drivers in our state is agriculture. As a farmer, I know first-hand the difficulties farmers and ranchers face in Central Washington, from scarce water resources and labor shortages to international trade and crop insurance. While there is still a lot of work left to be done, I have worked diligently with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to address each of these issues. I am pleased that Congress delivered on one of the most important pieces of agricultural legislation: the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is only reauthorized every five years, but I am proud to have demonstrated its importance to Washington's unique agriculture industry by bringing numerous influential policymakers to meet with Central Washington farmers, including U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, Agriculture Subcommittee on Research Chairman Rodney Davis, and U.S. Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Northey. This bill will give farmers and ranchers the certainty they deserve and provide a safety net for the men and women in Washington state and across the country who produce the food that feeds America and the world.\nEnsuring food security is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our communities, but Congress also took steps to alleviate the grief and pain caused by the growing opioid epidemic. I voted to support over 50 pieces of legislation that aim to prevent addiction and overdose, increase treatment options and alternative pain-management therapies, and give law enforcement agencies better tools to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets and out of our country. I was deeply moved to hear the personal stories from constituents affected by the opioid crisis at a symposium in Moses Lake, and I will continue to work on your behalf to stop these drugs from ravaging our communities.\nWhile these pieces of legislation will do great things for Americans across the country, my proudest accomplishment is ensuring that our local voices are heard and that local heroes are honored. This year, my staff and I responded to over 13,000 phone calls, letters, and e-mails and assisted almost 400 constituents who were having trouble with a federal agency. When I learned that Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman of Richland was tragically killed in a military plane crash, I worked with his family to rename a Post Office in his honor. Working on the Appropriations Committee, I included language to ensure adequate funding for the Hanford cleanup and agricultural research and to prevent the privatization of the Bonneville Power Administration.\nAs we enter the 116th Congress and the New Year, the work is far from over. I look forward to making more progress on Central Washington's priorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/president-trump-signs-criminal-justice-reform-law", "COLUMN: President Trump Signs Criminal Justice Reform into Law", "2018-12-24", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Congress acted, and President Trump signed into law major criminal justice reform, the First Step Act. As the national crime rate declines, this legislation makes changes to reduce recidivism among federal prisoners, increase public safety, and save taxpayer dollars.\nEarlier this year, President Trump said, I'm thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our communities safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time.And we're all better off when former inmates can receive and reenter society as law-abiding, productive citizens.And thanks to our booming economy, they now have a chance at more opportunities than they've ever had before. The President continued: the bill includes reasonable sentencing reforms while keeping dangerous and violent criminals off our streets.\nPresident Trump pointed out the example of Alice Marie Johnson, a 63-year old grandmother who was sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for parole for a first-time, non-violent drug offense. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her crime and has already served 21 years in federal prison. She admitted that what she did was wrong and served adequate time in prison, even becoming an ordained minister and a mentor to other prisoners. The President served the cause of justice by commuting Johnson's sentence, saying, While this administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance. The First Step Act will treat non-violent offenses like Johnson's more fairly.\nThe bill gives judges more say in sentencing through targeted reforms including reducing the three-strike penalty for non-violent drug offenses from life imprisonment to 25 years. It creates a risk and needs assessment system that will ensure each prisoner's risk of re-offending is assessed while excluding violent and high risk criminals, including fentanyl traffickers, from using new time credits. It will encourage prisoners to participate in evidence-based programs to reduce recidivism.\nThe First Step Act ensures dangerous, violent criminals serve their time behind bars, preserving the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. It also ensures courts cannot reduce mandatory minimum sentences of violent and serious criminals, and it provides courts the ability to lengthen sentences for deserving criminals.\nThe bipartisan legislation was supported by many diverse groups and was backed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police, Prison Fellowship, and the Faith and Freedom Coalition.\nPresident Trump has said that Americans from across the political spectrum can unite around prison reform legislation that will reduce crime while giving our fellow citizens a chance at redemption.\nThe First Step Act is a breakthrough that will give Americans like Alice Marie Johnson a second chance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/congress-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-award-spokane-native-steve-gleason-with-congressional-gold-medal/", "Congress Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Award Spokane Native Steve Gleason with Congressional Gold Medal", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 20, 2019) Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), along with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Patty Murray (D-WA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), U.S. Representatives Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Ralph Abraham (R-LA) and Mike Johnson (R-LA), and representatives of Microsoft, the New Orleans Saints, and the ALS Association, applauded the House's unanimous passage today of bipartisan legislation (S. 2652) to award Spokane native, ALS champion, and former New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal.\nThe Senate unanimously passed the bill in June, and it now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\nSteve, a Spokane native, is a hero to me and to so many of us in Eastern Washington, said Representative McMorris Rodgers. As a tireless advocate for those with ALS and other degenerative diseases, Steve has helped usher legislation through Congress to permanently provide access to important speech-generating devices for those who've lost their ability to communicate. He has chosen to fight back against ALS, and to undergo this very personal battle in the public eye to bring awareness to this disease and the people who it impacts on a daily basis. This legislation, which is on its way to becoming law, will recognize Steve's advocacy and determination with one of our nation's highest honors, the Congressional Gold Medal.\nThrough his work to help others who are disabled, Steve Gleason has changed so many lives for the better, said SenatorCassidy (R-LA). As more members of Congress heard about Steve's work, the support for this bill only grew. Steve is a hero to many and I'm proud we got this done to honor a great American.\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is reserved for those individuals who make a profound and lasting contribution to our country  and Mr. Gleason has certainly done that, said Senator Murray (D-WA). For those of us who've followed him from his early days in eastern Washington, to anyone just learning about his story today, we are all so fortunate that Steve brings the same fight and passion to his health care advocacy that he brought to the football field. Steve, you make Washington state so proud, and it's been my honor to play a role in helping your Congressional Gold Medal come to fruition.\nThe lives of countless people have been improved because of Steve's determination, perseverance, and advocacy. Rather putting up a white flag, Steve used his own devastating diagnosis to inspire a nation and make sure people living with ALS have access to the latest speech-generating technology. It is befitting that Steve's incredible work be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal, said Senator Cantwell (D-WA).\nNew Orleans Saints fans will always remember Steve Gleason's seven spectacular seasons with the team. But it has been Steve's work off the field that truly distinguishes him as an American hero,said Senator Kennedy (R-LA). Steve works tirelessly to spread awareness for ALS, all while battling this terrible disease. No one is more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than Steve Gleason.\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest honors for people who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others, said Representative Richmond (D-LA). Steve Gleason is someone who represents this honor and will now receive this award. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make this happen. Steve will join in the ranks of fellow American trailblazers and who have changed the course of our history for the better. His enduring commitment to those with disabilities makes him a living legend and forever a Saint. The city of New Orleans and Saints fans alike are proud to have Steve recognized as a leader whose contributions will make a lasting effect for years to come.\nIn Louisiana, Steve Gleason inspired all of us as a New Orleans Saint and has continued to inspire us with his bravery and service to others battling ALS. More than 5,000 people each year are diagnosed with ALS, and Steve Gleason serves as a leading voice in championing the fight against ALS. I am pleased to announce that to honor this service, Congress is awarding Steve Gleason a Congressional Gold Medal. More than 350 Members of Congress signed on to support this legislation, a sign of how powerful a mark Steve Gleason has made on this country. Thank you, Steve, said Representative Scalise (R-LA).\nSteve Gleason is such an inspirational man whose work has forever changed the lives of so many people. He is certainly deserving of this tremendous honor, and I'm so proud that members of Congress from across the country recognized the incredible work he has done to help those with neuromuscular diseases and injuries, said Representative Abraham (R-LA). I also want to thank Sen. Bill Cassidy for taking charge of this effort and seeing that Steve got this amazing recognition.\nSteve Gleason has not only confronted his diagnosis with bravery and courage, but he has used his voice to help the lives of people all across the nation, said Representative Johnson (R-LA). All Americans deserve to have their voice heard, and those with severe disabilities should not be forced to live a life of silence. Steve has worked tirelessly to help provide the resources needed to ensure he, and countless others, can continue living meaningful and productive lives. It is an honor to recognize him with the Congressional Gold Medal for his unwavering resolve and outspoken advocacy on this important issue.\nSteve Gleason is an inspirational leader who has advocated on behalf of those with ALS for access to speech-generating devices. These devices provide people living with ALS who have lost their voices with the critically important means to communicate with health care professionals, loved ones, and their communities, said ALS Association President and CEO Calaneet Balas. The ALS Association is honored to support awarding Steve for a Congressional Gold Medal. In addition to recognizing Steve, this award also elevates public awareness of the daily challenges of all those with ALS and the urgency to find treatments and a cure.\nIt is a true honor to witness Steve Gleason become the first New Orleanian and former NFL Legend to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Along with his wife, Michel, and everyone at Team Gleason, they have unfailingly confronted ALS with a courageous and unwavering determination. Their tireless work to provide crucial assistance and the latest in technology and services has improved countless people's quality of living. Steve is leaving a truly indelible mark in American history and we are honored to call him a true New Orleans Saint.\nThe Stephen Michael Gleason Congressional Gold Medal Act recognizes Gleason for his work through the Gleason Initiative Foundation to provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with the assistance they need to thrive, his advocacy for federal legislation ensuring people living with diseases such as ALS have access to speech generating devices, and his leadership in bringing together the single largest coordinated and collaborative ALS research project in the world.\nNOTE: The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. Previous recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal include Orville and Wilbur Wright, Thomas Edison, Robert Frost, Bob Hope, Walt Disney, Roberto Clemente, Sir Winston Churchill, John Wayne, the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympic Team, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Ruth and Billy Graham, Frank Sinatra, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-president-trump-signing-2018-farm-bill", "Newhouse Statement on President Trump Signing 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after attending the White House signing ceremony of the 2018 Farm Bill, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 369-47 to pass the Farm Bill.\nThank you, President Trump, for signing this critical legislation on behalf of Farm Country, said Rep. Newhouse. The 2018 Farm Bill is a major accomplishment that gives Central Washington farmers and agriculture producers across the country much-needed certainty and a secure safety net.\nAdditionally today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a proposed rule intended to move more able-bodied recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to self-sufficiency through the dignity of work. The rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focuses on work-related program requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. The rule would apply to non-disabled people, between the ages of 18 and 49, with no dependents. The rule would not apply to the elderly, the disabled, or pregnant women.\nClick here to read additional highlights of the Farm Bill Conference Report.\nClick here to read a summary of the Farm Bill Conference Report.\nClick here to read the Farm Bill Conference Report text.\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH REP. NEWHOUSE SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THE 2018 FARM BILL\nTranscript:\nMr. Speaker, earlier this yearas the House considered its version of the Farm BillI spoke in this chamber about a Farm Bill listening tour that I had conducted in my own District, traveling to every county that I represent to hear from and listen to input and the concerns from farmers, ranchers, and producers across the State of Washington. In the days since then the House passed that bill early this summer, there has been growing concern that the job would not get donethat the 2014 Farm Bill would expire and that our nation's Farm Country would be left without the crucial tools this legislation provides to strengthen the farm safety net and provide certainty and flexibility to America's farmers and ranchers.\n\nFortunately, with the legislation before us today, we can report that this is not the case. After months of painstaking negotiations between the House and Senate conferees, we have an agreement before us. This agreement, while not including several provisions that I would have liked to have seen, sets us on a better path for our farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for small businesses, and for consumers across the country at the grocery store and at kitchen tables.\nWith this conference agreement to the Farm Bill, I can go back to my District and confidently report to my constituents that we have provided a strong foundation to help our farmers survive a 50-percent drop in net farm income over the past five years. I can go back to Okanogan County and tell my constituents in Pateros that we have strengthened market access programs and provided strong resources to open new sources for exporting across the globe. I can tell farmers in Grant County that we have protected crop insurance and made several key improvements, including for whole farm revenue coverage for specialty crop producers. I can tell dairy producers in Yakima County that we have improved the dairy safety net for large, mid-sized, and small dairies. I can report back to producers in Prosser in Benton County, who stressed the importance of agricultural research, that we have provided an increase in funding for research, for extension, and for education projects.\nWith the bill before us, I can let key agricultural partners in our community like Washington State University know that we will keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation and productivity. Farmers from East Wenatchee will hear from me that this Farm Bill invests in critical cost-share and incentive-based programs to help farm families improve our soil, water, and other natural resources. And I can tell farmers in Othello in Adams County, concerned with the regulatory burdens on their shoulders, that this legislation protects our producers from costly additional, unnecessary red tape.\nMr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today as a third-generation farmer to say that this Farm Bill takes strong steps to address challenges facing America's agricultural community. The rule we bring before the House provides for further consideration of the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, legislation that is critically important to my District in Central Washington, and to rural districts across this great country.\nThis legislation maintains and strengthens important policies like Price Loss Coverage, Agriculture Risk Coverage, Commodity Loans, Dairy Margin Coverage, Livestock Disaster Programs, and Crop Insurance. It enhances and permanently funds the Foreign Market Development Program and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, which are so vital for export-driven agricultural economies like my State of Washington has. It increases funding for land grant universities, research, extension, and education, as well as special research initiatives, including for specialty crops and organic research. This legislation makes strides to expand quality broadband to all of rural America by including forward-looking standards to ensure that we are meeting next-generation rural broadband needs. It also improves the tools available to reduce forest fuel loads that increase the size and force of catastrophic wildfires. By renewing key categorical exclusions and expanding its purpose to allow for expedited reduction of hazardous fuels in our forests, we can continue to reduce the threat that these wildfires pose on rural communities.\nMr. Speaker, with support from the 2014 Farm Bill, American farmers have been able to combat depressed prices and severe drops in farm income, but they would not have been able to do so without a robust safety net in place. The Conference Report before us will build upon this effort and ensure a steady food supply will be on the shelves and in our markets for years to come. As I mentioned, it doesn't include everything I would have liked to have seen in this billbut in reality no piece of legislation is perfect, particularly comprehensive bills that have been negotiated for months. But the fact of the matter is, this Farm Bill includes important and significant wins for American farmers and ranchers, and it is now our responsibility to get the job done.\nMr. Speaker, the People's House has more than 20 farmers, ranchers, and producers serving in this body. Among us are a dairyman from Central California, a blueberry farmer from Maine, a rancher from South Dakota, two rice farmersone from California and another from Minnesotaa cattleman from Kentucky, an almond farmer from California, and yesa proud hops farmer from the Yakima Valley of Washington state. This is the first Farm Bill that I have had the opportunity to engage in since being in Congress, Mr. Speaker. I've spent my whole life on the farmand my life in public service, including serving as Washington State's Director of the Department of Agriculture, has been spent working on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and families. It is an honor today to bring this rule forward for the Conference Report to Accompany the Farm BillH.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act. I humbly urge my colleagues to support the rule, support the bill, and strengthen the future for America's farmers and all those who depend upon them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-secretary-mattis-service", "Newhouse Statement on Secretary Mattis Service", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement on the service of Secretary of Defense James Mattis:\n\"I am grateful for Secretary Mattis' honorable service, said Rep. Newhouse. A fellow Washingtonian, he has served our nation with distinction. Every Americans can be proud of his record both in uniform as a U.S. Marine and as Secretary of Defense. He has shown himself to be a man who exemplifies duty and patriotism and a true role model for every young Tri-Citian.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399377", "Southwest Washington Lawmakers Urge Governor Inslee to Respect Clark County Voters Opposition to Light Rail, Consider Transit Alternatives", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a joint letter sent today, eight federal and state Southwest Washington lawmakers urged Governor Inslee to consider alternatives to light rail in addressing the I-5 Columbia River bridge. Past light rail proposals have been soundly rejected by Clark County residents in multiple county-wide votes.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      In a joint letter sent today, eight federal and state Southwest Washington lawmakers urged Governor Inslee to consider alternatives to light rail in addressing the I-5 Columbia River bridge. Past light rail proposals have been soundly rejected by Clark County residents in multiple county-wide votes.The letter was signed by U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington state Senators John Braun (LD 20), Ann Rivers (LD 18) and Lynda Wilson (LD 17), Washington state Representatives Richard DeBolt (LD 20), Paul Harris (LD 17), Ed Orcutt (LD 20) and Brandon Vick (LD 18).  \r\n  \r\nThe letter follows the governor's newly-released 2019-2021 budget which includes funding for an I-5 bridge replacement and language that the Washington Department of Transportation  shall assume any plan for a new bridge will include light rail.  \r\n  \r\nIn their letter, the lawmakers state: The Columbia River Crossing project failed in large part due to the insistence of politicians and bureaucrats that the new bridge bring Oregon's light rail system into Clark County, despite the demonstrated lack of support from the County's voters. Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  \r\n  \r\nThe full text of the letter follows and a PDF version is available here.  \r\n  \r\nDear Governor Inslee:  \r\n  \r\nWe are writing to ask you to help keep mass transit alternatives to light rail on the table during negotiations on any I-5 bridge project over the Columbia River.  \r\n  \r\nWe all agree on the pressing need to address the congestion and safety issues at the current I-5 bridge, and it's imperative that we all work together on a long-term solution that both sides of the river can support. While we are encouraged that your proposed FY 2019-2021 budget contains funding to restart the planning process for a Columbia River bridge project, we are dismayed to find that the proposal also contains a statement that any new bridge will include light rail, with no consideration of alternative transit options.  \r\n  \r\nThe voters of Clark County have had three opportunities to weigh in on light rail, most recently in 2013. Each time, the pro-light rail side of the issue was soundly defeated[1]. We owe it to those we serve to represent their preferences in negotiations over any future I-5 bridge project.  \r\n  \r\nIt's not just faithful representation that demands we remain open-minded to transit alternatives, it's also practical politics for those of us who actually want to solve the problems on the I-5 corridor. The Columbia River Crossing project failed in large part due to the insistence of politicians and bureaucrats that the new bridge bring Oregon's light rail system into Clark County, despite the demonstrated lack of support from the County's voters. Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We were encouraged by your statement to The Columbian newspaper that you are \"not foreclosing on other alternatives\" and we hope you will further elaborate on your position to clarify that you are open-minded on the topic.  \r\n____________________  \r\n[1] November 5, 2013: Clark County Advisory Vote No. 1; November 6, 2012: C-TRAN Proposition No.1; February 7, 1995", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399386", "Bipartisan Bill to Control Sea Lions, Save Salmon on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers Signed Into Law", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) giving tribal members and government fish managers the authority to lethally remove sea lions that are decimating endangered salmon and steelhead runs was signed into law.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) giving tribal members and government fish managers the authority to lethally remove sea lions that are decimating endangered salmon and steelhead runs was signed into law.The Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act passed the U.S. House earlier this year, and companion legislation passed the U.S. Senate earlier this month. After 12 years of hard work by so many on this legislation, seeing it finally become law today represents a momentous step in the effort to protect our endangered salmon and steelhead runs. Today, we have reason to be optimistic that our fight to prevent the extinction of entire Northwest salmon runs, and the species that depend on them, can succeed, said Rep. Herrera Beutler. This has been an issue that I have worked on since first coming to Congress. I want to thank everyone  Rep. Herrera Beutler, Senators Risch and Cantwell, and our states, tribes, and local communities  for the exceptional work to get this bill over the finish line this year, said Rep. Schrader. In the last few years especially, we've seen a record number of sea lions in the Columbia River from Astoria to Bonneville Dam. Ratepayers and my constituents are paying hundreds of millions of dollars annually towards the largest mitigation program in the country for threatened and endangered salmon. These sea lions, whose population has become totally inconsistent with their historic range, have been undoing all of that work by feasting on the endangered species. Our law will provide a great step forward in eliminating this threat to our iconic Oregon salmon that are struggling to survive once and for all. This legislation affirms our collective determination to keep Columbia River salmon robust and abundant. The entire Northwest Congressional delegation really went to bat for these fish and we're grateful for that. We're eager to put this new law into action and provide better balance between these species, said Charles Hudson, Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. We commend the tireless, bipartisan efforts of Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler and Kurt Schrader and Senators Maria Cantwell and Jim Risch to give Northwest states and tribes the authority to protect wild and endangered salmon and steelhead from excessive, unnatural sea lion predation in the Columbia River basin, said Gary Loomis, founder of G-Loomis, Edge Rods, and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) in the Pacific Northwest. The enactment of this science-based legislation is the culmination of a decade-long effort by Reps. Herrera Beutler and Schrader and a coalition of states, tribes, conservation organizations, and sportfishing advocates, including tens of thousands of citizens who voiced their support for this legislation that is so critical to the future of Columbia River salmon. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Congresswoman Herrera Beutler, Congressman Schrader, Senators Cantwell and Risch on this effort. The legislation had the unanimous support of the Northwest delegation, and we applaud its passage and enactment into law. The increasing sea lion population in the Lower Columbia River in recent years has presented a greater threat to wild salmon and steelhead runs than ever before. The states and our tribal partners now have the tools to better protect our iconic and endangered fish populations from their predation, said Kelly Susewind, Director of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. How this new law will impact Northwest salmon and steelhead: Historic recovery efforts of endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River have been compromised by exponentially increasing sea lion predation in recent years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), California sea lions have killed the largest proportion of spring Chinook salmon and steelhead this year than any year since 2011. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that at the current rate, the Willamette Winter Steelhead run faces a 90 percent chance of extinction if nothing changes. This bipartisan legislation authorizes states and tribal members to lethally remove sea lions that are predating on endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species. The new law is supported by a broad spectrum of Northwest residents and organizations that include recreational fishermen represented by the Coastal Conservation Association, Tribes and the Oregon and Washington State Departments of Fish and Wildlife.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/president-trump-signs-mcmorris-rodgerss-7th-bill-into-law/", "President Trump Signs McMorris Rodgers\u2019s 7th Bill into Law", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 19, 2018) Today, President Donald Trump signed Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers's (WA-05) 7th bill into law, herSpurring Business in Communities Act (H.R. 4111). Cathy introduced this legislation alongside Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) in October of 2017 to help bring more Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to Eastern Washington to invest in local businesses.\nAs Cathy said earlier this month, Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing two out of every three new jobs in America and serving as a foundation for our communities. Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) serve an important function in providing capital and support to these job creators, however, there are currently none here in Washington state. My bipartisan bill, which now heads to the president's desk to become law, will make it easier for them to form here in Eastern Washington and invest in our community and local small businesses.\nRep. Murphy, ranking member on the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce, added, As a former businesswoman, I know how important growth capital is to starting and sustaining a successful small business. Securing private capital remains a challenge for too many businesses. I am incredibly proud that our bipartisan legislation to support small businesses and boost private sector job creation is now law.\nNOTE:A 2017 Library of Congress study found that SBIC-backed small businesses created 3 million new jobs and supported an additional 6.5 million. According to the Small Business Administration's most recent report, SBICs reported more than $800 million in financing during the fourth quarter of2017,and created more than 16,000 jobs. Over the same period, SBICs were able to finance 210 companies across the U.S., including 25 businesses in Low- and Moderate-Income areas, and 12 businesses owned by women, minorities, or veterans.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-newhouse-legislation-transfer-kennewick-irrigation-district", "House Passes Newhouse Legislation to Transfer Kennewick Irrigation District Title", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 358 to 1 approved federal legislation he introduced, H.R. 6652, to transfer title of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) related works and lands to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). In accordance with the December 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between KID and BOR, this legislation will transfer title of works beginning at KID's head gate and extending 40 miles east to the Columbia River. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two years after the enactment. The legislation must now be approved by the Senate.\nLocal resources should be responsively managed by local entities wherever possible, and that's what my legislation will ensure on behalf of the Kennewick Irrigation District, said Rep. Newhouse. This is a big improvement for Central Washington water users, and I'm proud that the House passed my bill. I urge my Senate colleagues to act before the end of the year so that this legislation can be signed into law.\nRep. Newhouse gave a speech on the floor of the House earlier today on the legislation:\nClick here to watch Rep. Newhouse speak on House floor in support of H.R. 6652\nClick here to read the text of H.R. 6652.\nBackground:\n H.R. 6652 conveys title for the facilities managed and operated by Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). It does not privatize federal water projects or properties within the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).\n  KID will complete an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as all necessary Endangered Species Act, National Historical Preservation Act, and hazardous review processes.\n  KID and BOR have committed to ensuring that all stakeholders, tribal concerns, and local interests have a seat at the table throughout the process.\n  In addition to ensuring the proper reviews are completed, KID will repay their allocated share of construction costs to the federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-farm-bill-passage-helps-central-washington-farm", "COLUMN: Farm Bill Passage Helps Central Washington Farm Country", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Congress voted 369-47 to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, sending this critical legislation to President Trump for his signature into law. The agreement sets us on a better path for our country's farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for small businesses, and for consumers across the country at the grocery store and at kitchen tables.\nIn March, I traveled across Central Washington to speak with farmers from every county in the Fourth Congressional District about their goals for the Farm Bill. With passage of the bill, I am proud to spread the news that we have provided a strong foundation to help farmers survive a 50-percent drop in net farm income over the past five years. I am proud to let farmers in Pateros in Okanogan County know that we have strengthened market access programs and provided strong resources to open new sources for exporting across the globe. I can tell farmers in Grant County that we have protected crop insurance and made several key improvements, including for whole farm revenue coverage for specialty crop producers. I can tell dairy producers in Yakima County that we have improved the dairy safety net for large, mid-sized, and small dairies. I can report back to producers in Prosser in Benton County, who stressed to me the importance of agricultural research, that we have provided an increase in funding for research, for extension, and for education projects.\nWith the passage of the Farm Bill, key agricultural partners in our community like Washington State University can be confident that we will keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation and productivity. Farmers from East Wenatchee can be confident that this Farm Bill invests in critical cost-share and incentive-based programs to help farm families improve our soil, water, and other natural resources. Farmers in Othello in Adams County with whom I spoke who are concerned with the regulatory burdens on their shoulders can be assured that this legislation protects producers from costly additional, unnecessary red tape.\nThe legislation directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board (FCIC) to streamline the process for developing hop insurance policies. The bill requires FCIC to submit a report on hops policies that describes the results of the policy developments along with any recommendations.\nThe legislation renames the dairy Margin Protection Program to Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and builds on the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) investment by offering new coverage levels for the first 5 million pounds of dairy production, drastically reducing premiums on catastrophic coverage levels for larger producers.\nThe 2018 Farm Bill also expedites environmental reviews to protect our forests from catastrophic wildfires a central concern for Central Washington communities. The legislation encourages proper management for healthy and productive federal, state, and private forests and incentivizes infrastructure and new market opportunities to revitalize communities and healthy landscapes.\nAs a proud third-generation farmer from the Yakima Valley, this is the first Farm Bill that I have had the opportunity to engage in since being in Congress. While it was not perfect, the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill will strengthen the future for America's farmers and all those who depend upon them.\n*This column was adapted from a speech Rep. Newhouse gave on the House floor on December 12, 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399375", "Jaimes Bill to Prevent Maternal Deaths Heads to Presidents Desk", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths is heading to the president's desk to become law after it passed the U.S. Senate last night. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths is heading to the president's desk to become law after it passed the U.S. Senate last night.Jaime's bill, H.R. 1318 Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, passed the U.S. House Tuesday by unanimous voice vote. Passage of this bill through Congress represents a monumental step in addressing our country's maternal health crisis. We should be investigating every single maternal death because every woman is worth it, and this bill will help states do just that, Jaime said. While we can't bring back the mothers we have tragically lost, we can honor their lives by doing everything possible to prevent more women dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The rise of maternal mortality in the U.S.:  \r\n The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, and the rate continues to rise. Between 700-900 women die in the U.S. every year from pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths.  \r\n According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of maternal deaths are preventable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-newhouse-joint-statement-responding-to-governor-inslees-announcement-of-taxpayer-funds-to-consider-breaching-snake-river-dams/", "McMorris Rodgers, Newhouse Joint Statement Responding to Governor Inslee\u2019s Announcement of Taxpayer Funds to Consider Breaching Snake River Dams", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 13, 2018) Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers(WA-05) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following joint statement on Washington Governor Jay Inslee's proposed $750,000 in the state budget to support evaluation by a state task force of breaching the Lower Snake River dams:\nThe people of Eastern Washington whose livelihoods depend on these dams should not be collateral damage for anyone's presidential ambitions. The Governor does not have the authority to breach our federal dams on the Lower Snake River, and allocating state taxpayers' funds to consider breaching them would be wasteful. Congress has the sole authority to authorize breaching our federal dams, and as representatives of Eastern Washington communities that depend on the many benefits they provide, breaching them is out of the question. We commit to do everything in our power to save our dams.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-mcmorris-rodgers-joint-statement-responding-wa-governor-s", "Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Joint Statement Responding to WA Governors Announcement of Taxpayer Funds to Consider Breaching Snake River Dams", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following joint statement on Washington Governor Jay Inslee's proposed $750,000 in the state budget to support evaluation by a state task force of breaching the Lower Snake River dams:\nThe people of Eastern Washington whose livelihoods depend on these dams should not be collateral damage for anyone's presidential ambitions. The Governor does not have the authority to breach our federal dams on the Lower Snake River, and allocating state taxpayers' funds to consider breaching them would be wasteful. Congress has the sole authority to authorize breaching our federal dams, and as representatives of Eastern Washington communities that depend on the many benefits they provide, breaching them is out of the question. We commit to do everything in our power to save our dams.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-celebrates-passage-of-2018-farm-bill-conference-report/", "McMorris Rodgers Celebrates Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 12, 2018)  Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement celebrating the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report.\nRight now, our farmers need certainty. They need to know that the farm safety net is intact. That's what this legislation does, said Cathy. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes my top three priorities: protecting crop insurance, supporting trade and market access programs, and increasing our commitment to agriculture research, like the great work being done at Washington State University. Our farmers are the greatest anti-poverty program and have done more to provide food security to the world than any government program. I was proud to support this legislation which supports them.\nToday, Cathy spoke on the House floor in support of the Farm Bill Conference Report. In case you missed it, you can see her full remarks here:\nNOTE: At the beginning of the Farm Bill process, Cathy laid out these three priorities to support Eastern Washington's farmers and agriculture industry through hosting a series of Farm Bill Listening Sessions all throughout Washington's 5th Congressional District.\nThis summer, Cathy brought Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Michael Conaway (R-TX) to again reiterate the importance of these priorities and let them hear directly from Eastern Washington farmers.\nIn November, Cathy was also recognized with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for herleadershipon policies that benefit farmers and support agriculture. See more by clicking here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-approves-2018-farm-bill", "Congress Approves 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted 369-47 to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act. The legislation now heads to President Trump for his signature into law.\nFarm Countryhas waited long enough, and todayCongress delivered,saidRep. Newhouse.As a third-generation Yakima Valley farmer, I knowthe Farm Bill plays an enormously important role in Central Washington's agriculture economy by delivering a secure safety net for farmers and providing for research that keeps us on the cutting edgeof global innovation.Farmersare struggling witha 50-percent drop in net farm income over the past five years, which is why market access programsand crop insurance are critical to providing certainty for agriculture producers.While some improvements were made, I would have preferred to include stronger provisions to improve nutrition programs and forestry management. Farmers needed action sooner rather than later.I applaud Chairman Conaway for his hard work in getting thisbillacross the finish line.\n2018 Farm Bill Conference Report Highlights:\n Study to include hops in crop insurance: The Conference Report includes language making hops eligible for crop insurance and directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board (FCIC) to streamline the process for developing hop insurance policies. The bill requires FCIC to submit a report on hops policies one year after the enactment to the Agricultural Committees that describes the results of the policy developments along with any recommendations.\n  Dairy protection: The Conference Report renames the dairy Margin Protection Program to Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and builds on the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) investment by offering new coverage levels for the first 5 million pounds of production, drastically reducing premiums on catastrophic coverage levels for larger producers, and eliminating the restriction between the margin program (formerly MPP, now DMC) and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) insurance.\n  Expedites environmental reviews to protect our forests: The conference report encourages proper management for healthy and productive federal, state, and private forests and incentivizes infrastructure and new market opportunities to revitalize communities and healthy landscapes. The conference report simplifies environmental reviews while still ensuring robust protection of the environment.\n Click here to read additional highlights of the Conference Report.\nClick here to read a summary of the Conference Report.\nClick here to read the Conference Report text.\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH REP. NEWHOUSE SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THE 2018 FARM BILL\nTranscript:\nMr. Speaker, earlier this yearas the House considered its version of the Farm BillI spoke in this chamber about a Farm Bill listening tour that I had conducted in my own District, traveling to every county that I represent to hear from and listen to input and the concerns from farmers, ranchers, and producers across the State of Washington. In the days since then the House passed that bill early this summer, there has been growing concern that the job would not get donethat the 2014 Farm Bill would expire and that our nation's Farm Country would be left without the crucial tools this legislation provides to strengthen the farm safety net and provide certainty and flexibility to America's farmers and ranchers.\nFortunately, with the legislation before us today, we can report that this is not the case. After months of painstaking negotiations between the House and Senate conferees, we have an agreement before us. This agreement, while not including several provisions that I would have liked to have seen, sets us on a better path for our farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for small businesses, and for consumers across the country at the grocery store and at kitchen tables.\nWith this conference agreement to the Farm Bill, I can go back to my District and confidently report to my constituents that we have provided a strong foundation to help our farmers survive a 50-percent drop in net farm income over the past five years. I can go back to Okanogan County and tell my constituents in Pateros that we have strengthened market access programs and provided strong resources to open new sources for exporting across the globe. I can tell farmers in Grant County that we have protected crop insurance and made several key improvements, including for whole farm revenue coverage for specialty crop producers. I can tell dairy producers in Yakima County that we have improved the dairy safety net for large, mid-sized, and small dairies. I can report back to producers in Prosser in Benton County, who stressed the importance of agricultural research, that we have provided an increase in funding for research, for extension, and for education projects.\nWith the bill before us, I can let key agricultural partners in our community like Washington State University know that we will keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation and productivity. Farmers from East Wenatchee will hear from me that this Farm Bill invests in critical cost-share and incentive-based programs to help farm families improve our soil, water, and other natural resources. And I can tell farmers in Othello in Adams County, concerned with the regulatory burdens on their shoulders, that this legislation protects our producers from costly additional, unnecessary red tape.\nMr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today as a third-generation farmer to say that this Farm Bill takes strong steps to address challenges facing America's agricultural community. The rule we bring before the House provides for further consideration of the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, legislation that is critically important to my District in Central Washington, and to rural districts across this great country.\nThis legislation maintains and strengthens important policies like Price Loss Coverage, Agriculture Risk Coverage, Commodity Loans, Dairy Margin Coverage, Livestock Disaster Programs, and Crop Insurance. It enhances and permanently funds the Foreign Market Development Program and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, which are so vital for export-driven agricultural economies like my State of Washington has. It increases funding for land grant universities, research, extension, and education, as well as special research initiatives, including for specialty crops and organic research. This legislation makes strides to expand quality broadband to all of rural America by including forward-looking standards to ensure that we are meeting next-generation rural broadband needs. It also improves the tools available to reduce forest fuel loads that increase the size and force of catastrophic wildfires. By renewing key categorical exclusions and expanding its purpose to allow for expedited reduction of hazardous fuels in our forests, we can continue to reduce the threat that these wildfires pose on rural communities.\nMr. Speaker, with support from the 2014 Farm Bill, American farmers have been able to combat depressed prices and severe drops in farm income, but they would not have been able to do so without a robust safety net in place. The Conference Report before us will build upon this effort and ensure a steady food supply will be on the shelves and in our markets for years to come. As I mentioned, it doesn't include everything I would have liked to have seen in this billbut in reality no piece of legislation is perfect, particularly comprehensive bills that have been negotiated for months. But the fact of the matter is, this Farm Bill includes important and significant wins for American farmers and ranchers, and it is now our responsibility to get the job done.\nMr. Speaker, the People's House has more than 20 farmers, ranchers, and producers serving in this body. Among us are a dairyman from Central California, a blueberry farmer from Maine, a rancher from South Dakota, two rice farmersone from California and another from Minnesotaa cattleman from Kentucky, an almond farmer from California, and yesa proud hops farmer from the Yakima Valley of Washington state. This is the first Farm Bill that I have had the opportunity to engage in since being in Congress, Mr. Speaker. I've spent my whole life on the farmand my life in public service, including serving as Washington State's Director of the Department of Agriculture, has been spent working on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and families. It is an honor today to bring this rule forward for the Conference Report to Accompany the Farm BillH.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act. I humbly urge my colleagues to support the rule, support the bill, and strengthen the future for America's farmers and all those who depend upon them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399369", "Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Maternal Deaths Passes U.S. House", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Diana DeGette's (D-CO) bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote today. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Diana DeGette's (D-CO) bipartisan bill to prevent maternal deaths passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote today.H.R.1318, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, would establish and support state Maternal Mortality Review Committees to review every pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated death, and based on those findings, develop recommendations for how to prevent future mothers' deaths. Today marks an important day in addressing our country's maternal mortality crisis, as this is the strongest step Congress has taken to date to reverse it. By providing states with resources to investigate every maternal death, we can begin to tackle this troubling trend and take appropriate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. As moms and lawmakers, this is personal to us, and it was an honor to join with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lead this life-saving measure successfully through the House. We must improve our understanding of why mothers are dying in pregnancy, during childbirth and post-partum so we can then unleash every possible resource to protect women in this critical season of life. We hope the Senate will take swift action to pass this critical legislation so we can send it to the President's desk, said U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler and Diana DeGette. AMCHP thanks Rep. Herrera Beutler and Rep. DeGette for their leadership in introducing the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and being tireless advocates for its passage into law. Once all states have adequate resources to expertly review maternal deaths, we can achieve greater success in both honoring the lives of mothers lost and equipping our nation to prevent future deaths during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth, said Jonathan Webb, CEO, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP). The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act had 190 cosponsors when it passed the House. There is a companion bill in the U.S. Senate sponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Shelly Moore Capito. There's still time for the Senate to pass this bill and send it to the president's desk before the end of the year. The rise of maternal mortality in the U.S.:  The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, and the rate continues to rise. Between 700-900 women die in the U.S. every year from pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths.  \r\n According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of maternal deaths are preventable. Maternal mortality in the news:  \r\n USA Today: What states aren't doing to save new mothers' lives  \r\n The Hill: Alone among developed nations, the US maternal mortality rate is rising. Here's how we can fix that  \r\n NPR: Focus On Infants During Childbirth Leaves U.S. Moms In Danger  \r\n Washington Examiner: Lawmakers want to solve mysterious maternal deaths  \r\n St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Editorial: Why are there more maternal deaths in the U.S. than in other advanced nation?  \r\n The Hill: Maternal deaths keep rising in US, raising scrutiny", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399370", "President Signs Jaimes Tribal Equality Bill into Law", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Signs Jaime's Tribal Equality Bill into Law \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Indian tribes will now be allowed to operate distilleries on their land, promising new jobs in Lewis, Thurston Counties \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 11, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        President Donald Trump signed U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill repealing a prohibition of distilleries on tribal land into law today. Senator Maria Cantwell led the bill's passage in the U.S. Senate last month and Jaime secured passage of her bill in the U.S. House in September. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      President Donald Trump signed U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill repealing a prohibition of distilleries on tribal land into law today. Senator Maria Cantwell led the bill's passage in the U.S. Senate last month and Jaime secured passage of her bill in the U.S. House in September.Today, I join the Chehalis Tribe and all others across the country as we celebrate the repeal of a law that strives to bring more equality and sovereignty to Indian tribes, Jaime said. This is a good day for tribal members who can now expand economically in the distillery business and bring new skills training and jobs to our region. Background:  \r\nAn 1834 law had prohibited distilleries on Indian lands. Now tribes, including the Chehalis who first brought this issue to Jaime's attention, will be free to build and operate distilleries on their land, increasing economic development opportunities.  \r\nThe Chehalis Tribe is planning to build and operate a distillery, brewery and restaurant that would bring about 100 new jobs to Southwest Washington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399371", "Jaimes ACE Kids Act to Improve Health Care for Low-Income, Medically-Complex Kids Passes U.S. House", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan initiative to improve care for children with complex medical conditions on Medicaid passed the U.S. House today. Jaime's initiative, the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act (ACE Kids Act), was included in a broad Medicaid improvement package called the IMPROVE Act. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan initiative to improve care for children with complex medical conditions on Medicaid passed the U.S. House today. Jaime's initiative, the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act (ACE Kids Act), was included in a broad Medicaid improvement package called the IMPROVE Act.Jaime's been a longtime champion, and one of the original cosponsors, of the ACE Kids Act. This legislation ensures kids with complex medical conditions of families who rely on Medicaid can cross state lines to access often life-saving health care. We took an important step today by passing my bill, the ACE Kids Act, that removes barriers families face when trying to get care for their medically-complex children, Jaime said. I've been in the NICU and met families who were faced with the reality of having a sick child, and also have hit hard times economically. I can put too many faces and names to the reality that little kiddos often can't get the care they need. With passage of this bill, we are doing right by our kids  regardless of their zip codes, they'll be able to get specialized medical treatment that can often be life-saving. Background:  One in 25 children in the U.S. is medically complex with diagnoses like cancer, congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, or others that require consistent care and medical expertise. Of the several million medically-complex children, roughly two million rely on Medicaid. Children who have complex medical conditions represent a small percentage of kids in Medicaid, but account for a large portion of the costs.  In order to enhance the critical care for these two million children, the ACE Kids Act creates networks anchored by children's hospitals to help coordinate care. States would choose to opt into this network, allowing families to seamlessly pursue the best doctors and facilities  even if it takes them to another state, which Medicaid often wouldn't allow. Passage of this bill works to remove that barrier so all kids can receive the treatment they need.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399372", "Bipartisan Bill to Save Salmon On the Columbia River Headed to the Presidents Desk", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The bipartisan Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, led by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) in the House, passed out of Congress today and is headed to the President's desk to become law. The legislation gives tribal members and government fish managers the authority to remove sea lions from specific areas of the Columbia River system and its tributaries where they are posing the most harm to endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish runs.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The bipartisan Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, led by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) in the House, passed out of Congress today and is headed to the President's desk to become law. The legislation gives tribal members and government fish managers the authority to remove sea lions from specific areas of the Columbia River system and its tributaries where they are posing the most harm to endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish runs.\r\nToday's passage of our bill to control sea lions was a hard-fought victory  it's a personal victory for each of us who treasure our Northwest salmon runs and want to see them preserved for generations to come, said Rep. Herrera Beutler. I'm grateful for the partnership of my colleague Kurt Schrader, and for Senators Risch and Cantwell for shepherding this through the Senate. I'm so pleased we are able to give Northwest fish managers this critical tool to help save our salmon and steelhead runs.\r\nThis has been an issue that I have worked on since first coming to Congress nine years ago. I want to thank everyone  Rep. Herrera Beutler, Senators Risch and Cantwell, and our states, tribes, and local communities  for the exceptional work to get this bill over the finish line this year, said Rep. Schrader. In the last few years especially, we've seen a record number of sea lions in the Columbia River from Astoria to Bonneville Dam. Ratepayers and my constituents are paying hundreds of millions of dollars annually towards the largest mitigation program in the country for threatened and endangered salmon. These sea lions, whose population has become totally inconsistent with their historic range, have been undoing all of that work by feasting on the endangered species. Our legislation will provide a great step forward in eliminating this threat to our iconic Oregon salmon that are struggling to survive once and for all.\r\nHistoric recovery efforts of endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River have been compromised by exponentially increasing sea lion predation in recent years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), California sea lions have killed the largest proportion of spring Chinook salmon and steelhead this year than any year since 2011. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that at the current rate, the Willamette Winter Steelhead run faces a 90 percent chance of extinction if nothing changes.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation authorizes states and tribal members to lethally remove sea lions that are predating on endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species. The Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act is supported by a broad spectrum of Northwest residents and organizations that include recreational fishermen represented by the Coastal Conservation Association, Tribes and the Oregon and Washington State Departments of Fish and Wildlife.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-applauds-bill-to-protect-endangered-salmon/", "McMorris Rodgers Applauds Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 11, 2018)  Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) supported the Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act (S. 3119) in the House to protect endangered salmon on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. This legislation passed the Senate on December 6 and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\nEastern Washington believes in both supporting clean, renewable hydropower and protecting our endangered salmon, a species so unique to the history of our region, said Cathy. Over the past 80 years, we've seen steady increases in salmon recovery rates on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, largely due to increased technology and innovation at our dams. This bill is another important step in protecting our endangered salmon. By mitigating sea lion predation we can increase fish recovery without costing Washingtonians hundreds of millions of dollars.\nNOTE: In March, Rep. McMorris Rodgers joined Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Jaime Herrera Beulter (WA-03) in writing this column to advocate for supporting the Columbia and Snake River dams and finding solutions to increase fish recovery efforts. In case you missed it, you can read the joint column here.\nCathy also authored a column in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin in 2016 which further explains the need for this legislation. In it she says, In fact, one of the biggest threats to fish are not the dams, but invasive predators. Many coalitions in support of our dams and fish have made serious efforts to remove invasive predators. To assist in their efforts, I support Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's (WA-03) legislation, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act. This legislation removes non-native California seals, which eat salmon as they enter the ocean or when they return to our rivers to spawn. Read the full column here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-sends-bipartisan-salmon-recovery-legislation-president", "House Sends Bipartisan Salmon Recovery Legislation to President", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed S. 3119, theEndangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving the survival of endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species in the Columbia River system. The legislation amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to give state and tribal managers more flexibility in addressing predatory sea lions in the Columbia River system that are threatening both Endangered Species Act-listed salmon and steelhead. S. 3119 is similar to legislation cosponsored by Rep. Newhouse which passed in the House earlier this year.\nBillions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest only to see invasive sea lions take a bite out of the population, said Rep. Newhouse. Non-native sea lions have had a severe impact on spring Chinook salmon mortality on the Columbia River. I applaud colleagues in the House and Senate with whom I have worked on legislation in our bipartisan effort toimprove management of pinnipeds threatening salmon.\nWATCH NEWHOUSE SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 2083 EARLIER THIS YEAR", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399368", "Two of Jaimes Health Care Initiatives Scheduled for a House Vote This Week", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that two of her initiatives to improve health care for women and children are scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House tomorrow, Tuesday. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that two of her initiatives to improve health care for women and children are scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House tomorrow, Tuesday. \r\nJaime's bipartisan bill, H.R. 1318 the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, currently has 185 cosponsors. Her legislation seeks to prevent moms from dying by establishing or supporting Maternal Mortality Review Committees to examine pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths and identify ways to reduce such tragedies. \r\nJaime has also been a longtime champion and one of the original cosponsors of the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act (ACE Kids Act), which will help improve the coordination of and access to high quality care for children with complex medical conditions on Medicaid. Jaime's ACE Kids Act has been rolled into H.R. 7217 the Improving Medicaid Programs and Opportunities for Eligible Beneficiaries Act (IMPROVE Act) and is also scheduled to receive a full U.S. House vote Tuesday. \r\nJaime's office will be sending additional press releases with quotes following passage of both bills.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-newhouse-bill-honoring-fallen-richland-marine-law", "President Trump Signs Newhouse Bill Honoring Fallen Richland Marine Into Law", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and the Schmieman family released the following statements after President Trump signed legislation into law to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office. Rep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 5504 with the support of the entire Washington delegation to honor the life and service of U.S. Marine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman of Richland, who was serving in the 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina when he was tragically killed in a cargo plane crash in Mississippi on July 10, 2017. A designation ceremony for the Post Office with the Schmieman family and Rep. Newhouse will be announced at a later date.\nRep. Newhouse: It is an honor to recognize Sergeant Schmieman for his honorable sacrifice. He served to protect our freedom, and I know this Post Office will mean a lot to his community as a reminder of his dedication to our country.\nSergeant Schmieman's parents, Susan and Eric, on behalf of the Schmieman family: We are grateful to Washington Representatives, Senators, and their staffs for renaming the West Richland Post Office in honor of our son, USMC Raider Dietrich Schmieman. It is our hope that the renamed facility will remind users not only of Dietrich, but of all those who have served under arms and given their all for our nation. \nWatch Rep. Newhouse speak in support of his legislation to honor Sgt. Dietrich Schmieman\nTranscript:\nI rise today to speak in support of legislation that will commemorate the life and service of a young man from Central Washington who died serving his country, just over a year ago on July 10, 2017.\nMarine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman grew up in Richland, Washington with his parents, Eric and Susan, and his two brothers, Aaron and Hans. He attended Christ the King Catholic School, Hanford High School, and Columbia Basin College, where he met friends who would remain close to him throughout his entire life. In 2010, with a world of opportunity ahead of him, he chose to dedicate his life to service and enlist in the United States Marine Corps.\nIt was his goal to serve within Special Operations Command. Throughout his service, he received 14 awards and decorations, including several Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He had completed two overseas deployments serving our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom. He achieved his goal, honorable serving as a Critical Skills Operator in the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when he was tragically killed in a KC-130 plane crash in Mississippi on July 10, 2017.\nMy legislation would designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office Building. Dietrich and his fellow service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I hope to honor his memory  as well as the memory of the 15 other men and women killed in the crash  with this dedication to their service.\nDietrich's strong ties to his family, friends, and hometown continue to be evident. An avid skydiver, Dietrich's death inspired his parents, childhood friends, and fellow Marines to complete a memorial skydive over Central Washington. He had a tattoo symbolizing his love of the Pacific Northwest and requested that his ashes be spread on Mt. Rainier, where his Marine brothers-in-arms will hike this August in his honor.\nWe recently observed the one-year anniversary of the devastating plane crash, and I know that the designation of this Post Office will mean a lot to Dietrich's family and to our community  serving as a local memorial and reminder of the sacrifice he and his fellow service members gave to preserve the freedoms that are the cornerstone of our nation. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to name this building, which will be visited often by friends and family, after a courageous young man whose life and service deserve this honor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-announces-14-million-grant-for-geiger-boulevard-project-5-7-million-for-rural-rail-rehabilitation-project/", "McMorris Rodgers Announces $14 Million Grant for Geiger Boulevard Project, $5.7 Million for Rural Rail Rehabilitation Project", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2018) Today, following a call with Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced the approval of $20 million in new federal infrastructure grants for two projects in Eastern Washington, including $14.3 million for the Geiger Boulevard Project in Spokane County and $5.7 million for the Rural Rail Rehabilitation Project in Whitman, Lincoln, and Spokane Counties.\nBy investing in Eastern Washington infrastructure, this Republican administration is again demonstrating their commitment to creating jobs and rebuilding our nation's roads, bridges, and railways,said Cathy.These projects are important to our communities, which is why I worked directly with the Department of Transportation to see them approved and fully funded.\nThe Administration's continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities,said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.\nI am very grateful for the work that our federal delegation has done and especially Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to secure the award of the BUILD grant for the West Plains PDA,said Al French, Spokane County Commissioner. This funding will make more sites shovel ready to support and attract more businesses and more jobs to Spokane.\nThis BUILD grant award reflects the strategic importance of this freight rail system to Washington state's agricultural community and is a recognition of the collaborative partnership between our Congresswoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, WSDOT, PCC shippers and other stakeholders,stated Paul Katovich, CEO, of HighLine Grain Growers, Inc. We are very pleased that we can now begin to repair portions of these turn-of-the-century rail lines and preserve our rural economies here in Eastern Washington.\nNOTE:This round of grants marks more than $85 million in infrastructure funding Cathy has helped secure for Eastern Washington in the last two years, including$9 million in funding for Spokane Valley's Barker Road Projectand more than$57 million in grant funding for Eastern Washington airports.\nCLICK HEREto read Cathy's letter of support for the Geiger Boulevard Project.\nCLICK HEREto read Cathy's letter of support for the Rural Rail Rehabilitation Project.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-bill-to-support-small-business-passes-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-become-law/", "McMorris Rodgers Bill to Support Small Business Passes Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk to Become Law", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2018)  Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers's (WA-05) Spurring Business in Communities Act (H.R. 4111) passed the United States Senate and will now head to the president's desk to become law. This legislation passed the House by a voice vote on May 8, 2018, and will help encourage small business development in Eastern Washington.\nSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing two out of every three new jobs in America and serving as afoundation for our communities, said Cathy. Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) serve an important function in providing capital and support to these job creators, however, there are currently none here in Washington state. My bipartisan bill, which now heads to the president's desk to become law, will make it easier for them to form here in Eastern Washington and invest in our community and local small businesses.\nThis will be Cathy's 7th bill to be signed into law in the last year. In May, when this legislation passed the House, Cathy gave remarks on the House floor about the importance of bringing SBIC's to Eastern Washington. In case you missed it, you can watch her remarks here:\nNOTE: A 2017 Library of Congress study found that SBIC-backed small businesses created 3 million new jobs and supported an additional 6.5 million. According to the Small Business Administration's most recent report, SBICs reported more than $800 million in financing during the fourth quarter of 2017, and created more than 16,000 jobs. Over the same period, SBICs were able to finance 210 companies across the U.S., including 25 businesses in Low- and Moderate-Income areas, and 12 businesses owned by women, minorities, or veterans.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-congratulates-kennewick-high-school-student-winners", "Newhouse Congratulates Kennewick High School Student Winners of Congressional App-Design Challenge", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the winners of the Fourth Congressional District's 2018 App Challenge, an app competition for K-12 students. Two Kennewick High School 11th graders, Nikhil Devanathan and Aiden Arends, both 16 years-old, have been named the competition winners. Their winning app, named Wallet Wise, teaches players how to manage a balanced personal budget to encourage prudent fiscal decision making. You can see a preview of the winning app by clicking here.\nCongratulations to Nikhil Devanathan and Aiden Arends, whose winning app creates realistic scenarios to encourage users to maintain a budget over a 12-month period, said Rep. Newhouse. I am impressed by the technical know-how, creativity, and persistence demonstrated by everyone who submitted apps to this year's competition. Our high school students are the innovators of tomorrow, and Central Washington can be proud to cultivate the success of these hard-working young people.\nThe winning app was selected by a panel of local judges and will receive a prize tour of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The winners will also share $250 in Amazon Web Services credits donated by Amazon for the challenge. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and the Congressional App Challenge website.\nThe second place app, Invasion Defenders, was designed by Maxwell Fischer (Southridge High School/Tri-Tech Skills Center, Kennewick), Roger Hays (Southridge High School/Tri-Tech Skills center, Kennewick), and Elijah Saba (Homeschool/Columbia Basin College, Pasco). The app is a strategy game that requires players to use a tactical approach in a battle scenario when the defending side is at a disadvantage.\nThe third place app, Civilization Defense Unlimited was designed by Jeremiah Templeton (Kamiakin High School/Tri-Tech Skills Center, Kennewick)), Nathan Weis (Mid-Columbia Partnership/Tri-Tech Skills Center, Kennewick), and Aaron Wiens (Mid-Columbia Partnership/Tri-Tech Skills Center, Kennewick). The app is a game targeted to mobile users in which players defend their town using walls and towers while developing their civilization.\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. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations. According to some estimates, the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. industry 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 Fourth District App Challenge winners, Three Kennewick high school students of Tri-Tech Skills Center named Seth Florman, Damon Fuller, and Kyler Zimmerman, won the Challenge for the app they designed called Powerhouse. You can see a preview of the 2017 app by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-remembering-our-41st-president", "COLUMN\" Remembering Our 41st President", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush on last Friday evening calls us to reflect on the actions and character of this outstanding public servant.\nBorn with wealth and a powerful family name, Bush chose to dedicate himself to service greater than himself. He once said, \"The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And then I'd add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others.\"\nBush was spurred to sign up for military service by the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and he joined the U.S. Navy the following year as soon as he turned 18. During World War II he flew Navy torpedo bombers, and his plane was shot down during a mission. Rescued from sea, he would receive a Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism under fire. Bush was the last president to have served in that conflict.\nBush served our nation in a multitude of roles and always faithfully. He won elected office in Congress, then served as U.S. envoy to China and ambassador to the United Nations. He was appointed to lead the Central Intelligence Agency as Director under President Gerald Ford. President Ronald Reagan tapped him for Vice President after a bruising presidential primary.\nElected president in 1988, President Bush led the U.S. in a world that seems unrecognizable from that of today. History will show that he was a steady hand during global challenges and crises, from the reunification of Germany to the impending dissolution of the Soviet Union. His diplomatic skills enabled him to lead a global coalition to oust Saddam Hussein's invading armies from Kuwait.\nBush started a post-presidency initiative to encourage volunteerism, believing that fellow citizens can serve as a thousand points of light to help our communities. He had no doubt that the future of the United States of America was a bright one: \"I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger.\"\nGeorge H. W. Bush was a true statesman and a faithful public servant to the American people. In the words of historian and biographer Jon Meacham, this is a man whose innate grace was something that no one need exaggerate to commemorate.He managedto combine a spirit of service  to give back  with a great spirit of adventure.\n\nGodspeed to President Bush on his final adventure: his eternal reward and to be with his beloved wife Barbara.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-mourns-the-passing-of-president-george-h-w-bush/", "McMorris Rodgers Mourns the Passing of President George H. W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I will keep America moving forward, always forward, for a better America, for an endless enduring dream and a thousand Points of Light. This is my mission, and I will complete it.  \n-President George H. W. Bush\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement mourning the passing of former President George H. W. Bush.\nA few months after saying a tearful goodbye to a beloved First Lady, our nation mourns again for President George H. W. Bush.\nAfter a decade of Cold War, President Bush was the face of a new era, a stronger era, with America at the helm. We were tasked with being an example to the world that true prosperity can't be bought with wars or suppression  it comes from freedom and the opportunity to pursue. Passionate, yet graceful, he fought always for a better America, for an endless enduring dream, and a thousand points of light.'\nThis is a mindset that President Bush carried with him throughout his presidency. In a grand Rose Garden ceremony 28 years ago, he signed into law the landmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act. This historic bill gave more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, just like my son Cole, the chance to live the American Dream and be defined only by their potential  not their limitations. I will forever be grateful for his leadership.\nPresident Bush had a storied career of service to our country, even when it meant putting personal ambitions on hold. He loved America, but more importantly, he loved his family. The hole in our hearts left by President Bush and his wife Barbara's passing is filled with the joy of knowing they now walk with our Creator. May God bless the Bush family.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passing-president-george-h-w-bush", "Newhouse Statement on Passing of President George H. W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the passing of President George H. W. Bush:\nPresident George Herbert Walker Bush served this nation in a multitude of roles and always faithfully. From his military service during World War II, his service in Congress, his ambassadorship, his time leading the Central Intelligence Agency as Director, his service as Vice President, and finally his Presidency, he dutifully faced many of the 20th Century challenges of our country. He leaves a legacy of public service. As Americans, we are grateful for the leadership his life demonstrated and that he is now reunited with his beloved Barbara.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-ties-knot-ms-joan-galvin", "Newhouse Ties Knot with Ms. Joan Galvin", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after exchanging vows of marriage with Ms. Joan Galvin. Rep. Newhouse and Ms. Galvin were married today after the conclusion of House votes. The couple was accompanied by a small group of family and friends as witnesses. The ceremony was held in the Congressional Prayer Room in the U.S. Capitol and officiated by the Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, S.J.\nI am overjoyed and truly blessed to be starting this new chapter of my life with Joan, said Rep. Newhouse. We are so grateful for the support and love of our friends, family, and everyone celebrating with us in spirit.\nClick here for photos.\nIn October, Rep. Newhouse and Joan Galvin publicly announced their engagement. Click here to read the story in the Tri-City Herald and here to read the story in the Yakima Herald Republic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-brady-statements-signing-usmca", "Reichert, Brady Statements on Signing of the USMCA", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statements after the United States, Mexico, and Canada formally signed the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Trade Subcommittee Chairman Reichert stated: Throughout my time in Congress I have been proud to champion trade agreements that help American businesses, workers, and farmers sell their goods and services around the world. With today's signing of an updated agreement with our North American partners, I urge the Administration to continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the agreement meets the standards laid out by Congress and is ultimately successful. A modernized agreement that increases opportunities to sell more goods and services and provides certainty for American businesses is key to the over 248,000 jobs in my home state that depend on trade with Canada and Mexico. I thank Ambassador Lighthizer and his team for their work on this agreement. Chairman Brady added: A trilateral agreement to update and modernize NAFTA for the 21st century can be a big win for America's workers, farmers, and ranchers. With today's signing by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, we are carefully analyzing this text in the open and transparent process that Congress created under our new trade rules.\nThere is no doubt that President Trump has delivered on his promise to obtain many provisions that will increase our ability to sell more American goods and services. But as I've said throughout the negotiations, for USMCA to gain widespread support, it must increase certainty as to the durability of the agreement, be fully enforceable to hold our trading partners accountable across all sectors, and increase  not diminish  our ability to sell into these markets.\nI look forward to continuing to consult with the Trump Administration as we look closely at these important questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399363", "Jaime Introduces Legislation to Enact Sensible Clean Water Protection, Protect Responsible Landowners", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Introduces Legislation to Enact Sensible Clean Water Protection, Protect Responsible Landowners  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Bill replaces controversial Waters of the U.S. rule with common sense definition of navigable waters\" \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        November 29, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler introduced a bill to repeal the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule and clarify that the Clean Water Act remains in effect as it has been interpreted for more than four decades. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler introduced a bill to repeal the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule and clarify that the Clean Water Act remains in effect as it has been interpreted for more than four decades.  \r\n  \r\nThe current WOTUS rule expands the definition of navigable waters under the Clean Water Act to include water that is not navigable under any previous interpretation or common sense definition, including seasonal wet spots, puddles and small man-made ditches. WOTUS would require private landowners with such puddles and ditches on their property to obtain costly Clean Water Act permits when improving their land, costing thousands of dollars and years of wait time.  \r\n  \r\nJaime's bill would clarify that navigable waters includes territorial seas, interstate waters that are navigable-in-fact, tributaries to the interstate, navigable-in-fact waters, and wetlands that have a continuous surface water connection to interstate, navigable-in-fact waters or their tributaries. The legislation also blocks the federal government's ability to grant itself the unprecedented authority to regulate seasonal wet areas, ponds, puddles and ditches as navigable waters, whether on public or private property.  \r\n  \r\nThe bill, titled Regulatory Certainty for Navigable Waters Act, would also require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to act upon request within 60 days to determine whether water on a private property is a covered wetland under the Clean Water Act, relieving property owners from waiting lengthy periods of time for a costly review.  \r\n  \r\nIt is time for Congress to provide permanent relief for Southwest Washington farmers and landowners who would be so detrimentally impacted by this devastating rule that would cost time, money and jobs, Jaime said. It is unthinkable that D.C. bureaucrats and courts would allow the federal government to regulate every pond and ditch on private property  overturning four decades of effective Clean Water Act protection of our lands. My bill is necessary to defend Southwest Washington residents from this egregious government power grab.  \r\n  \r\nBackground:  \r\n  \r\nThe Obama Administration's Waters of the United States rule that was finalized in 2015 changed four decades of Clean Water Act policy and expanded the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' authority to regulate every ditch, man-made pond, and seasonally-wet area on public and private property as navigable waters.  \r\n  \r\nThe power given to these agencies allows them to require a Clean Water Act permit for navigable waters. A Supreme Court case from 2006 cited:  \r\n    A Clean Water Act permit costs $270,000 on average to obtain  \r\n    Permits take an average of 788 days to obtain  \r\n    Penalties for violation of the Clean Water Act can be up to $37,500 per day", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399362", "Legislation Repealing Outdated 1834 Ban on Distilleries on Tribal Land Headed to Presidents Desk", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to repeal an outdated 1834 law that prohibits Native American Tribes from building and operating distilleries on their Tribal lands. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a current member and former Chairwoman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the bill in the Senate, while Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3) carried the bill in the House of Representatives.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to repeal an outdated 1834 law that prohibits Native American Tribes from building and operating distilleries on their Tribal lands. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a current member and former Chairwoman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the bill in the Senate, while Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3) carried the bill in the House of Representatives.\r\nThe bill, which passed the House in September, now heads to President Trump to be signed into law.\r\nWhen the Chehalis Tribe first approached me about an antiquated law that prevented them from building a distillery on their land, it was clear that Congress needed to take action and repeal it in the name of fairness. I was pleased to partner with the Chehalis to craft, introduce and secure passage of this legislation in the U.S. House, and am grateful my colleagues in the Senate were equally successful in their efforts. Today we're sending a common-sense, bipartisan bill to the president's desk that removes a hurdle for tribes in Southwest Washington and across the country that was impeding them from pursuing economic opportunities that bring with them new jobs and skills training,said Representative Herrera Beutler.\r\nThere's no place for laws that discriminate against our Native American communities and limit their economic opportunities,saidSenator Cantwell, who alsourged passage of the billin a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing earlier this year.Getting this outdated law off the books is a crucial step to support entrepreneurship, economic development, and Tribal self-determination throughout Indian Country.\r\nFor nearly 200 years this archaic law has been a barrier for tribal nations pursing economic freedom, and today's vote brings us one step closer to finally sweeping it into the dustbin of history,said Senator Murray.This is a win for the Chehalis Tribe that will help spur new economic development, and I urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law as soon as possible to help empower entrepreneurship in other tribal nations in our state and around the country.\r\nIn 2016, Washington state's Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Tribe Reservation began planning to build a brewery, with an attached restaurant and distillery, on Tribal lands in Grand Mound, WA. However, these plans were halted after the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) warned the Tribe that a pre-Civil War law prohibits distilleries on Indian lands and currently directs the BIA to destroy and break up any distillery on Indian land. This prohibition prevents the bureau from approving documents necessary for the Tribe to operate such a facility. As a result, the Tribe chose not to begin construction until the issue is resolved.\r\nThe Chehalis Tribe would like to extend our most sincere thanks to Sen. Maria Cantwell, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and Sen. Patty Murray and their staff for their leadership and commitment in securing passage of this legislation. HR 5317 repeals an antiquated federal law prohibition and promotes the current federal policy of tribal self-determination. Tribes around the country will now have the ability to move forward with projects to build and operate distilleries on their own lands. This is a great victory for the Chehalis Tribe and Tribes nationwide that seek to expand economic development opportunities on their own land,said Chairman Harry Pickernell, Sr. of the Chehalis Tribe.\r\nIn the Senate, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-6), Don Young (AK-At Large), Denny Heck (WA-10), Tom Cole (OK-4), and Betty McCollum (MN-4) are co-sponsors of the House-passed legislation.\r\nFor more information on the issue, read thisNew York Timesopinion pieceorthis article fromThe Centralia Chronicle.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-legislation-honor-fallen-richland-marine-moves-forward", "COLUMN: Legislation to Honor Fallen Richland Marine Moves Forward", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and on behalf of our freedoms, we find ways  even small ways  to honor their sacrifice and their memory. Though the way we honor the person we lost may seem small, it is still meaningful for loved ones and the community.\nOur Washington community honors the life and service of U.S. Marine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman of Richland, who was serving in the 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina when he was tragically killed in a cargo plane crash in Mississippi on July 10, 2017.\nDietrich Schmieman's story began much like that of any young person in the Tri-Cities. He grew up in Richland with his parents, Eric and Susan, and his two brothers, Aaron and Hans. He attended Christ the King Catholic School, Hanford High School, and then Columbia Basin College. In 2010, he made the decision to serve his nation and to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.\nIt was Schmieman's goal to serve within Special Operations Command. During the time of his service, he received 14 awards and decorations, including several Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He had completed two overseas deployments serving our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom. He achieved his goal, honorably serving as a Critical Skills Operator in the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, before his tragic passing.\nTo show the community's gratitude for his service and recognize the service of all who have given their lives, I was proud to introduce legislation with the bipartisan support of every member of the Washington House delegation to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office Building. Dietrich and his fellow service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I hope in this small way to honor his memory  as well as the memory of the 15 other men and women who lost their lives in the crash.\nThis past July, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 5504. In November, the Senate also approved the bill. The final step for is now to for the bill to head to the President's desk for his signature into law.\nThe renamed post office in his hometown will serve as a reminder of Sgt. Schmieman's service both to his loved ones and to his community for which he gave everything. I know that this will mean a lot to Sgt. Schmieman's family and to our community  serving as a local memorial and reminder of the sacrifice he and his fellow service members gave to preserve the freedoms that are the cornerstone of our nation.\nThis column is adapted from a speech Rep. Newhouse delivered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 16, 2018, in honor of Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399361", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Asks Coast Guard to Review I-5 Bridge Lift Protocol During Rush Hour", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler formally requested the U.S. Coast Guard revisit its protocol for I-5 drawbridge lifts during rush hour in pursuit of congestion relief for Southwest Washington commuters.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler formally requested the U.S. Coast Guard revisit its protocol for I-5 drawbridge lifts during rush hour in pursuit of congestion relief for Southwest Washington commuters.\r\nIn a letter sent to U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral David Throop, Jaime points out what has become obvious to Southwest Washington commuters: a daily increase of nearly 25,000 vehicle crossings over the I-5 bridge in the last 20 years necessitates a new look at extending the hours in which bridge lifts are restricted.\r\nWhile drawbridge lifts are limited during the morning hours of 6:30am  9:00am and from 2:30pm  6:00pm, evening rush hour actually extends from 1:30pm  7:30pm and current morning commutes barely move at an average of 9 miles per hour.\r\nAlthough the Rivers and Harbors Act gives precedence to navigation traffic over vehicular traffic and multiple stakeholders would need to be involved in any effort to amend the current regulations, practical concerns must also weigh into the balance during this interim period while the region works to reach consensus on a plan for replacement of the two drawbridges, Jaime wrote.\r\nGiven the seriousness of the points raised to my office, I request that you review this situation to determine if extending the hours for limiting lifts of the I-5 drawbridges is warranted.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows and a PDF version is available here.\r\nDear Admiral Throop,\r\nI am writing on behalf of multiple constituents who have approached my office regarding their desire for a further restriction of the lifts during rush hours for the I-5 drawbridges on the Columbia River.\r\nThe ever-increasing traffic along the I-5 corridor, fueled by increasing population in Southwest Washington and the region has resulted in a corresponding increase in vehicular traffic congestion and accidents. According to the SW Washington Regional Transportation Council, vehicle crossings over the I-5 drawbridges have increased from 116,500 per day in 1995 to nearly 140,000 per day in 2018. \r\nAt the same time, the hours for peak traffic have also steadily gotten longer, particularly for the evening commute. According to the Oregon Dept. of Transportation, the evening rush hour now lasts for approximately 6 hours from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Unfortunately, the morning commute also gives us little cause to celebrate with recent news reports noting that the traffic often slows to approximately 9 mph during the southbound morning commute along the I-5 corridor. Lifts of the drawbridges during the peak traffic hours only serve to compound the challenges the region is experiencing in the movement of traffic and freight across the region.\r\nAs you know, current regulation provides for rush hour traffic by limiting lifts of the bridges for the morning commute during the hours of 6:30 am  9:00 am, and from 2:30 pm  6:00 pm for the evening commute. Although the Rivers and Harbors Act gives precedence to navigation traffic over vehicular traffic and multiple stakeholders would need to be involved in any effort to amend the current regulations, practical concerns must also weigh into the balance during this interim period while the region works to reach consensus on a plan for replacement of the two drawbridges.\r\nGiven the seriousness of the points raised to my office, I request that you review this situation to determine if extending the hours for limiting lifts of the I-5 drawbridges is warranted. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to your reply.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-backs-bill-to-delist-gray-wolf/", "McMorris Rodgers Backs Bill to Delist Gray Wolf", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 16, 2018)  Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted in favor of the Manage our Wolves Act (H.R. 6784), a bill she was an original cosponsor of, to delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act.\nEastern Washington knows better how to manage our land and wildlife than someone sitting in a cubicle in Washington, D.C., said Cathy. By delisting the gray wolf, we can allow people in our state and community to use science-based management practices that will benefit both our endangered and nativeanimals while protecting farmers and ranchers. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill because it is important to people here in Eastern Washington.\nThis morning, Cathy spoke on the House floor in support of the Manage our Wolves Act. You can watch her full remarks here:\nIn her remarks, she said, In the fall of 2013, the Obama Administration announced that the gray wolf is recovered. President Obama's Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe stated, [the gray wolf] is no longer endangered or threatened with extinctionas we propose to remove ESA protections, states like Washington and Oregon are managing expanding populations under protective state laws.' Unfortunately, the gray wolf was not delisted.\nNOTE: Earlier this year, Cathy sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke formally requesting the department delist the gray wolf. You can read that letter here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/duffy-newhouse-legislation-delist-gray-wolf-approved-house", "Duffy, Newhouse Legislation to Delist the Gray Wolf Approved by House", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, on a vote of 196-180, the House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) to return management of gray wolves to state control. Congressman Newhouse issued the following statement:\nThe recovery of the gray wolf is a success story for the Endangered Species Act, and the best available science must determine whether species remain listed, said Congressman Newhouse. States are best-equipped to effectively manage gray wolves and respond to the needs of the ecosystem and local communities. I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation to return management of the gray wolf species to the states, as requested by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and as proposed by the Obama administration, has been approved by the House. I urge prompt consideration in the Senate.\nIf you live in Wisconsin, especially northern Wisconsin, it might be necessary for us to actually manage this population because it's good for the environment, said Congressman Duffy. It's good for the wolves. It's good for the cattle. It's actually really good for our deer population. And so I just think this just makes common sense. Frankly, I believe that our states are far more in tuned in understanding the ecosystem of their state than Bureaucrats in Washington. \nFor Congressman Duffy's complete floor remarks today, click here.\nClick here to watch remarks delivered on the House floor by Congressman Newhouse\nTranscript of Congressman Newhouse's remarks: Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1142, providing for further consideration of H.R. 6784, the Manage our Wolves Act. The rule provides for consideration of the legislation under a closed rule.\nMr. Speaker, I am proud to have co-introduced the underlying legislation considered in this rule today, H.R. 6784, the Manage Our Wolves Act, to return management of the gray wolf species to the states. The states are best-equipped to provide more effective and accountable management that responds to the needs of the ecosystem, other species, as well as local communities.\nOn June 13, 2013, under the Obama Administration, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would have removed the gray wolf from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination was made after Fish & Wildlife evaluated the classification status of gray wolves currently listed in the contiguous United States under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and found, and I quote, the best available scientific and commercial information indicates that the currently listed entity is not a valid species under the Act.\nMr. Speaker, the purpose of Endangered Species Act is to recover species to the point where they are no longer considered \"endangered\" or \"threatened.\" The gray wolf is currently found in nearly fifty countries around the world and has been placed in the classification of \"least concern for risk of extinction by the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation Nature.\nSome of my colleagues have asked, well, if Fish & Wildlife have proposed to delist the species, why haven't they done so?' That is a completely fair and reasonable question. Unfortunately, it is due to fringe environmentalist efforts that any action from moving forward under the law has been stalled. So long as the courts are abused to prevent the proper adjudication of the law, we will not see progress made. And it is because of this exploitation of the law that communities like those in Central Washington suffer the consequences.\nMr. Speaker, in my home state, the great State of Washington, the gray wolf is not listed in just the eastern third of the state, forcing U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to rely on an arbitrary political boundary when delineating and managing a species. I am sorry to share with you Mr. Speaker thatas it turns out surprisingly wolves don't know boundaries or borders. The arbitrary nature of this current status of the law is broken, and it is impairing the ability of fish and wildlife managers on the ground to properly manage the species as well as its ecosystem, including the harm it poses on other indigenous species.\nMr. Speaker, this is why Congress as a co-equal branch, must act. This legislation directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to follow through with the proposed rule and delist the gray wolf from the list of endangered species. We have a responsibility to protect the incredibly diverse species both in Washington State and across the country. These efforts to protect our wildlife species must be based on sound science and an open, transparent process. Unfortunately, that is far from the case when it comes to the process dictating endangered species policies, particularly in this case of the gray wolf.\nFor years now, Washington's Department of Fish & Wildlife has asked the federal government to delist the gray wolf and provide relief from the burdensome, broken process dictating species management. I have received letters from the Director of the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, one in 2015 and one earlier this year, and would ask unanimous consent for them to be entered into the record.\nIn them, the letters read, and I quote: Dear Congressman Newhouse, The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife appreciates your continued assistance to encourage the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete the delisting of the gray wolf and remove it from federal protection under the Endangered Species List.  It continues, In 2008, the first wolf pack was documented in Washington State. Today we have 22 known packs. During this time, the state's wolf population has increased by an average of more than 30 percent per year.  As demonstrated with the current rate of recovery, the Department is well suited to facilitate the recovery and management of wolves across the state.  Under the current federal designation and management, we cannot fully implement our plan in the western two-thirds of the state. To ensure ongoing success in wolf recovery, the federal listing needs to keep pace with the on-the-ground recovery status and allow the state to fully implement its management plan. Therefore, I support your efforts to advance the delisting of wolves and return management to the state, end quote.\nMr. Speaker, to close, I would like to just say that as a farmer and life-long resident of Central Washington state, I consider myself a conservationist and steward of our rich natural heritageand that includes our incredible wildlife. State governments are fully qualified to responsibly manage gray wolf populations and are better able to meet the needs of local communities, ranchers, livestock, wildlife populations, and ecosystems. I encourage my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation.\nBackground:\nManagement of these gray wolves was transferred from the state to the federal level following two 2014 U.S. District Court decisions that reinstated gray wolves under the protections of the Endangered Species Act. These designations leave farmers and ranchers in those states without a legal avenue to protect their livestock from wolves.\nClick HERE to read H.R. 6784, the Manage Our Wolves Act.\nClick HERE and HERE to 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-bill-honoring-fallen-richland-marine-heads-president-s-desk", "Newhouse Bill Honoring Fallen Richland Marine Heads to Presidents Desk", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statements after the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 5504, to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office. Rep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 5504 with the support of the entire Washington delegation to honor the life and service of U.S. Marine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman of Richland, who was serving in the 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina when he was tragically killed in a cargo plane crash in Mississippi on July 10, 2017. The legislation now heads to the President's desk for his signature.\nAfter speaking with the Schmieman family, it became clear that Dietrich was truly devoted to his service and his Marine Corps brothers-in-arms, said Rep. Newhouse. I am proud to be able to honor him through the designation of the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office Building in West Richland, and I am grateful his memory will live on in Central Washington. Sergeant Schmieman's sacrifice will not be forgotten, and this post office will serve as a local reminder for his family, friends, and community of the honorable sacrifice he gave for his country.\nSenator Cantwell: The Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office will serve as a reminder of his legacy of service and sacrifice. From Hanford High to the elite forces of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Schmieman was a shining example of leadership, dedication, and the best our country has to offer.\nSenator Murray: Sergeant Schmieman was a decorated Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. I'm proud to join my colleagues in remembering this brave Washingtonian by naming the West Van Giesen Post Office in his honor.\nWatch Rep. Newhouse speak in support of his legislation to honor Sgt. Dietrich Schmieman\nTranscript:\nI rise today to speak in support of legislation that will commemorate the life and service of a young man from Central Washington who died serving his country, just over a year ago on July 10, 2017.\nMarine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman grew up in Richland, Washington with his parents, Eric and Susan, and his two brothers, Aaron and Hans. He attended Christ the King Catholic School, Hanford High School, and Columbia Basin College, where he met friends who would remain close to him throughout his entire life. In 2010, with a world of opportunity ahead of him, he chose to dedicate his life to service and enlist in the United States Marine Corps.\nIt was his goal to serve within Special Operations Command. Throughout his service, he received 14 awards and decorations, including several Achievement Medals, Good Conduct Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He had completed two overseas deployments serving our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom. He achieved his goal, honorable serving as a Critical Skills Operator in the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when he was tragically killed in a KC-130 plane crash in Mississippi on July 10, 2017.\nMy legislation would designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office Building. Dietrich and his fellow service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I hope to honor his memory  as well as the memory of the 15 other men and women killed in the crash  with this dedication to their service.\nDietrich's strong ties to his family, friends, and hometown continue to be evident. An avid skydiver, Dietrich's death inspired his parents, childhood friends, and fellow Marines to complete a memorial skydive over Central Washington. He had a tattoo symbolizing his love of the Pacific Northwest and requested that his ashes be spread on Mt. Rainier, where his Marine brothers-in-arms will hike this August in his honor.\nWe recently observed the one-year anniversary of the devastating plane crash, and I know that the designation of this Post Office will mean a lot to Dietrich's family and to our community  serving as a local memorial and reminder of the sacrifice he and his fellow service members gave to preserve the freedoms that are the cornerstone of our nation. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to name this building, which will be visited often by friends and family, after a courageous young man whose life and service deserve this honor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-transfer-kennewick-irrigation-district-title-moves", "Newhouse Legislation to Transfer Kennewick Irrigation District Title Moves Forward", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House Committee on Natural Resources approved federal legislation introduced by Rep. Newhouse to transfer title of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) related works and lands to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). In accordance with the December 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between KID and BOR, this legislation will transfer title of works beginning at KID's head gate and extending 40 miles east to the Columbia River. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two years after the enactment.\nTransferring the title to local entity will allow more responsive water management, streamlining water uses on behalf of the local community, said Rep. Newhouse. My legislation reduces government waste and excess regulations, and I am grateful to Chairman Bishop and my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for approving this important bill for Central Washington water users.\nClick here to read the text of H.R. 6652.\nBackground:\n H.R. 6652 conveys title for the facilities managed and operated by Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). It does not privatize federal water projects or properties within the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).\n  KID will complete an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as all necessary Endangered Species Act, National Historical Preservation Act, and hazardous review processes.\n  KID and BOR have committed to ensuring that all stakeholders, tribal concerns, and local interests have a seat at the table throughout the process.\n  In addition to ensuring the proper reviews are completed, KID will repay their allocated share of construction costs to the federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-newhouse-praise-bureau-of-reclamation-announcement-of-7-1-million-for-columbia-basin-project/", "McMorris Rodgers, Newhouse Praise Bureau of Reclamation Announcement of $7.1 Million for Columbia Basin Project", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 14, 2018)  Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) issued the following statements after the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) recently released its FY19 Distribution of Additional Funding that includes $7.1 million to the Columbia Basin Project Ephrata office, allocating up to $2 million for design and oversight to the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program (OGWRP).\nThe Odessa Ground Water Replacement Project is critical to ensuring our region has access to the water needed to grow our crops and fuel our economy, said McMorris Rodgers. This announcement of $7 million in funding for the Columbia Basin Project, including $2 million for the Odessa aquifer, will help continue to meet our water infrastructure needs. Thank you to the Bureau of Reclamation for their continued commitment to Eastern Washington farmers and our communities at large.\nEvery dollar of additional support for the Columbia Basin Project makes a difference for the future of water users facingdepletion of the Odessa Aquifer, said Rep. Newhouse. The Bureau's announcement of up to $2 million for the project is very helpful, and I will continue to make the case for the federal government to support this critical investment on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and water users who are counting on a replacement water source.\nNOTE: In May, BOR announced nearly $2 million in new funds for the Columbia Basin Project Ephrata/Pasco Pump Lateral and Potholes Supplemental Feed Route, including $750,000 for oversight and design for a pumping plant and pipeline delivery system for the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-mcmorris-rodgers-praise-bureau-reclamation-announcement-71", "Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Praise Bureau of Reclamation Announcement of $7.1 Million for Columbia Basin Project Ephrata Office", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statements after the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) recently released its FY19 Distribution of Additional Funding that includes $7.1 million to the Columbia Basin Project Ephrata office, allocating up to $2 million for design and oversight to the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program (OGWRP).\nEvery dollar of additional support for the Columbia Basin Project makes a difference for the future of water users facing depletion of the Odessa Aquifer, said Newhouse. The Bureau's announcement of up to $2 million for the project is very helpful, and I will continue to make the case for the federal government to support this critical investment on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and water users who are counting on a replacement water source.\nThe Odessa Ground Water Replacement Project is critical to ensuring our region has access to the water needed to grow our crops and fuel our economy, said McMorris Rodgers. This announcement of $7 million in funding for the Columbia Basin Project, including $2 million for the Odessa aquifer, will help continue to meet our water infrastructure needs. Thank you to the Bureau of Reclamation for their continued commitment to Eastern Washington farmers and our communities at large.\nIn May, BOR announced nearly $2 million in new funds for the Columbia Basin Project Ephrata/Pasco Pump Lateral and Potholes Supplemental Feed Route, including $750,000 for oversight and design for a pumping plant and pipeline delivery system for the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-100th-anniversary-armistice-shows-importance-honoring", "COLUMN: 100th Anniversary of Armistice Shows Importance of Honoring Fallen Heroes and Todays Veterans", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 11th of this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. Over the course of that conflict, 116,516 American military personnel lost their lives. The deadliest battle in U.S. history was at Argonne Forest, from September 26, 1918 lasting more than a month, until the Armistice. The battle involved more than one million American soldiers and resulted in more than 26,000 American military deaths. The toll was unimaginable, but the U.S. contribution and heavy sacrifice on behalf of the Allied cause turned the tide.\nThe famous World War I General, John Pershing, once said that it was his \"desire that every man in the American Expeditionary Forces should be given the opportunity to visit Paris before returning to the United States.\" His remarks make it all the more moving that the Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial, the resting place of 1,565 American soldiers, rests on a hill overlooking the French capital. This week, I was humbled to have the honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony to observe the solemn occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice at the Suresnes Cemetery.\nThe Suresnes Cemetery was dedicated in 1937 and became the first permanent overseas U.S. cemetery. Far from home, 29 of the buried  27 U.S. Army soldiers, one Navy Fireman First Class, and one Marine Corps private  are from the State of Washington. The uniform rows of white stone crosses reminded me of Arlington National Cemetery. Inscribed on the chapel overlooking the Suresnes cemetery are the words, Peaceful is their sleep in glory.\nAs I visited the hallowed ground where America's sons and daughters were laid to rest on foreign soil, I was filled with gratitude for those that have fallen and our veterans. On Sunday, November 11th, the U.S. observed Veterans Day, showing honor to every veteran for service and sacrifice that goes beyond what most of us can imagine. 560,000 veterans are our neighbors in the State of Washington, and on Veteran's Day a grateful nation said thank you.\nThe passing of the brave men and women who have served is a reminder that we as Americans must take the opportunity to honor veterans while they are still with us. Our community and nation are eternally grateful, and we have no doubt that our freedoms have been made secure through the sacrifice of others.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-lays-wreaths-suresnes-gravesite-washington-native-veterans", "Newhouse Lays Wreaths at the Suresnes Gravesite of Washington Native Veterans of World War I", "2018-11-10", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SURESNES, FRANCEWith the world reflecting on the centennial of the Armistice of World War I, U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) laid wreaths Saturday at Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial just outside of Paris, France to honor three Washington natives who lost their lives or went missing in The Great War.\nInscribed on the chapel overlooking the Suresnes cemetery are the words, Peaceful is their sleep in glory,' and it was a moving experience to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of fellow Americans who never came home, said Rep. Newhouse. These young men's sacrifice is more than most of us can imagine. The ground in which they rest is hallowed, and it was an honor to pay respects on behalf of the people of the Fourth Congressional District.\nRep. Newhouselaid wreathsat the gravesite of Private Harold H. Anderson of Bellingham and at the Tablets of the Missing in honor of Private Robert W. Ely of Kennewick and John Tomlinson of Toppenish. In addition to laying the wreaths, Rep. Newhouse also participated in a memorial ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery to honor all Americans who lost their lives in World War I. Rep.Newhouse attendedthe ceremony with a group of bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives.\nNewhouse laid the wreath at the gravesite of Private Harold H. Anderson, who served in the 335 Infantry Regiment, 84th Division of the U.S. Army. A Veteran of World War I and originally from Bellingham, Washington, he passed away on October 10, 1918. Anderson deployed along with his unit to France in October 1918, moving directly into behind the lines training camps to learn modern battlefield tactics from veteran French Soldiers. However, shortly after arrival, his division was designated as a training unit with the mission of training newly arriving American units for forward deployment. Private Anderson died of an unknown disease, most likely influenza or tuberculosis.\nPrivate Roberty W. Ely served in the 125th Field Artillery Regiment, 34th Division of the U.S. Army. He was born June 11, 1891 and was from Kennewick, Washington. He trained at Camp Cody in New Mexico in June of 1918. On September 24, 1918, Robert W. Ely left for France on a ship known as USS Saxon. Private Ely went missing or died on Oct 5th, 1918, with his status missing in action or lost at sea. He is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Suresnes American Cemetery.\nAccording to the Monuments Project, John Tomlinson served in the 316th Engineer's Division of the U.S. Army. Born in Toppenish in 1894, he is the son of Myrtle Baxter (ne Gilbert) and Winchester H. Tomlinson. Tomlinson attended Camp Lewis, in Washington, before he set out for New Jersey. There, he went to Camp Merritt. When he went to these camps is unknown. In New York, on March 16, 1918, John Tomlinson boarded the 509 steamship and set sail for Europe, for the war. He was in the 316th engineers, nicknamed the Wild West division. He sailed only for 10 days before he fell sick, and eventually died of pneumonia. They gave him a short memorial, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, before burying him at sea as to not infect other soldiers. To this day, like many other soldiers, John Tomlinson's body was never found, having been lost at sea. He is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Suresnes American Cemetery.\nLocated just outside of Paris, Suresnes American Cemetery is the final resting place of over 1,500 American Service Members and volunteers who lost their lives in World War I along with 24 unknown dead from World War II. Bronze tablets on the walls of the chapel record the names of 974 soldiers missing in action. Originally serving as a temporary cemetery for the American Hospital of Paris in 1917 toward the end of World War I, General Pershing selected it as the first site of nine permanent American Cemeteries.\nSaturday's ceremony and wreath laying at Suresnes coincides with other events held in France and throughout Europe to mark the centennial of the end of World War I.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-praises-administration-proposal-streamline-h-2a-advertising", "Newhouse Praises Administration Proposal to Streamline H-2A Advertising", "2018-11-08", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed rulemaking which could help farmers advertise job openings to domestic workers as required under the H-2A visa program.The DOL rulemaking would require that employers seeking to hire temporary workers post the employment opportunities online, which is in line with today's modern recruitment practices for employers and job seekers as well as reducing employers' recruitment costs.\nThe Trump Administration has remained committed to modernizing the H-2A program to make it more workable for farmers, said Rep. Newhouse. This change was long overdue, and I applaud this positive step to streamline regulations and modernize the H-2A program to ease burdens on small farm operations struggling with scarce labor.\nThe proposed rulemaking is an early step in H-2A regulatory reforms as promised in May in a joint statement of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, State, and Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-honoring-central-washington-angels", "COLUMN: Honoring Central Washington Angels", "2018-11-05", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, I met a couple angels in the Tri-Cities.\nNo, really: I had the opportunity to sit down with James and Angie Sessions of Pasco.\nA few years ago, James and Angie were inspired to become foster parents after learning about the foster care system while at a local church's camp for children in state custody. The Sessions fostered two separate sets of siblings who ended up being reunited with family members  an experience that came with the very real emotional toll that can come with providing a temporary home.\nEven knowing that it would not be easy to continue providing foster care, the Sessions chose to continue. Angie described the peace she felt about their decision: I didn't want to separate those kiddos. Give a warm house to kids who came from a lot of nothing. Give them a warm bed and food.\nAngie and James then made the decision to become foster parents for four young siblings  three young brothers and their baby sister named Ajay, Nathan, Kyler, and Layla. After three years of taking care of the siblings, Sessions were determined that the children would remain with one another in the same home.\nIn August of 2017, the Sessions family grew from two to six when James and Angie officially adopted the four children, giving them the gift of a forever home.\nLast week, I met with Angie and James in my Tri-Cities office to present them with the Angels in Adoption award. The award is an initiative of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children through encouraging foster care and adoption. CCAI raises awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the U.S. and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption.\nNovember is the 21st annual National Adoption Month, and this year's theme focuses on the needs of older children who are less likely to be adopted and more likely age out of foster care with strong family support. According to the Children's Bureau, as of September, 2016, there were 438,000 children and youth in foster care. That same month, the number of children and youth waiting for adoption was over 118,000, and of that number, 13,037 were between the ages of 15 and 17 years old. The need for forever homes is great.\nFor resources and information on how to adopt or take part in Washington state's program, you can visithttps://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/adoption/ or https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/adoption-and-adoption-support/adoption.\nI hope James and Angie's story will be an inspiration to other families in Central Washington considering becoming foster or adoptive parents.\nYou never know when you might meet an angel, or even if you might become a child's angel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-named-friend-of-the-farm-bureau/", "McMorris Rodgers Named Friend of the Farm Bureau", "2018-11-01", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA (November 1, 2018)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) was named a Friend of Farm Bureau for her leadership on policies that benefit farmers and support agriculture, Eastern Washington's number one industry. This is the third time Cathy has received this award from the Washington Farm Bureau.\nI'm leading to make sure agriculture and trade policies put our farmers in Eastern Washington first, said McMorris Rodgers. It's our farmers here at home who are better off now because this Congress has cut taxes and eliminated harmful, Obama-era regulations. To ensure that they can keep their farms running and provide food security to the world, I will continue to deliver results that Eastern Washington farmers can count on. I'm grateful to be named a Friend of the Farm Bureau again.\nWashington Farm Bureau is proud to award Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers with the American Farm Bureau Friend of Farm Bureau Award for her leadership and support of agriculture during the 115th Congress. said John Stuhlmiller, Washington Farm Bureau CEO. Cathy has earned this award multiple times, demonstrating her commitment to American farmers and ranchers. We know she has our backs in D.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-celebrates-tri-cities-family-angels-adoption-national-adoption", "Newhouse Celebrates Tri-Cities Family as Angels in Adoption for National Adoption Month", "2018-11-01", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RICHLAND, WA  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recognized Pasco residents James and Angie Sessions with the 2018 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's Angels in Adoption award. November is National Adoption Month, and Rep. Newhouse honored the Sessions family for their outstanding advocacy of adoption and foster care issues.\nJames and Angie opened their hearts to foster care and adoption, and for their four children, they truly are Angels in Adoption, said Rep. Newhouse. They are absolutely deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to honor them for their dedication to children in our community. I hope their story will be an inspiration to other families in Central Washington considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. \nJames and Angie were inspired to become foster parents after learning about the foster care system at a local church camp for children in state custody. They became foster parents for four siblings  three young brothers and their baby sister  and were determined to keep the family together. In August of 2017, the Sessions family grew from 2 to 6 when Ajay, Nathan, Kyler, and Layla found their forever home with James and Angie in Pasco.\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/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/largest-cost-living-increase-seven-years-provides-certainty", "COLUMN: Largest Cost of Living Increase in Seven Years Provides Certainty for Social Security Recipients and Veterans", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Every calendar year, Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically calculates the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries based on the consumer-price index, which measures changes in the price level of a defined set of consumer goods and services purchased by households. Earlier this month, SSA announced that it would raise the COLA by 2.8 percent in 2019, the largest COLA increase in seven years. That increase may not sound like a large amount, but it is more than the COLA increase of 2 percent in 2018 and 0.3 percent in 2017. In 2016, there was no increase at all.\nFor Medicare Part B recipients concerned that changes to their premiums might have negated the COLA increase, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that standard monthly premiums will go up by $1.50 next year.\nAccording to SSA, the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment will begin with benefits payable to more than 62 million Social Security beneficiaries  roughly one in five Americans  in January, 2019. Increased payments to more than 8 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2018. This increase will give certainty to millions of seniors on fixed income so that the value of their benefits is not eroded by inflation.\nNot only is the COLA increasing for our seniors, but President Trump recently signed bipartisan legislation that passed the House unanimously and will help veterans as well. H.R. 4958, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 increases the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans as of December 1, 2018, and by the same percentage as Social Security beneficiaries.\nThese COLA increases were much-needed for seniors and veterans. I am firmly committed to keeping both Social Security and Medicare stable and solvent. The Washington Post's Fact Checker just last week awarded one Democratic U.S. Senator four Pinocchios  it's highest rating for the most blatant falsehoods  for his claim that Republicans wanted to end Medicare and Social Security.\nSocial Security and Medicare are promises to our seniors who have paid into those programs their entire lives, and I am committed to ensuring these programs are strong and able to support the seniors who depend on them.\nIf ever you are having trouble receiving your Social Security benefits or just have a question, you can contact my congressional office in Yakima at (509) 452-3243 or in Richland at (509) 713-7374.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-we-are-united-to-deliver-real-solutions-and-end-this-crisis/", "McMorris Rodgers: We are united to deliver real solutions and end this crisis", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after President Trump signed the final version of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R.6) into law. It's the most significant congressional and bipartisan effort against a single drug crisis in history. Language the Congresswoman helped introduce, the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 (H.R. 5684), was included in this legislation.\nThis is the most comprehensive action we've taken to combat the opioid epidemic. It will bolster treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect our communities, and fight synthetic drugs like fentanyl that are coming across our borders from China and Mexico. It also includes language I led on to expand services for seniors who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse. \nFor families in every district across the country, including in Eastern Washington, this fight is personal. This summer, I shared Kristin's story. She was a successful, highly competitive swimmer when she was injured. She was prescribed some opioids, and it has led to a heroin addiction, which has led to four stints in rehab, losing custody of her child, and numerous job firings. Her addiction has torn her family apart, and it's not solved. People battling addiction, like Kristin and her family, need help and hope. That's why we are united today to deliver real solutions and end this crisis.\nNote: Included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act was language from Cathy's Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act of 2018 (H.R. 5684), which will help with prevention of opioid abuse among seniors by expanding eligibility for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for Medicare beneficiaries who are at-risk for prescription drug abuse.\nCathy has also worked to share the personal stories of families battling opioid addiction in Eastern Washington.\nCLICK HERE to read Rachel's story in Cathy's column in the Spokesman-Review.\nCLICK HERE to watch Kristin's story that Cathy shared in a House Leadership Press Conference.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-answer-prayer-pastor-brunson-joins-list-captive", "COLUMN: Answer to Prayer: Pastor Brunson Joins List of Captive Americans Freed", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Americans across the country and of all faith backgrounds can celebrate the return of our fellow citizens held unjustly overseas some for practicing their faith. Many prayers have been answered.\nIn October 2016, on the night of his eldest son's birthday, American pastor and evangelist, Andrew Brunson, was arrested by the Turkish government on charges of espionage and terrorism. Pastor Brunson, a North Carolinian, had worked in Turkey as a missionary for more than two decades, and he denied being involved in any political matters. His arrest was a breach of every person's inherent right to practice religious freedom, a right that is still violated by oppressive regimes around the world. Pastor Brunson was sentenced to ten years in Turkish prison on these false charges.\nWhile Pastor Brunson was in prison, President Trump and his administration, including Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, made the release of American hostages a top foreign policy priority. The U.S. has since successfully secured the release of Americans being held unjustly by other countries.\nThe administration acted to impose sanctions on senior Turkish officials to increase pressure on the country to release Pastor Brunson. In response, on October 12th, Turkey relented and ordered his release. Pastor Brunson has said his faith helped him survive the ordeal: \"The way I survived that was by just spending hours in prayer, just to keep my sanity.\" The President and American officials deserve credit for tenaciously sticking up for religious freedom and for not giving up on captive Americans.\nAmerican charity worker Aya Hijazi, a Virginian who founded an organization to help impoverished children in Cairo, was released from Egyptian custody in April 2017 after three years in captivity on fabricated human trafficking allegations. President Trump had continued efforts to free her despite President Obama's earlier unsuccessful attempt to secure her release.\nIn May of this year, during Secretary Pompeo's visit to North Korea, three Americans held hostages by North Korea, Tony Kim, Kim Hak-song, and Kim Dong Chul, were freed in response to U.S. pressure. Kim Dong Chul had been sentenced to ten years of hard labor and was the longest-held American detainee in North Korea. He spent 900 days in detention before being freed.\nThe captivity suffered by Americans abroad is a stark reminders that we are blessed with the freedom to practice our religion and entitled to due process. Every American should be heartened that this administration has undertaken strong diplomatic efforts  negotiating from a position of strength  to prioritize the return of our fellow citizens, whose prayers to be free have been answered.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399336", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Introduces Legislation to Reinstate Federal Oil Train Safety Standard", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she has introduced legislation to reinstate stronger U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) safety regulation for oil trains.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she has introduced legislation to reinstate stronger U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) safety regulation for oil trains.\r\nJaime's bill, the Oil and Flammable Material Rail Transportation Safety Act, would reinstate USDOT's 2015 safety requirement, which it had revoked last month. The 2015 regulation mandated trains carrying oil or other flammable liquids at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour update their current air-controlled brakes with electronically-controlled brakes. The current air-braking system oil trains use today has been around for a century, calling into question whether the brakes are reliable enough to safely transport hazardous materials across the country.\r\nJaime opposed USDOT's decision to roll back the 2015 safety requirement last month, and pledged to take legislative action.\r\nFor the sake of our Columbia River Gorge communities and our environment, we need stronger safety measures when it comes to transporting hazardous materials by rail. The U.S. Department of Transportation made the wrong call to roll back a crucial braking-upgrade requirement for oil trains, so I'm taking legislative action to correct this mistake and protect the best interests of Southwest Washington, Jaime said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/reps-mcmorris-rodgers-newhouse-applaud-white-house-plan-to-bring-certainty-to-columbia-and-snake-river-system/", "Reps. McMorris Rodgers, Newhouse Applaud White House Plan to Bring Certainty to Columbia and Snake River System", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 19, 2018)\nToday, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) applauded a Presidential Memorandum that moves up the schedule for the new court-mandated Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Biological Opinion from 2021 to 2020 while mandating increased collaboration among federal agencies.\nI've led on legislation to protect the Columbia and Snake River System and encourage widespread collaboration in our region, said McMorris Rodgers. Dams and fish coexist, and after more than two decades in the courtroom, we should let scientists, not judges, manage our river systems and get to work to further improve fish recovery efforts. Today, I'm encouraged by President Trump's action, which also meets those goals.\nWhile the Senate fails to act on our House-passed legislation to restore the collaborative framework that operates the Columbia and Snake River Power System, I am grateful to President Trump for speeding up this ongoing process, said Rep. Newhouse. Moving up the deadline for the EIS is a procedural win that will give more certainty to the communities whose livelihoods depend on effective operations of our dams.\nThe Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) 2014 BiOp was the product of unprecedented collaboration between President Barack Obama's administration, states, and sovereign Northwest tribes. The BiOp has helped to produce record fish returns through use of modern, innovative technology, and has widespread support in the region. Unfortunately, a U.S. District judge overturned the BiOp in 2016, throwing out sound science and dictating new river operations from behind the benchincluding maximum spill levels over the dams. The judge's anti-science court order has thrown the river system's operations into disarray and forced uncertainty upon the Bonneville Power Administration's (BPA) ability to manage the power transmission system.\nThis Congress, the House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation that would have protected the Snake River Dams and safeguarded low power rates for the people of Central and Eastern Washington. The first bill, H.R. 3144, was introduced by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) alongside Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Kurt Schrader (D-OR. It codifies the 2014 BiOp while the EIS can be completed. The House also passed a rider in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that stops the court mandated spill that has cost ratepayers $38.6 million. Both were stalled by Democrats in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-mcmorris-rodgers-newhouse-applaud-white-house-plan-bring-certainty", "Reps. McMorris Rodgers, Newhouse Applaud White House Plan to Bring Certainty to Columbia and Snake River System", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) applauded a Presidential Memorandum that moves up the schedule for the new court-mandated Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Biological Opinion from 2021 to 2020 while mandating increased collaboration among federal agencies.\nI've led on legislation to protect the Columbia and Snake River System and encourage widespread collaboration in our region, said McMorris Rodgers. Dams and fish coexist, and after more than two decades in the courtroom, we should let scientists, not judges, manage our river systems and get to work to further improve fish recovery efforts. Today, I'm encouraged by President Trump's action, which also meets those goals.\nWhile the Senate fails to act on our House-passed legislation to restore the collaborative framework that operates the Columbia and Snake River Power System, I am grateful to President Trump for speeding up this ongoing process, said Rep. Newhouse. Moving up the deadline for the EIS is a procedural win that will give more certainty to the communities whose livelihoods depend on effective operations of our dams.\nThe Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) 2014 BiOp was the product of unprecedented collaboration between President Barack Obama's administration, states, and sovereign Northwest tribes. The BiOp has helped to produce record fish returns through use of modern, innovative technology, and has widespread support in the region. Unfortunately, a U.S. District judge overturned the BiOp in 2016, throwing out sound science and dictating new river operations from behind the benchincluding maximum spill levels over the dams. The judge's anti-science court order has thrown the river system's operations into disarray and forced uncertainty upon the Bonneville Power Administration's (BPA) ability to manage the power transmission system.\nThis Congress, the House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation that would have protected the Snake River Dams and safeguarded low power rates for the people of Central and Eastern Washington. The first bill, H.R. 3144, was introduced by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) alongside Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Kurt Schrader (D-OR. It codifies the 2014 BiOp while the EIS can be completed. The House also passed a rider in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that stops the court mandated spill that has cost ratepayers $38.6 million. Both were stalled by Democrats in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/local-business-owners-presents-newhouse-hero-main-street-award-yakima", "Local Business Owners Presents Newhouse with Hero of Main Street Award in Yakima", "2018-10-16", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after being presented the Hero of Main Street award by Yakima local business owners Pat and Linda Gilmore on Friday. Rep. Newhouse received the National Retail Federation's Hero of Main Street award for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. The Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013, and eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance retailers' priorities. Recipients have supported policies that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector.\nMain Street businesses are the pillars of our communities because they provide employment and opportunity to our neighbors, said Rep. Newhouse. I'm honored to be named a Hero of Main Street, and I will continue to support policies that encourage small businesses to hire more workers.\nThe Hero of Main Street award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize members of Congress for support of the retail industry's public policy priorities. Eligibility is based on NRF's Retail Opportunity Index, bill sponsorship and advocacy to advance the industry's priorities. The heroes have supported policies and initiatives defined by NRF that recognize the contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-brady-statements-ustrs-intent-enter-negotiations-eu-japan-uk", "Reichert, Brady Statements on USTR's Intent to Enter Negotiations with EU, Japan, UK", "2018-10-16", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCToday, House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statements after United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, pursuant to theBipartisan Congressional Trade PrioritiesandTrade Promotion Authority(TPA)Act, sent letters to Congress expressing the Administration's intent to enter into three different trade negotiations with the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Trade Subcommittee Chairman Reichert stated: I am pleased by today's announcement demonstrating a formal intent to begin negotiations with some of our greatest trading partners: Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. I applaud Ambassador Lighthizer and his team for this progress and urge the Administration to consult extensively with Congress as the scope and objectives for these negotiations are set. With 40 percent of jobs tied to trade in my home state of Washington, strong and ambitious trade agreements with these allies would be beneficial for our workers, businesses, and farmers. Chairman Brady added: I welcome these letters stating that Ambassador Lighthizer intends to begin trade negotiations with the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom after additional consultation with Congress. I commend President Trump for working to open up more customers in new markets for U.S. farmers and companies. The progress that has been made to prepare for such negotiations is encouraging.  These three economies are some of our largest and most important trading partners, but they are also markets in which U.S. farmers, manufacturers, and service providers face significant barriers. New, ambitious, and high-standard trade agreements with each of these economies would expand our ability to sell made in America' products around the globe and deepen our partnership with these close trading partners and vital allies.  I look forward to consulting with the Administration to develop detailed U.S. negotiating objectives that comply with the requirements of TPA, so we can obtain the strongest and most ambitious possible trade agreements for U.S. workers, companies, and farmers. Background:Under the requirements of theBipartisan Congressional Trade PrioritiesandTrade Promotion Authority Act, these negotiations can begin after 90 days, which allows for intensive consultation with Members of Congress and stakeholders regarding the negotiating objectives for the talks. TPA also requires the publication of detailed negotiating objectives at least 30 days before the start of negotiations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-lead-example-encourage-civility", "COLUMN: Lead by Example to Encourage Civility", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools. Today in our nation, the notion of civility seems to have taken a back seat.\nIt has been more than a year since the shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise and Republican colleagues at their baseball practice, and more than a year since the murder of a counter-protester at the Charlottesville white supremacist rally. In light of such destructive political violence, as citizens, we must come together and commit to civil discourse.\nSometimes we need a reminder that being civil does not mean changing one another's minds or always agreeing. It means giving someone you do not agree with the benefit of the doubt and assuming they disagree in good faith.\nThis week in central Washington, I am hosting my friend and colleague, Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and he in turn is hosting me in western Washington. We are meeting with WSU Tri-Cities students, University of Washington Tacoma students, and local community groups to engage in a dialogue on how to disagree without being disagreeable.\nWhile there is much my friend and I may not agree on, we have worked together on many issues that are important for our constituents. Together, we introduced legislation to help veterans called the VA Management Alignment Act, which would direct the head of the VA to issue a report to Congress detailing the steps they will take to reorganize and effectively improve veterans' access to quality care.\nWe both cosponsored the Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act, which was signed into law. This bill created a new grant program to train students, teachers, school officials, and local law enforcement how to identify and intervene early when signs of violence arise. The STOP Act also creates a coordinated reporting system to prevent school shootings before they happen.\nWe supported passage of major legislation just signed into law by President Trump to combat the opioid abuse crisis by advancing treatment and recovery initiatives.\nWith Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the Tri-Cities and PNNL Marine Sciences Lab in Sequim, we both support ongoing research at our National Labs.\nWhether it is working to promote economic development, helping our veterans, school safety, addressing the opioids crisis, we found points we can agree on and make progress.\nMaking progress does not always mean winning a debate. Some of the most strident venues for political opinions these days are online. We could all use a reminder that when we engage in debates in person or online, the goal is not always to change the other person's mind, but rather to show that you have arrived at your own conclusions in good faith. That helps others understand and value your viewpoints and helps you understand theirs, but it is also a recognition that our beliefs may not change.\nAs Americans, we have more that unites us than divides us. Committing to respect our fellow citizens helps build a civil society, and political discourse must aim higher for the good of our republic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-kilmer-announce-bipartisan-civility-tour", "Newhouse, Kilmer Announce Bipartisan Civility Tour", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Newhouse (R-WA-04) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06) issued a joint statement announcing a bipartisan Civility and Respect Tour next week with events in central and western Washington. Reps. Newhouse and Kilmer together joined the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus, which encourages all Members of Congress to act with civility and respect in their political discourse. As part of the tour, the representatives will attend dialogues at WSU Tri-Cities and University of Washington Tacoma campuses, tour businesses, and meet with community groups to hear about their work and learn how Washingtonians promote civility and respect in their own lives.\nRep. Newhouse and Rep. Kilmer: We believe it's possible to disagree on the issues without being disagreeable. With so much national attention on partisanship, we want to start a respectful conversation with Washingtonians about the things we have in common and the areas where we need to work harder to seek out common ground.\nAt the dialogues, the representatives will have a conversation with the audience about how to better incorporate civility into daily life, and then ask the audience to join them in a pledge to promote civility within their community.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399334", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Receives Pacific Northwest Waterways Associations Legislator of the Year Award for 2018", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler received Pacific Northwest Waterways Association's (PNWA) Legislator of the Year award. Jaime accepted the award at PNWA's annual convention in Vancouver.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler received Pacific Northwest Waterways Association's (PNWA) Legislator of the Year award. Jaime accepted the award at PNWA's annual convention in Vancouver.\r\nSince 2005, PNWA has annually recognized a member of Congress for their efforts and leadership on behalf of navigation and economic development interests in the Northwest.\r\nFrom PNWA's announcement: Congresswoman Herrera Beutler has been a leader for the maritime sector, and has been a champion for navigation projects on the Lower Columbia River, Snake River, small ports and many other projects throughout our region. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee and Energy & Water Development Subcommittee, she has also demonstrated strong support for the Corps of Engineers, including the robust funding pots for which our projects compete each year in the workplan process.\r\nIn addition to funding critical infrastructure, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler has taken a lead role in working through regulatory challenges in our region. She has helped to coordinate efforts with federal agencies to bring resolution to these issues, always balancing environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. PNWA has also appreciated her efforts in Columbia River Treaty discussions, and the encouragement she has provided to the State Department to ensure the navigation perspective is considered as negotiations between the U.S. and Canada move forward.\r\nNavigation jobs  coastal and inland  help keep our region afloat. Whether it's ensuring fishing boats can safely get in and out of the Ports of Ilwaco and Chinook, preserving our hydro dams that power Southwest Washington, or keeping the river system open to navigation, I am committed to maintaining our waterway lifelines, Jaime said. This award is a huge honor, and I'm humbled by the recognition of my efforts to make sure our waterways are serving the citizens and economy of Southwest Washington.\r\n**Photos of today's award ceremony are available here and here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-interior-announcement-methow-valley-headwaters-public", "Newhouse Applauds Interior Announcement on Methow Valley Headwaters Public Meeting", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Rep. Newhouse (R-WA) applauded the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for announcing a public meeting on the Methow Valley Headwaters' mineral withdrawal application.\nThe notice issued in the Federal Register reopens the public comment period on the withdrawal proposal until November 13, 2018. BLM also announced that a public meeting to discuss the Methow Valley Headwaters' mineral withdrawal will be held at 6 p.m. on November 13, 2018 at the Red Barn in Winthrop, located at 51 North Highway 20. The public meeting is the last step BLM must complete before a final recommendation on the withdrawal is made by Joe Balash, the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management to U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke.\nI thank the Bureau of Land Management for responding to my request to initiate this major step for the Methow Valley Headwaters mineral withdrawal application, said Rep. Newhouse. Just earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with the folks in the Methow Valley and witness  once again  the natural wonder of region. I encourage local community members to attend this public meeting to have their voices heard.\nWe are very pleased about the announcement of the public meeting and the continued progress of the Methow Headwaters withdrawal. Support for the withdrawal is overwhelming, as it will help ensure the continued prosperity of our local economy, jobs, and region's rural character, said Twisp Mayor Soo Ing-Moody. We are deeply appreciative to Congressman Newhouse and to all of our champions for their support, and to the Bureau of Land Management for its efforts to quickly get this important meeting scheduled.\nIf you are unable to attend the public meeting, comments can be submitted for the record by mail or by e-mail. Find more information about the comment period here.\nBACKGROUND:\nIn February, Rep. Newhouse sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke to express support for a mineral withdrawal in the Methow Headwaters and to request that federal agencies move swiftly to complete the environmental review process.\nOn September 21, 2018, the U.S. Forest Service recommended to the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw 340,000 acres in the Methow Valley from consideration for mining for a 20-year period. This recommendation comes after the completion of an Environmental Assessment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-ban-pharmacy-gag-clauses-make-prescription-drug-prices", "COLUMN: Ban Pharmacy Gag Clauses to Make Prescription Drug Prices More Transparent, Affordable", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of the biggest challenges facing healthcare consumers today is the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. President Trump acknowledged the problem in his Inauguration address, saying, One of my greatest priorities is to reduce the price of prescription drugs. Bringing down the price of prescription drugs will help reduce medical costs for families, and Congress is working with President Trump's administration to make progress and increase access to affordable healthcare.\nIn May, Congress approved legislation, and President Trump signed Right to Try into law, allowing terminally-ill patients, who have exhausted all other options and who are unable to participate in a clinical trial involving certain drug, the ability to access medications that are still in the investigational phase.\nAnother problem facing healthcare consumers are so-called gag clauses, which prevent pharmacies from telling customers  unless customers ask directly  the cash price for prescriptions, even when that price may be lower than their insurance co-pay. Under the current system, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) act as third-party middlemen to administer prescription drug portions of health insurance plans. PBMs negotiate how much out-of-pocket costs will be paid by consumers. In some cases, PBM contracts discourage pharmacists from proactively informing consumers that generic versions of their prescriptions drugs may be cheaper than their plan's co-pay if purchased using cash instead.\nI recently supported passage in the House of Representatives of S. 2553, the Know the Lowest Price Act, which is bipartisan legislation to prohibit a health-benefits plan or PBM under Medicare or Medicare Advantage from restricting a pharmacy from informing any enrollee of differences between the price of a drug under the plan and the price of the drug without health insurance coverage. The House also passed S. 2554, the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, which prohibits the use of gag clauses.\nI cosponsored H.R. 1316, thePrescription Drug Price Transparency Act, which would require greater transparency regarding bureaucratic PBM practices and fees that increase the price of prescriptions.\nThe Trump administration has pointed out that the lack of transparency in drug pricing benefits special interests and prevents patients from being able to make fully informed decisions about their care. I agree that prescription drug consumers should not be left in the dark. Patients should be informed of the cheapest price for prescriptions, and I will continue working with colleagues in Congress to enact legislation to help consumers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-senate-confirmation-kavanaugh", "Newhouse Applauds Senate Confirmation of Kavanaugh", "2018-10-06", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court:\nI congratulate Judge Kavanaugh on his bipartisan confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, said Rep. Newhouse. I have no doubt that Justice Kavanaugh will faithfully and impartially consider decisions that come before our highest court for many years to come, and he will respect the limited role of government as defined in the Constitution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-us-mexico-canada-agreement", "Newhouse Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced that an agreement has been reached on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rep. Newhouse will attend the announcement today when President Trump delivers remarks at the White House Rose Garden at 11:00 a.m. ET. WATCH LIVE HERE.\nThe U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is outstanding news for America's farmers, ranchers and manufacturers, said Rep. Newhouse. Under this deal, Central Washington wheat farmers gain fair treatment, and dairy producers gain greater access to the Canadian market. American workers needed a level playing field, and President Trump kept his promise to renegotiate NAFTA with that goal. I applaud the work of President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in successfully pushing to modernize the trilateral agreement with our closest trading partners.\nAGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS:\nAGRICULTURE\n Benefiting American Farmers, Ranchers, and Agribusiness: While agriculture has generally performed well under NAFTA, important improvements in the agreement will enable food and agriculture to trade more fairly. Key achievements include fair treatment for America's dairy and wheat farmers.Canada will eliminate its Class 7 program that allows low-priced dairy ingredients to undersell United States dairy products in Canada and in third country markets.Canada also will provide equal treatment when assessing the quality of imported wheat.\n  Expanded Market Access for American Food and Agricultural Products: Canada will provide important new access for the full range of United States dairy products, eggs and poultry.\n  Strengthening Agricultural Trade with Modernized Provisions: The new agreement sets unprecedented standards for agricultural biotechnology, establishes strong commitments to reduce trade-distorting policies, and enhances rules for science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures.\n  The United State, Mexico and Canada agreed to non-discrimination and transparency commitments regarding sale and distribution, and labeling and certification provisions to avoid technical barriers to trade in wine and distilled spirits.\n AMERICAN AUTO MANUFACTURING AND JOBS\n Increasing United States and Regional Content in Automobiles and Auto Parts: Through updated automotive rules of origin, the new agreement encourages United States manufacturing and regional economic growth by requiring that 75 percent of auto content be produced in North America and that key core parts always be originating.This will incentivize billions of dollars in additional United States vehicle and auto parts production.\n  Incentivizing the Use of High-Wage Manufacturing Labor in the Automotive Sector: The new agreement uses trade rules to encourage higher manufacturing wages by requiring that 40 to 45 percent of automotive content be made by workers earning an average base wage of at least $16 per hour.This will support better jobs for United States producers and workers and incentivize additional United States vehicle and auto parts production.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-us-mexico-canada-agreement-promising-washington", "COLUMN: U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Promising for Washington Farmers", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two of the most important trading relationships in terms of purchasing U.S. manufacturing and agriculture exports are Canada and Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994 to reduce trade barriers between our three countries. While NAFTA needed to be modernized, the agreement has been critical for our farmers and ranchers: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, since 1994, Canada and Mexico's purchases of American agriculture goods has quadrupled to $39 billion.\nTrade agreements that level the playing field support jobs and foster economic growth in our state. In Washington state, 40 percent of jobs are tied to trade, and in 2016, Washington produced and exported $7 billion worth of food and agricultural products. For example, 90 percent of Washington wheat is exported annually, according to the Washington Grain Commission.\nBy last Sunday, Mexico had already agreed to an updated trade deal with the U.S., and September 30th was the deadline for Canada to agree to a revised trilateral agreement. At the literal eleventh-hour, Canada finally agreed to terms that are more favorable to American farmers and ranchers in the new the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Included in the USMCA are important changes such as Canada's elimination of its Class 7 program that had allowed its low-priced dairy ingredients to undersell U.S. dairy products in Canada and in third country markets. Additionally, Canada also will provide equal treatment when assessing the quality of imported wheat. Canada will also allow new access for American dairy products, eggs, and poultry.\nAfter months of uncertainty, the trade front has begun looking more confident for American farmers: In July, the Trump Administration announced a preliminary deal with the European Union towards the President's described goal of zero tariffs, zero barriers, and zero subsidies on non-auto industrial goods. Last month, Japan announced that it would enter bilateral trade negotiations with the U.S. Japan is already the fourth-largest purchaser of American agriculture products, which totaled $12 billion in 2017, so improving our trade relationship would be very promising for farmers. Also last month, President Trump signed a revised U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement with our sixth-largest trading partner to lower barriers on automotive and agriculture goods.\nThe purpose of engaging in international trade is to expand markets for American goods, to boost jobs, and expand economic prosperity. The Trump Administration has been making important strides to improve trade relationships with our closest partners, while taking on competitors who engage in unfair practices.\nUnder requirements of Trade Promotion Authority, Congress will closely review the terms of the USMCA before voting on it, and I will be closely reading the agreement.\nWhile we see positive motion on trade, Central Washington farmers still hope for a swift resolution with China. Billions of dollars in government support for farmers hit by retaliatory tariffs is a temporary solution. We need a fair agreement on trade with China.\nThe U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is outstanding news for America's farmers, ranchers and manufacturers, and I applaud the work of President Trump, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in successfully pushing to modernize the trilateral agreement with our closest trading partners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-pascrell-introduce-resolution-supporting-national-secure-your-load-day", "Reichert, Pascrell Introduce Resolution Supporting National Secure Your Load Day", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, released the following statements after their recent introduction of House Resolution 1107 supporting the designation of National Secure Your Load Day on June 6th.\nEach year, thousands of drivers are injured as a result of unsecure loads and road debris on our nation's highways, Rep. Reichert said. This resolution honors the lives of those who have been impacted, including the daughter of my constituent, Robin Abel. After her daughter was catastrophically injured by an unsecured load, Robin has dedicated her time and energy to raising awareness about these avoidable tragedies. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, I am proud to introduce this resolution to highlight the need to make our roads safer by securing loads and preventing road debris. Highway safety is an important issue, and one that means a lot to me, said Rep. Pascrell. In 2015, there was a deadly incident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Kearny. The driver of a gasoline tanker was killed when his oil tanker collided with another vehicle, flipped over a guardrail, and caught fire trying to avoid an unsecured load which had fallen off of a vehicle and obstructed the highway. There have been so many similar tragedies across the country. Congress should bring greater awareness to this problem, and establishing a National Secure Your Loads Day would do just that. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2016 more than 90,266 incidents were caused by unsecured loads, resulting in approximately 19,663 injuries and 683 deaths. Additionally, in 2018, 48 States participated in Secure Your Load Day on June 6th. Rep. Reichert has been a strong advocate in Congress for this issue, encouraging his colleagues to support this cause and raise awareness across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-us-mexico-canada-agreement", "Reichert Statement on US-Mexico-Canada Agreement", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced that an agreement has been reached on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement:\nI congratulate Ambassador Lighthizer and his team for the work they have done so far in this agreement.I am very glad Canada is now part of the agreement because North America is stronger and more successful together. With 40% of jobs tied to trade in my home state of Washington, an updated NAFTA agreement is beneficial for our workers, businesses, and farmers. I look forward to taking a closer look at the agreement and discussing it with my colleagues to determine whether it meets our objectives. I am optimistic that a strong partnership will create jobs and growth here in America.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bipartisan-opioid-crisis-response-act-legislation-heads", "House Approves Bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act; Legislation Heads to President for Signature", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation, the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6 Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. H.R. 6 was previously approved by the Senate and will help combat the opioid crisis by advancing treatment and recovery initiatives, improving prevention, protecting our communities, and bolstering efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl.\nRep. Newhouse: When I hosted a public opioid summit in Central Washington, one woman bravely shared the story of the impact of opioids on her family. Her son, Eli, was exposed to opioids in high school, and he struggled with recovery. Eli passed away in 2014 at the early age of 22 years. Sadly, I hear stories like this one all too often. The toll of the opioid epidemic on Washington families has been tragic, and Congress is taking action today to address this crisis. Families facing this tragedy need more support, and the SUPPORT Act will expand access to treatment and recovery services as well as provide critical resources to Washington state to combat this crisis. Today we made progress. This is for Eli.\nAccording to the Washington State Department of Health, the opioid epidemic has caused more than 7,500 deaths in Washington between 2006 and 2016.\nHow the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act will help combat the opioid crisis:\nTreatment and Recovery\n Improve and expand access to treatment and recovery services\n\tProvide incentives for enhanced care, coordination, and innovation\n\tEstablish comprehensive opioid recovery centers\n Prevention\n Encourage non-addictive opioid alternatives to treat pain\n\tImprove data to identify and help at-risk patients and families\n\tAddress high prescribing rates while enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs\n Protecting Communities\n Give law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs out of our communities\n\tBetter intercept illicit opioids at international mail facilities\n\tImprove access to federal resources for local communities\n Fighting Fentanyl\n Better tackle ever-changing synthetic drugs\n\tCrack down on foreign shipments of illicit drugs\n\tProvide grants for local communities to combat fentanyl\n For more information on H.R. 6, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-pass-package-fight-opioid-epidemic", "Reichert, House Pass Package to Fight the Opioid Epidemic", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, the House passed H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, with strong bipartisan support. This package includes H.R. 5788, the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act of 2018. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the vote:\nThe opioid epidemic does not discriminate. It affects all Americans, tearing apart families and destroying thousands of lives every year because of overdoses. In my home state of Washington, we have seen an 134% increase in opioid-related cases between 2004 and 2016 which has also led to a 33% increase in opioid-related deaths. Today, my colleagues and I took a stand against this epidemic by passing a package of solutions aimed at stopping this crisis called the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This includes stopping the shipment of opioids in the international mail system through theSTOP Act that I was proud to champion as Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. I know this bipartisan, bicameral package will help combat the opioid epidemic in our country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-pass-tax-reform-20", "Reichert, House Pass Tax Reform 2.0", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -The House passed H.R. 6757, the Family Savings Act of 2018, H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act of 2018, and H.R. 6760, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act of 2018 this week. These bills make up a package known as Tax Reform 2.0. As a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and member of the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after passage:\nToday my colleagues and I in the House reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring Americans can continue to keep more of their hard-earned dollars for years to come. To do this we made the provisions for individuals in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, improved retirement security, and promoted entrepreneurship in America. Since passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December, Washingtonians have seen more jobs in their communities and increased wages and benefits. For an average family of four in my district, the new tax code results in a tax cut of nearly $3,357. With these bills we built on the success of tax reform, expanding opportunities for Americans to save for their retirement and supporting new businesses that drive innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit in America with startup costs and capital. In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97) was passed and signed into law. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Representative Reichert was actively involved in the formulation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will continue to be involved in Tax Reform 2.0. The House Ways and Means Committee passed the Tax Reform 2.0 package earlier this month.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399310", "Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Maternal Deaths Receives Committee Hearing", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, received a committee hearing today. In the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Jaime testified on behalf of her bill that would support states in determining why mothers die from pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated deaths and improve efforts to prevent future mothers from dying. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, received a committee hearing today. In the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Jaime testified on behalf of her bill that would support states in determining why mothers die from pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated deaths and improve efforts to prevent future mothers from dying. \r\nSpecifically, H.R.1318, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, would establish and support Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) in each state to identify trends and risk factors, and develop recommendations for appropriate interventions to reduce maternal deaths in the future. \r\nAdditionally, Jaime also recently secured $12 million to help fund MMRCs in the Labor, Health and Human Services funding bill which was approved by the House last night. \r\nThe Preventing Maternal Deaths Act has wide bipartisan support with 173 cosponsors currently. \r\nAs a mom and a lawmaker, I commit to getting Congress to curb the rise of mothers dying from preventable causes. We are facing a national crisis and it's high time we made this a priority, which is why I was honored to lead this bill and join several other witnesses today in testifying on behalf of this life-saving legislation, Jaime said. For all the families, single fathers, parents and children who have lost a wife, daughter and mother, I remain committed to passing this bill into law so we can prevent future families from suffering the profound loss of a mother. \r\n**You can watch Jaime's testimony or view photos of Jaime and the witnesses at the committee hearing. \r\nThe rise of maternal mortality in the U.S.\r\n \r\n    The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, and it's the only developed country that's trending the wrong way with deaths increasing.\r\n    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of maternal deaths are preventable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399311", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Works to Reinstate Federal Oil Train Safety Standard", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler today pledged to take action to reinstate a federal requirement that trains carrying oil or other flammable liquid would need to be updated with electronic air brakes. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler today pledged to take action to reinstate a federal requirement that trains carrying oil or other flammable liquid would need to be updated with electronic air brakes.\r\nEarlier this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) finalized a proposal to revoke the 2015 safety requirement.\r\nUSDOT's rollback of safety regulations for oil trains is the wrong decision, Jaime said. With trains already carrying oil through the Columbia River Gorge, we should be working to reduce the chance of an incident  but this action goes in the opposite direction. While I understand there are costs associated with this requirement, safety must remain paramount when it comes to transporting hazardous materials through our communities which is why I am currently developing legislation to reinstate the stronger safety requirement.\r\nJaime has consistently supported enhanced safety measures for crude-by-rail, including championing the Fire Department Proper Response and Equipment Prioritization Act (FD PREP Act) which directs FEMA to make grants that give firefighters the tools and training to respond to derailments of trains carrying crude oil a high priority. She also successfully fought to include $221 million for federal rail safety operations to improve the safety of grade crossings and the movement of crude oil in the funding package that passed earlier this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/notice-wenatchee-office-closing", "Notice: Wenatchee Office Closing", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Notice: Wenatchee Office Closing                                           \n              Sep 27, 2018      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Wenatchee, WA -On Friday, September 28, 2018, the Wenatchee Office of Congressman Dave Reichert, located at 5 South Wenatchee Avenue, Suite 315, will close.\nPending Congressman Reichert's retirement, appointments in the Central Washington area will continue to be scheduled through the end of the year. To schedule an appointment in this area, please contact Tyler Mackay at (509) 885-6615 or Tyler.Mackay@mail.house.gov. When the meeting has been arranged, a meeting location will be provided. If you are a constituent of the 8th District and are in need of assistance with a federal agency, please contact Congressman Reichert's Issaquah Office at (425) 677-7414. The Congressman's Issaquah Office will remain open through the fall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-meets-ambassador-lighthizer", "Reichert Meets with Ambassador Lighthizer", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement after a bipartisan Ways and Means meeting with United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, to discuss the Administration's trade agenda and current trade negotiations.\nI appreciated this morning's discussion with AmbassadorLighthizer about how we can create more opportunities for Washington's farmers, workers, and businesses to sell their world class products around the world through trade agreements. Ambitious trade agreements that provide access, certainty, and high-standard rules support American workers and the creation of jobs here at home. This is whyI am committed to working with the Administration to ensure successful bilateral negotiations with Japan and an updated agreement with our North American trading partners.It is my hope thattheAdministration will focus on pursuing these and new opportunities to tear down tariff and non-tariff barriers, opening up new markets to American businesses, rather than placing tariffs on U.S. imports.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-us-japan-announcement", "Reichert Statement on U.S.-Japan Announcement", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, President Donald J. Trump and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced they will be entering negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan. Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the announcement:\nWith the close ties between Washington State and Japan, I welcome the news that the United States and Japan intend to enter into bilateral negotiations. These negotiations represent an opportunity to create a stronger partnership with this key ally that will benefit communities in my home state and across the country. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, I look forward to engaging with Ambassador Lighthizer to ensure Washington's farmers, workers, and businesses gaingreater access to theJapanese marketthrough the removal of significant tariff and non-tariff barriers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/duffy-newhouse-legislation-delist-gray-wolf-advances-house", "Duffy, Newhouse Legislation to Delist the Gray Wolf Advances in House", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statements after bipartisan legislation they introduced to return management of gray wolves to state control advanced in the House of Representatives. The House Natural Resources Committee approved the legislation in a committee markup today.\nWisconsin farmers are now one step closer to having the legal means to defend their livestock from gray wolves, said Congressman Duffy. I'd like to extend a big thank you to the members of the Natural Resources Committee who also agree that states should be the ones to responsibly manage their own gray wolf populations  not Washington bureaucrats.\nI thank Chairman Bishop and my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for advancing this important legislation to delist the gray wolf, said Congressman Newhouse. The best-available science used by the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that the gray wolf has recovered and is no longer endangered. I continue to hear from and work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has been asking for the federal delisting of the gray wolf since 2013. We must return management of the species to states to allow for more effective and accountable management that responds to the needs of the ecosystem, other species, and local communities.\nBackground:\nManagement of these gray wolves was transferred from the state to the federal level following two 2014 U.S. District Court decisions that reinstated gray wolves under the protections of the Endangered Species Act. These designations leave farmers and ranchers in those states without a legal avenue to protect their livestock from wolves.\nClick HERE to read H.R. 6784, the Manage Our Wolves Act.\nClick HERE and HERE to 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-provision-safeguarding-moses-lake-radar-facility-approved", "Newhouse Provision Safeguarding Moses Lake Radar Facility Approved in Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Port of Moses Lake Commission President Kent Jones released the following statements today after the House approved H.R. 302, FAA Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan, five-year bill to reauthorize the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Included in the FAA Reauthorization Act is Rep. Newhouse's military exemption language that prohibits FAA from realigning or consolidating any facilities where military operations comprised 40 percent or more of the total annual Terminal Radar Approach Control systems' activity in 2015.\nThe current 804 realignment or consolidation process for FAA facilities would have a serious impact on Grant County International Airport and Moses Lake, and this bipartisan FAA reauthorization legislation rightly amends that process, said Rep. Newhouse. I am pleased that my military operations exemption will help preserve military readiness as well as important economic benefits for Grant County.\nPort of Moses Lake Commission President Kent Jones: Congressman Newhouse has been a strong and consistent advocate for the Port of Moses Lake. His work to ensure the preservation of the radar facility at the Grant County International Airport is critical  that facility allows us to accommodate the diverse needs of our commercial and military users, and it allows us to continue to grow the economy in central Washington.\nBackground:\nIn 2012, Section 804 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act directed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review FAA towers and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) systems and determine whether those systems be consolidated or realigned with other larger facilities based on net cost savings and safety.\nIn 2015, Grant County International Airport's TRACON was listed among FAA facilities nationwide for review for consolidation. Consolidating Grant County's TRACON would have impaired the county's ability to provide unique and tailored services for Fairchild Airforce Base, Joint Base Lewis McChord, the U.S. Forest Service, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, the aerospace industry, and the local community.\nDecember 7, 2015  Letter from Rep. Newhouse and Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on impacts of TRACON consolidation to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.\nJune 20, 2016  Letter from Rep. Newhouse to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on impacts of TRACON consolidation to Grant County International Airport.\nJuly 26, 2016  Letter from Rep. Newhouse and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on impacts of TRACON consolidation to Fairchild Air Force Base.\nH.R. 302 includes Rep. Newhouse's military exemption language that prohibits FAA from realigning or consolidating any facilities where military operations comprised 40 percent or more of the total annual Terminal Radar Approach Control systems' activity in 2015.\nH.R. 302 establishes industry groups to develop recommendations and strategies for encouraging youth and recruiting women to enter the U.S. aviation workforce. It directs the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program to help close the skills gap and fill aviation maintenance jobs. The provision creates a grant program of up to $500,000 per year available to businesses, unions, schools, and government entities partnering to address the technician shortage.\nThe legislative text is available here.A summary of highlights of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-bipartisan-vote-fund-defense-and-health-priorities", "Newhouse Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Fund Defense and Health Priorities, Government Operations", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted 361-61 to approve the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. H.R. 6157 provides funding for the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies, and includes a short-term Continuing Resolution until December 7, 2018 to keep the government open until all annual appropriations funding bills can be considered and signed into law. The legislation now heads to the President for his signature.\nI voted for this bipartisan legislation to support funding for our national defense and provide the men and women in our military with the largest pay increase in nine years, said Rep. Newhouse. Our military needs stable funding in order to maintain readiness to face current and future threats. This legislation gives our warfighters the tools and the support they need. Approval of this legislation is an important step in returning to regular order and is the first time in a decade that the defense budget will be passed on time. I am also pleased that this bill includes strong support for school safety grants and provides funds to increase access to mental health providers.\nClick here and here for more information on the Conference Report.\nThis legislation provides:\nAn increase in troop strength and new equipment.This billfunds an increase of 16,400 in our total troop end strength, and the procurement of new equipment, including 13 Navy ships, 93 F-35 aircraft, 18 C-130J aircraft, 58 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, 13 V-22 aircraft, and the upgrade of 135 Abrams tanks.\nThe biggest pay raise for our troops in nine years.This billfully funds a 2.6 percent pay raise for our troopsthe largest in nine years. It provides funding to support service members' care through cancer research, traumatic brain injury research, and sexual assault prevention. Defense funding on time for the first time in a decade.If enacted,the Defense Department won't have to operate under a continuing resolution for the first time in 10 years. Thisgives the Pentagon much-needed stability and predictabilityafter years of stopgap funding. Resources to fight the opioid epidemic.This billprovides a historic level of funding$3.8 billionto fight the opioid epidemic, which claims the lives of more than 100 people in our country every day. These resources will go directly to helping treat addiction and expand access to mental health services in communities across the country.\nBetter and safer schools.This bill boosts funding for special education andcharter schools. Itincreases funding for grants that support school safety activities, including student mental health services and bullying prevention.\nWorkforce development.With a record 6.94 million job openings right now, this billincreases funding for career and technical education programs by nearly $95 million. It is another step toward making it easier for students to get the skills and training they need for good jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-federal-disaster-relief-reform-passage", "Newhouse Statement on Federal Disaster Relief Reform Passage", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Newhouse released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 302, FAA Reauthorization Act, which included the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, to reform federal disaster programs to better account for severe impacts of natural disasters on rural communities.\nExpanding access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Program is critical for rural communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, said Rep. Newhouse. Current disaster aid rules deny much-needed help after rural areas are devastated, leaving residents to fend for themselves. This legislation directs FEMA to give greater consideration to severe local impacts of natural disasters and adjust FEMA policies accordingly.\nBackground:\nFederal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration.\nRep. Newhouse previously worked on legislation to direct the Administrator of FEMA, in making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, to give greater weight and consideration to severe local impact of disasters.This same language was included in H.R. 302 passed today. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act provisions in H.R. 302 direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Administrator to give greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters: In making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall give greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters. Further, the Administrator shall make corresponding adjustments to the Agency's policies and regulations regarding such consideration. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the changes made to regulations and policies and the number of declarations that have been declared based on the new criteria. [Bill page 709]", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-spending-package", "Reichert Statement on Spending Package", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -This afternoon, the House passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the vote:\nToday, my colleagues and I passed important legislation that not only continues to fund the government, but also gives our troops a much-needed pay raise, funds medical research, ensures resources to fight the opioid epidemic, provides more funding for underprivileged students to pursue higher education, and improves school safety by investing in mental health and violence prevention programs in schools. Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently voted in support of legislation that ensures our government remains open and serving the American people. I am proud that this legislation consists of more than just a short-term extension of funding, and instead provides funding for several government agencies through the next fiscal year, providing funding certainty for key programs that the American people rely on. This minibus appropriations bill funds the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2019. The bill includes funding to support military readiness and includes a 2.6% pay raise for our troops, the largest pay raise in nine years. It also makes critical investments in several programs championed by Congressman Reichert, including medical research through the DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and the National Institutes of Health; as well as funding for Community Health Centers and programs to improve school safety and access to mental health services. The bill also increases funding for special education, and programs to help prepare low income students for college, including an increase in the maximum Pell Grant award. Finally, the bill rejects efforts to eliminate funding for public broadcasting. The package also includes a Continuing Resolution that will fund remaining government programs not included in the minibus through December 7, 2018, as well as an extension of the Violence Against Women Act. The bill also provided an additional $8.8 billion for victims of Hurricane Florence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399285", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Earns Friend of Farm Bureau Award", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler shared today that she has earned the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her support of policy issues affecting Southwest Washington's farmers and ranchers.\r\nJaime received a letter announcing she'd been selected as a Friend of Farm Bureau for the 115th Congress. The American Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots organization made up of 6 million member families.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\nI'm proud to receive this award recognizing my efforts in Congress on behalf of Southwest Washington farmers, Jaime said. I've worked to ensure that pest and disease research programs are available for cranberry farmers in Pacific County, fought to help berry and tree fruit farmers market and protect their crops, and pushed to repeal the 'Waters of the U.S.' rule that would give the federal government control over ditches and puddles on private property. It's an honor to have this work recognized, and I'll always be a friend of farmers as long as I'm representing them 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-president-trump-signs-bill-keep-promises-our-veterans", "COLUMN: President Trump Signs Bill to Keep Promises to Our Veterans, Military, and Central Washington", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, President Trump signed appropriations legislation approved by Congress, H.R.5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, to fund some of the highest priorities of the federal government, including health care for our veterans. In addition, the legislation provides resources for Hanford cleanup and research at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.\nThrough their service, our veterans have earned the care promised to them, and the federal government owes them more than a simple thank you for that service. The motto of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is, \"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.\" I voted for H.R.5895, the which provides $86.5 billion in funding for the VA and our veterans. That is the largest dollar amount in the agency's history  a funding increase of 6 percent. The funding includes strong support for mental health services, opioid abuse prevention, suicide preventions, and rural veterans' health initiatives. It provides flexibility to veterans facing long lines at the VA for care, giving them the choice of seeing a private doctor. It also make veterans' health records electronic to improve efficiency.\nBuilding, renovating, and repairing military houses, schools, training centers, and other facilities on military bases are also made a priority in this bill.\nThe legislation includes funding for research and development to strengthen our nation's electricity grid and other energy research programs, which are research projects of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the Tri-Cities.\nNuclear weapons security programs are made a priority in H.R. 5895. More than $2.4 billion is allocated to continue the federal government's legal and moral obligation to the people of Central Washington to clean up the Hanford Site. I was proud to work to increase the amount of funding for Hanford from the Administration's original request because the federal government must fulfill its promise to keep cleanup on track.\nH.R. 5895 also provides for the nation's water infrastructure, and the conference report language expressed grave concerns of many in the Mid-Columbia, which I share, regarding a single federal judge's order that has a huge impact on the reliability of the Federal Columbia River Power System. The judge ordered increased spill at the Lower Snake River dams in the name of helping fish passage, but his ruling ignored science showing that great spill levels actually harm juvenile salmon by subjecting them to gases and the fish-equivalent of the bends. The bill's report makes clear that no funds for federal dam removal are included in this act, but I was disappointed that despite the many benefits of fully-functioning dams on the Lower Snake River, the Senate failed to keep House-approved language I worked on to end the increased spill at the dams that have cost $40 million. I am fully committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to address the damaging spill in order to keep our dams functioning effectively.\nOn signing the wide-ranging legislation, President Trump said, With this legislation, we are securing a better future for our citizens.We are modernizing our nation's infrastructure.And we are building military bases worthy of our great heroes.We are ensuring that our brave veterans are respected and cherished like never before.\nI could not agree more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399284", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Earns Guardian of Small Business Award for Supporting Southwest Washingtons Small Businesses", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler shared today that she has earned the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) based on her strong voting record in favor of small business in the 115th Congress. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler shared today that she has earned the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) based on her strong voting record in favor of small business in the 115th Congress.\r\nJaime's score and the criteria NFIB used to determine the ratings are available here. The NFIB is the nation's leading small business advocacy organization with 300,000 small business members nationwide and 7,000 in Washington state. Two-thirds of all private-sector jobs are created by small businesses.\r\nFrom craft breweries to tech startups, Southwest Washington boasts some of the most innovative and unique small businesses that fuel our economy here, Jaime said. Whether it's supporting the recent 20% tax savings for small businesses, cutting unnecessary regulations that mire employers from growing their operations, or helping preserve quality health care plans, I'm proud to stand up for small businesses and the contribution they make to Southwest Washington communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-76-million-contract-yakima-basin-fish-passage-cle-elum-lake", "Newhouse on $76 Million Contract for Yakima Basin Fish Passage at Cle Elum Lake: Investing in Water Infrastructure and Fish Passage is a Win-Win", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement today after the\nBureau of Reclamation (BOR) announced a $75,967,000 contract to Spokane's Garco Construction, Inc., for construction services at Cle Elum Dam. The funds will be used for construction of a helix, gate, and intake for fish passage to begin in spring 2019 and end in the summer 2023. The project is funded under a 50/50 cost-share agreement between the State of Washington and BOR.\nInvesting in water infrastructure and fish passage is a win-win for Central Washington, said Rep. Newhouse. This project will assist salmon and further the development of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, which is vital to provide for the many current and future water needs in the Fourth District. Farmers, fish populations, the Yakama Nation, irrigators, conservationists, and the State of Washington are all stakeholders dependent upon the Yakima Basin. This is a positive step forward for fish passage, and I continue to work to ensure the authorization of the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan to comprehensively advance all needs in the Plan.\nBackground:\nThe Cle Elum Dam Fish Passage Project is a component of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, a comprehensive and balanced approach to water resources and ecosystem restoration improvements.\nWork under this contract involves constructing the juvenile fish facility intake structure, gate chamber, and helix chamber from the previously constructed secant pile shaft and tunnel. Principal components are as follows: earthwork; cast-in-place and precast, reinforced concrete features; structural steel, metal fabrications, architectural features; and mechanical and electrical features.\nBuilt in 1933, Cle Elum Dam is an earth-fill dam that is owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Cle Elum Dam is located on the Cle Elum River about 75 miles northwest of Yakima, Washington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-us-korea-trade-deal", "Newhouse Statement on U.S., Korea Trade Deal", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement today after President Trump and South Korean President Moon signed a revised free trade deal, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).\nThe revised U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement helps American automakers and farmers by lowering barriers for automotive and agriculture goods, said Rep. Newhouse. Leveling the playing field to boost American exports has been one of President Trump's and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer's principal goals. I support their work to revise the KORUS trade agreement and count on continued progress in negotiations with our other international trading partners.\nFor more information on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-brady-statements-korus-agreement", "Reichert, Brady Statements on KORUS Agreement", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statements regarding the agreement the United States and South Korea signed today to update the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS):\nPassage of the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement is one of my proudest achievements during my time in Congress,\" Chairman Reichert said.\"I fought for this agreement because I knew it would benefit Washington's workers and businesses and make our relationship with Korea even stronger. With the signing of today's updated agreement, we are improving our trade relationship and reaffirming our commitment to a key ally and trading partner in a region of the world where we must be engaged. Thank you to Ambassador Lighthizer and his team for their work on this important agreement that will further strengthen our ties and benefit both our countries. I am pleased that the United States and South Korea took this important step toward implementing the agreement to update and improve KORUS, and I congratulate the President and Ambassador Lighthizer for negotiating this positive outcome,\"Chairman Brady said.\"South Korea is one of our closest allies and trading partners, and these updates to KORUS will put our trade relationship on an even stronger and more durable foundation. The outcome is a win for both countries and will help ensure that our trade relationship with South Korea benefits all Americans. BACKGROUND: KORUS took effect in March 2012. The Governments of the United States and South Korea announced an agreement in March 2018 to address implementation issues with the agreement and to make modifications or amendments to certain aspects of the agreement. President Trump and President Moon Jae-in signed this agreement on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York today. Prior to a House vote on KORUS, Chairman Reichert launched the bipartisan Congressional U.S.-Korea FTA Working Group to broaden support for the agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/moses-lake-polysilicon-manufacturer-faces-closure-reichert-murray-cantwell-newhouse", "As Moses Lake Polysilicon Manufacturer Faces Closure, Reichert, Murray, Cantwell, Newhouse, Heck Again Urge President Trump to Resolve Trade Dispute with China", "2018-09-22", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA, 8th District) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th District) and Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th District) to renew their bipartisan defense of the U.S. polysilicon manufacturing industry in a letter to President Trump. The letter, which highlights immediate and dire threats to the U.S. polysilicon industry, comes as the devastating impacts of Chinese tariffs placed on polysilicon materials in 2014 could force the closure of REC Silicon in Moses Lake.\nIn July we warned that the trade dispute between the U.S. and China over solar power was threatening hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Washington State and Montana, and we regret to inform you that REC will be forced to completely shutter its operations in Moses Lake, Washington at the end of this month, the members of Congress wrote. The closure will result in the loss of 150-200 highly skilled manufacturers and will severely impact the economy of Eastern Washington.\nIn 2014, China placed tariffs on polysilicon materials, a key component in the production of semiconductors, solar panels, and other technology products, in retaliation for U.S. tariffs previously imposed on energy products from China. The move effectively locked U.S. polysilicon manufacturers out of the market, forcing the closure of REC Silicon at its Moses Lake plant, which relied on Chinese imports of polysilicon materials.\nIn today's bipartisan letter to President Trump, the members of Congress urged the president to find an immediate resolution to the trade dispute over Chinese solar panels and American polysilicon, noting that hundreds more highly skilled workers could lose their jobs if a solution isn't found.\nWe strongly encourage your trade negotiators to raise the issues facing the U.S. polysilicon industry, and we request a progress report on these negotiations as soon as possible, the letter states. We believe a resolution over solar panels and polysilicon could serve as a symbol of good faith on both sides, protect intellectual property that provides domestic manufacturers a competitive edge, and spark meaningful progress in the larger trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.\nIn July of this year, a similar letter was sent to President Trump to underscore the importance of the U.S. polysilicon industry to local economies in Washington and across the country.\nIn addition to Representative Reichert, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Representatives Newhouse and Heck, the bipartisan letter was also signed by the members of Montana's congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-MT).\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\nSeptember 21, 2018\nDear Mr. President:\nWe write to follow up on a letter sent July 23, 2018 regarding REC Silicon and the U.S. polysilicon manufacturing industry. In July we warned that the trade dispute between the U.S. and China over solar power was threatening hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Washington State and Montana, and we regret to inform you that REC will be forced to completely shutter its operations in Moses Lake, Washington at the end of this month. The closure will result in the loss of 150-200 highly skilled manufacturers and will severely impact the economy of Eastern Washington.\nAs you are undoubtedly aware, in 2012 the Obama Administration unsuccessfully attempted to bolster domestic solar manufacturing capacity by levying tariffs on imported solar panels from China. In response, China announced a 50% tariff on American polysilicon, a crucial input in the production of semiconductors and solar panels. The impact of this Chinese retaliation has been devastating to the U.S. polysilicon industry, which has shed thousands of jobs since China announced tariffs in 2014. The damage inflicted on the US polysilicon industry was of course an unintended consequence, but one that has dramatically affected our constituents. We strongly urge you to move past the unsuccessful actions of the past Administration and find an immediate resolution to the trade dispute over Chinese solar panels and American polysilicon.\nAccording to news reports, your Administration may soon reengage China in a new round of trade talks. We strongly encourage your trade negotiators to raise the issues facing the U.S. polysilicon industry, and we request a progress report on these negotiations as soon as possible. We also implore you to separate the negotiations over solar power from the larger bilateral trade conversations between the U.S. and China. The threats to the U.S. polysilicon industry are immediate and dire, and we believe this sectoral dispute could be resolved in a short period of time. We believe a resolution over solar panels and polysilicon could serve as a symbol of good faith on both sides, protect intellectual property that provides domestic manufacturers a competitive edge, and spark meaningful progress in the larger trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.      \nAs we wrote in July, it is imperative the United States obtain a positive and permanent resolution for U.S. polysilicon companies like REC Silicon. Without a resolution, hundreds of highly skilled workers will lose their jobs and U.S. control of the world's most advanced polysilicon technology could be jeopardized.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-cantwell-murray-newhouse-highlight-addition-sweet-cherries-trade-aid-program", "Reichert, Cantwell, Murray & Newhouse Highlight Addition of Sweet Cherries to Trade Aid Program, Pledge to Continue Work to Ensure Relief", "2018-09-22", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)highlighted adecisionby the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include sweet cherries in the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which was established through USDA's Trade Relief Plan, beginning on September 24. The MFP assists farmers hurt by unjustified retaliatory tariffs.\nThe decision comes after the members sent aletterto Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in August, calling on USDA to provide sweet cherries equal access to the relief measures being developed for U.S. agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs. Sweet cherries will be eligible for MFP payments starting at a rate of 16 cents per pound. While the priority for our growers remains an end to the trade disputes, our cherry growers are estimating they will experience up to $86 million in damages from trade wars during the 2018 season, and they deserve the same assistance afforded to producers of other agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs,the members of Congress wrote to Secretary Perdue in August. Because sweet cherries are highly perishable, the season is over and damages from increased tariffs and prices are hitting growers, we urge you to implement the support our cherry growers are requesting,the members of Congress added. Following today's announcement that sweet cherries will be eligible for the funding, the USDA will announce the specifics of the available aid in the coming weeks. The full text of the letter the members sent to Secretary Perdue in August can be foundHEREand below. Dear Secretary Perdue: We write to request that sweet cherries have equal access to any relief measures the Department of Agriculture provides for agricultural commodities impacted by retaliatory tariffs. While the priority for our growers remains an end to the trade disputes, our cherry growers are estimating they will experience up to $86 million in damages from trade wars during the 2018 season, and they deserve the same assistance afforded to producers of other agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs. The Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C 714) provides the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out almost any program that supports U.S. agriculture, including expanding domestic and international markets, providing disaster relief, supporting research and pest and disease management, and assisting farmers when crop prices drop or revenues decline. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 removed language that once limited the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ability to provide assistance to certain commodities. Therefore, we believe there are no limitations on how the USDA can assist our agricultural producers or what type of agricultural commodities qualify for assistance. The 2,500 sweet cherry producers grow more cherries in the Pacific Northwest than any other region in the country. Sweet cherries have the shortest growing season of any tree fruit, which typically starts the beginning of May and ends by the middle of August. Sweet cherries are highly perishable, so the cherries must be picked and reach intended markets immediately. Sweet cherries cannot be stored. This harvest time sensitivity and short season creates tremendous pressure for the producer to sell cherries at any available price, even if it means financial losses. On July 24, 2018, you announced that the USDA will use the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance to agricultural producers that have experienced harm from the retaliatory tariffs that have been imposed on U.S. agricultural exports. You announced relief would come in three forms: a market facilitation program that will provide payments to producers that have and continue to experience damage from the ongoing trade wars, a food purchase and distribution program that will purchase surplus agricultural commodities, and a trade promotion program that will assist in developing new markets for agricultural products. Because sweet cherries are highly perishable, the season is over and damages from increased tariffs and prices are hitting growers, we urge you to implement the support our cherry growers are requesting. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cantwell-murray-newhouse-applaud-forest-service-recommendation-protect", "Cantwell, Murray, Newhouse Applaud Forest Service Recommendation to Protect Methow Valley from Mining", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) applauded a recommendation by the U.S. Forest Service to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw 340,000 acres in the Methow Valley from consideration for mining for a 20 year period.\nFrom salmon to farming and outdoor recreation, the Methow Valley holds a special place in the Washington way of life, Senator Cantwell said. We can't afford to lose this area to copper mining. I am encouraged the Forest Service is taking this important step, and I will continue working with the Department of the Interior and the local community to move the process forward and protect the Methow Valley for generations to come.\nAt a time when so much of our environment and public lands are under attack, this is incredibly welcome news, Senator Murray said. It's been my mission to carry the concerns of the Methow Valley community to Washington, D.C. to make sure we are protecting this environmentally-sensitive area and continuing to support the Valley's thriving outdoor recreation economy.\nThe Methow Valley is a natural wonder, and the Headwaters is an ecological treasure, said Rep. Newhouse. I am pleased that the U.S. Forest Service's completion of this assessment responded to the local community's expression of broad support for mineral withdrawal. I will continue to work with Secretary Zinke to have this withdrawal finalized.\nThe Forest Service's recommendation to withdraw the area from mining consideration comes after the completion of an Environmental Assessment. The Bureau of Land Management must now schedule a public meeting on the proposal, before a final decision on the withdrawal is made by Joe Balash, the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the Department of the Interior.\nNearly one million tourists visit the Methow Valley each year to enjoy the sun, snow, streams, and wildlife, contributing more than $150 million annually to Okanogan County's economy. The upper Methow is essential to salmon recovery, and more than $100 million has been invested in restoration and conservation efforts. Federal, state, local and private investments have gone to land protection, restoration and restoration projects across the Methow River watershed, supporting outdoor recreation, farmland preservation, and salmon and wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration activities.\nThe Upper Methow Valley is home to seven federally-protected fish and wildlife species, including the Northern spotted owl, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, spring Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout. Healthy and intact habitat is also home to bald and golden eagles, martens, mountain goats, mule and white-tailed deer, and wolves.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cantwell-reichert-murray-newhouse-highlight-addition-sweet-cherries", "Cantwell, Reichert, Murray & Newhouse Highlight Addition of Sweet Cherries to Trade Aid Program, Pledge to Continue Work to Ensure Relief", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) highlighted a decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include sweet cherries in the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which was established through USDA's Trade Relief Plan, beginning on September 24. The MFP assists farmers hurt by unjustified retaliatory tariffs.\nThe decision comes after the members sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in August, calling on USDA to provide sweet cherries equal access to the relief measures being developed for U.S. agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs. Sweet cherries will be eligible for MFP payments starting at a rate of 16 cents per pound.\nWhile the priority for our growers remains an end to the trade disputes, our cherry growers are estimating they will experience up to $86 million in damages from trade wars during the 2018 season, and they deserve the same assistance afforded to producers of other agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs, the members of Congress wrote to Secretary Perdue in August.\nBecause sweet cherries are highly perishable, the season is over and damages from increased tariffs and prices are hitting growers, we urge you to implement the support our cherry growers are requesting, the members of Congress added.\nFollowing today's announcement that sweet cherries will be eligible for the funding, the USDA will announce the specifics of the available aid in the coming weeks.\nThe full text of the letter the members sent to Secretary Perdue in August can be found HERE and below.\nDear Secretary Perdue:\nWe write to request that sweet cherries have equal access to any relief measures the Department of Agriculture provides for agricultural commodities impacted by retaliatory tariffs. While the priority for our growers remains an end to the trade disputes, our cherry growers are estimating they will experience up to $86 million in damages from trade wars during the 2018 season, and they deserve the same assistance afforded to producers of other agricultural commodities that have been negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs.\nThe Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C 714) provides the Secretary of Agriculture broad authority to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out almost any program that supports U.S. agriculture, including expanding domestic and international markets, providing disaster relief, supporting research and pest and disease management, and assisting farmers when crop prices drop or revenues decline. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 removed language that once limited the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ability to provide assistance to certain commodities. Therefore, we believe there are no limitations on how the USDA can assist our agricultural producers or what type of agricultural commodities qualify for assistance.\nThe 2,500 sweet cherry producers grow more cherries in the Pacific Northwest than any other region in the country. Sweet cherries have the shortest growing season of any tree fruit, which typically starts the beginning of May and ends by the middle of August. Sweet cherries are highly perishable, so the cherries must be picked and reach intended markets immediately. Sweet cherries cannot be stored. This harvest time sensitivity and short season creates tremendous pressure for the producer to sell cherries at any available price, even if it means financial losses.\nOn July 24, 2018, you announced that the USDA will use the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance to agricultural producers that have experienced harm from the retaliatory tariffs that have been imposed on U.S. agricultural exports. You announced relief would come in three forms: a market facilitation program that will provide payments to producers that have and continue to experience damage from the ongoing trade wars, a food purchase and distribution program that will purchase surplus agricultural commodities, and a trade promotion program that will assist in developing new markets for agricultural products. Because sweet cherries are highly perishable, the season is over and damages from increased tariffs and prices are hitting growers, we urge you to implement the support our cherry growers are requesting.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moses-lake-polysilicon-manufacturer-faces-closure-murray-cantwell", "As Moses Lake Polysilicon Manufacturer Faces Closure, Murray, Cantwell, Newhouse, Reichert, Heck Again Urge President Trump to Resolve Trade Dispute with China", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th District), Dave Reichert (R-WA, 8th District), and Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th District) to renew their bipartisan defense of the U.S. polysilicon manufacturing industry in a letter to President Trump. The letter, which highlights immediate and dire threats to the U.S. polysilicon industry, comes as the devastating impacts of Chinese tariffs placed on polysilicon materials in 2014 could force the closure of REC Silicon in Moses Lake.\nIn July we warned that the trade dispute between the U.S. and China over solar power was threatening hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Washington State and Montana, and we regret to inform you that REC will be forced to completely shutter its operations in Moses Lake, Washington at the end of this month, the members of Congress wrote. The closure will result in the loss of 150-200 highly skilled manufacturers and will severely impact the economy of Eastern Washington.\nIn 2014, China placed tariffs on polysilicon materials, a key component in the production of semiconductors, solar panels, and other technology products, in retaliation for U.S. tariffs previously imposed on energy products from China. The move effectively locked U.S. polysilicon manufacturers out of the market, forcing the closure of REC Silicon at its Moses Lake plant, which relied on Chinese imports of polysilicon materials.\nIn today's bipartisan letter to President Trump, the members of Congress urged the president to find an immediate resolution to the trade dispute over Chinese solar panels and American polysilicon, noting that hundreds more highly skilled workers could lose their jobs if a solution isn't found.\nWe strongly encourage your trade negotiators to raise the issues facing the U.S. polysilicon industry, and we request a progress report on these negotiations as soon as possible, the letter states. We believe a resolution over solar panels and polysilicon could serve as a symbol of good faith on both sides, protect intellectual property that provides domestic manufacturers a competitive edge, and spark meaningful progress in the larger trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.\nIn July of this year, a similar letter was sent to President Trump to underscore the importance of the U.S. polysilicon industry to local economies in Washington and across the country.\nIn addition to Senators Murray and Cantwell and Representatives Newhouse, Reichert, and Heck, the bipartisan letter was also signed by the members of Montana's congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-MT).\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\nSeptember 21, 2018\nDear Mr. President:\nWe write to follow up on a letter sent July 23, 2018 regarding REC Silicon and the U.S. polysilicon manufacturing industry. In July we warned that the trade dispute between the U.S. and China over solar power was threatening hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Washington State and Montana, and we regret to inform you that REC will be forced to completely shutter its operations in Moses Lake, Washington at the end of this month. The closure will result in the loss of 150-200 highly skilled manufacturers and will severely impact the economy of Eastern Washington. \nAs you are undoubtedly aware, in 2012 the Obama Administration unsuccessfully attempted to bolster domestic solar manufacturing capacity by levying tariffs on imported solar panels from China. In response, China announced a 50% tariff on American polysilicon, a crucial input in the production of semiconductors and solar panels. The impact of this Chinese retaliation has been devastating to the U.S. polysilicon industry, which has shed thousands of jobs since China announced tariffs in 2014. The damage inflicted on the US polysilicon industry was of course an unintended consequence, but one that has dramatically affected our constituents. We strongly urge you to move past the unsuccessful actions of the past Administration and find an immediate resolution to the trade dispute over Chinese solar panels and American polysilicon.\nAccording to news reports, your Administration may soon reengage China in a new round of trade talks. We strongly encourage your trade negotiators to raise the issues facing the U.S. polysilicon industry, and we request a progress report on these negotiations as soon as possible. We also implore you to separate the negotiations over solar power from the larger bilateral trade conversations between the U.S. and China. The threats to the U.S. polysilicon industry are immediate and dire, and we believe this sectoral dispute could be resolved in a short period of time. We believe a resolution over solar panels and polysilicon could serve as a symbol of good faith on both sides, protect intellectual property that provides domestic manufacturers a competitive edge, and spark meaningful progress in the larger trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.      \nAs we wrote in July, it is imperative the United States obtain a positive and permanent resolution for U.S. polysilicon companies like REC Silicon. Without a resolution, hundreds of highly skilled workers will lose their jobs and U.S. control of the world's most advanced polysilicon technology could be jeopardized.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-president-trump-signing-bill-fund-hanford-pacific", "Newhouse Statement on President Trump Signing Bill to Fund Hanford, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement today after President Trump signed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.\nI applaud President Trump for signing legislation into law to provide for the needs of our veterans and our national defense, said Rep. Newhouse. This legislation supports critical priorities for Central Washington by authorizing funding to keep Hanford cleanup on track as well as necessary resources for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.\nRep. Newhouse previously released a statement after the Conference Committee failed to include House-approved language to end a federal judge's spill order at lower Snake River dams.\nLegislation highlights:\nEnergy and Water Appropriations \n \nSupports a strongnuclear national securitystrategy with a total of $15.23 billion for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons security programs, including the maintenance and readiness of the nuclear stockpile and Naval nuclear reactors.\n\t\t\n$2.438 billion for Hanford cleanup\n\t\t\t\t\n$865.171 million for Richland Operations\n\t\t\t\t\t$1.573 billion for Office of River Protection\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n \n \nIncreases funding for the nation'swater resources infrastructureby directing $7 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers, an increase of $172 million, which will boost navigation and flood control improvements.\n \n \nPromotes economic competitiveness and energy independence by including $13.5 billion forenergy programs, including protecting the safety of the nation's electrical grid and investments in fossil and nuclear energy research.\n\t\t\n$6.585 billion for Department of Energy's Office of Science,supports 10 national laboratories, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) ($1.195 billion more than the President's budget proposal)\n\t\t\t\t\n$705 million for Biological and Environmental Research,supports the Environmental MolecularSciences Laboratory and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement User Facility at PNNL. These scientific user facilitiesprovide access to unique, state-of-the-art equipment formore than 1,800 users annually.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n$24 million for the Energy Sciences Capability,supports a construction project at PNNL to provide modern lab space and equipment for chemistry and materials science research and development, a reduction of $16 million from the House version.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n \n\nMilitary Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations:\n \nIncludesthe highest dollar level ever for the Department of Veterans Affairs $86.5 billion discretionary funding  an increase of $5 billion. This includes funds for new and expanded Mission Act programs, increases in mental health services, modernizing the VA's health records system, and addressing the claims backlog.\n \n \nProvides resources for improved infrastructure for our service members and their families  $10.3 billion for military construction projects, an increase of $241 million, including:\n\t\t\nUpgrades toinfrastructure for deterrence operationsand unique training requirements to counter challenges posed by Russia and threats from the Middle East and Africa;\n\t\t\tIncreases for infrastructure and facilitiesconstruction and improvements on U.S. military bases; and\n\t\t\t\nHousing for all 1,400,000 military familiescurrently served.\n\t\t\n \nLegislative Branch Appropriations:\n \nBolsters the safety and security of the Capitol Complex for Members, staff, and the thousands of guests who visit every day by increasing funds for theCapitol Policeand security infrastructure improvements.\n \n \nProvides funding for theOffice of Employee Advocacy, which provides legal consultation, representation, and assistance on allegations, claims, and complaints under the Congressional Accountability Act.\n \n \nOpens the door for Congressional service to students and young people of all economic backgrounds by dedicating fundsforpaid internships.\n \n \nContinues theMember of Congress pay freeze.\n \nFor more detailed information on each of these bills, please visit:https://appropriations.house.gov/legislation/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-delbene-kilmer-applaud-tribal-social-security-fairness-act-being-signed-law", "Reichert, DelBene, Kilmer Applaud Tribal Social Security Fairness Act Being Signed Into Law", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Yesterday, President Trump signed into law the Tribal Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 6124), sponsored by Washington State Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA). This law ensures tribal governments have the same opportunity to participate in the Social Security program that so many others rely on.\nWe are proud to see this bipartisan legislation signed into law, the Members said. This bill rights a wrong that our tribal leaders have been facing for too long, ensuring they can receive the Social Security benefits they deserve. This straightforward solution to a technical problem will now allow our tribal leaders to participate in Social Security and get the benefits they have worked hard for. We thank the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie tribes in our home state of Washington for their dedication to resolving this issue. \"Representative Reichert, Representative Kilmer, Representative DelBene, and their staffs have championed this cause ever since we raised it with them. We appreciate their leadership on this issue and their success in providing tribal leaders with equal access to the Social Security system, Washington State Muckleshoot Tribe Chairwoman, Virginia Cross said. Background:  \n\tWhen Social Security was created in 1935, state and local government employees were excluded from receiving Social Security coverage. The Social Security Amendments of 1950 gave states the option to extend Social Security coverage to certain state and local government employees. However, unlike state and local governments, Tribal Councils do not have the option to participate in Social Security under current law. The Tribal Social Security Fairness Act makes the needed technical fix so tribal nations can voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to allow their elected leaders to participate in Social Security. Additional cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Cole (R-OK), Schweikert (R-AZ), Gallego (D-AZ), and O'Halleran (D-AZ).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399282", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Ranks #15 Most Bipartisan Member of the U.S. House", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler shared today that the Lugar Center and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy's Bipartisan Index ranked her as the 15th most bipartisan member of the U.S. House out of 438 members. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler shared today that the Lugar Center and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy's Bipartisan Index ranked her as the 15th most bipartisan member of the U.S. House out of 438 members.\r\nThe Bipartisan Index, which most recently ranked members of Congress for their work in 2017, is a non-partisan tool that measures the degree to which Senators and Representatives work across party lines on legislation.The Lugar Center states:  a consistently high score is a strong indication that a legislator is prioritizing problem solving and open to working with the other party when possible. Additional details on the index are available here: http://www.thelugarcenter.org/ourwork-Bipartisan-Index.html\r\nIn an era when too many politicians are getting stuck in their own ideological corner, this bipartisan ranking means far more to me than just a scholarly datapoint  this is a reflection of the efforts I've made and the results I've gotten working with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who will help me with solutions that make life better in Southwest Washington, Jaime said. Since I was first elected to office, I've been laser-focused on creating better economic opportunities and solving problems for folks from Vancouver to Chehalis to Goldendale to Seaview, and whether that's standing up for real health care solutions, protecting our native salmon runs, increasing survival rates for expectant moms or preserving manufacturing jobs, I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-administrations-china-tariff-announcement", "Reichert Statement on Administration's China Tariff Announcement", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -Today, House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the United States Trade Representative announced that the Administration will impose additional tariffs on Chinese products:\nInstead of punishing China, today's announcement places the burden on American families, manufacturers, and farmers, who will pay the higher tariffs and bear the brunt of retaliation. To address China's unfair trade practices and theft of intellectual property, I join Chairman Brady and my colleagues in urging President Trump to negotiate a lasting, long-term solution that will end China's practices and support the competitiveness of U.S. businesses and workers. As we work to put a stop to China's practices that harm American workers and businesses, I call on the Administration to provide for a product exclusion process from the tariffs, so Americans can seek the relief they need to make, create, and sell their products.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-bill-to-ban-gag-clauses-for-pharmacists-passes-committee/", "McMorris Rodgers Bill to Ban Gag Clauses for Pharmacists Passes Committee", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA(September 17, 2018)  Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Know the Cost Act of 2018, legislation that Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined in introducing earlier this monthto ban gag clauses that prohibit pharmacists from informing patients when the cash price for their prescription costs less than their insurance cost-sharing arrangement.\nAs prescription drugs costs continue to skyrocket, I am leading on solutions to bring transparency to drug pricing, said McMorris Rodgers. Patients should have access to this information so they can make informed decisions and help save money. This legislation takes an important step by banning rules that hide valuable information and decrease patient choice.\nMany groups have voiced their support of this legislation. The American Medical Association said, Transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain is essential to identifying what is driving high prices while also providing critical insights on how to combat practices and policies that are contrary to the interests of patients.\nNOTE: Rep. McMorris Rodgers has also led in other areas to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs. Rep. McMorris Rodgers is also an original cosponsor of H.R. 1316, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, a bill to require greater transparency from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).\nPBMs are the middlemen that employers and federal programs use to set prescription drug prices for consumers on their health plans. PBMs often fail to explain the process for setting these prices, and while they claim to deliver cost savings by passing along rebates to federal programs, the lack of transparency surrounding PBMs makes it impossible to track these alleged savings. H.R. 1316 would protect taxpayers and health care consumers by requiring greater transparency from PBMs.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-delisting-recovered-gray-wolf-would-demonstrate", "COLUMN: Delisting Recovered Gray Wolf Would Demonstrate Progress", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Once hunted to near-extinction in the lower 48 U.S. states and listed by the federal government as an endangered species in 1974, gray wolves (Canis lupus) are thriving in the U.S. and in Washington state, with more than 5,000 wolves now living in the contiguous U.S.\nAccording to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, the state's wolf population has grown over the past nine straight years to 22 packs that contain at least 120 individuals.\nIn our state, the species' recovery is bringing wolves into increasing contact with livestock  increasing predations  and with humans.\nThis summer, a research student was forced to climb 30-feet up into a tree to escape wolves in a rural area of Okanogan County. Luckily, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife was able to send a helicopter in time to rescue her. We can expect more such stories of human and wolf interaction as the species proliferates.\nDespite its evident recovery, the gray wolf remains listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Every five years, the status of endangered species is reviewed, and after one such review in 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) found recovery goals had been achieved for gray wolves. FWS then proposed a rule to remove the wolf from the endangered list. Environmental groups objected, and the effort to delist the species, as backed by the latest scientific evidence, has stalled.\nPermanently listing species under the federal ESA is not how the process was ever intended to work. The process should rely on the best available science. It is a sign of progress that species have recovered from the brink of extinction and no longer merit protection under the ESA.\nEffective management of wolf populations in our state faces an arbitrary hurdle: In the western third-thirds of Washington, gray wolves are still listed as endangered. But in the eastern third of our state, the wolves are no longer listed, so the Washington Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing the wolf population.\nState governments are fully qualified to responsibly manage gray wolf populations and are better able to meet the needs of local communities, ranchers, livestock, and wildlife populations.Last week, I joined colleagues Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) to introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R.6784, the Manage Our Wolves Act, to delist the gray wolf from the ESA and return management of the species to the states.\nStates tend to be more responsive and accountable for the needs of local communities than federal agencies, and they deserve the flexibility to manage growing gray wolf populations. We can celebrate the return of iconic species like the gray wolf, but states should be empowered to manage populations to ensure the healthiest balance between humans and nature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-secures-violence-against-women-act-extension/", "McMorris Rodgers Secures Violence Against Women Act Extension", "2018-09-16", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA (September 16, 2018)  Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after helping secure an extension of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).\nAs a warrior for human dignity and human value, I will always stand against violence, especially violence for the purpose of oppressing people. My hope is for my daughters and others to live in a world where they are safe from harm and empowered to reach their full potential.\nThe Violence Against Women Act is critical legislation to provide resources, support, and justice for victims of harassment and assault. For months, I've been meeting with women and others from both sides of the aisle to work to extend VAWA, which has enjoyed bipartisan support since its enactment. The VAWA extension through December 7th is a good step as we continue to work for a long term solution. I have called on President Trump to fill the vacant director position of the Department of Justice's Office on Violence against Women (OVW). This permanent position has been vacant since the Obama administration, and it's vital that someone is nominated to protect and serve victims of domestic violence.\nNOTE: Earlier this year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him and his administration to move forward in appointing an individual to fill the vacant director position of the Department of Justice's Office on Violence against Women (OVW). You can read that letter by clicking here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-water-resources-legislation-and-yakima-basin-project", "Newhouse Statement on Water Resources Legislation and Yakima Basin Project", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018(S. 3021) by a voice-vote yesterday. The conference legislation is the product of negotiations between House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over various water resources and energy infrastructure issues. S. 3021 includes a provision from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) to promote early action, infrastructure, and improvements at non-federal dams, including necessary additions to dams such as fish-friendly turbines and critical maintenance.\nThis legislation invests in the nation's water resources infrastructure and encourages the use of clean, renewable hydropower by streamlining the regulatory permitting process, said Rep. Newhouse. While this bill makes positive changes and provides for maintenance and expedited licensing, it represents a lost opportunity for Central Washington. I am grateful that House negotiators worked during negotiations to try to include my language authorizing the next phase of the Yakima Basin Project, and I am disappointed that Senate Democrats chose to decline this opportunity to include that language in the conference agreement. I am hopeful that before the end of the 115th Congress, there will be another legislative vehicle in which to include this legislation to provide water resources that are vital for Central Washington's future. I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fulfill the federal government's role in authorizing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.\nIn May, the House Natural Resources Committee reported Rep. Newhouse's legislation, H.R. 4419,the Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act out of committee with bipartisan support.\nBackground on America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018:\nIMPROVES AMERICA'S WATER RESOURCES INFRASTRUCTURE:\n Provides for needed investment in our ports, channels, locks, dams, and other infrastructure that supports the maritime and waterways transportation system and provides flood protection for homes and businesses.\n  Authorizes Army Corps of Engineers Chief's Reports received since the last WRDA law of 2016.\n\t\tChief's Reports are the final recommendations to Congress by the Corps' Chief of Engineers for thoroughly studied water resources infrastructure priorities.\n\t\t\tThese infrastructure improvements have been proposed at the local level, in cooperation and consultation with the Corps, and provide national economic and environmental benefits.\n\t\t\tAll Chief's Reports have been fully vetted by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at hearings this Congress.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes studies for future water resources improvements included in the Corps' 2017 and 2018 annual reports to Congress.\n\t\t\n  Reauthorizes the Levee Safety Initiative, and the National Dam Safety Program through 2023 to help protect American communities from flooding.\n  Keeps American jobs in America by strengthening our competitiveness and ensuring that our transportation system remains attractive to private sector job creators.\n PROMOTES HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASES FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION TRANSPARENCY:\n Encourages the use of clean, baseload hydropower by streamlining the regulatory permitting process.\n  Gets new hydropower projects to market faster, saving time and money.\n  Removes barriers to investments in hydropower, which creates jobs and provides low-cost, emissions free electricity to consumers.\n  Strengthens consumers' participation in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rate process by increasing transparency.\n Clickherefor more information about theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.\nNOTE: This bill includes a provision from H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017, which passed the House with bipartisan support in November 2017. The provision promotes early action, infrastructure, and improvements at non-federal dams. This promotes necessary additions to dams like fish friendly turbines and critical maintenance. Right now, these improvements must be made within a small window of time to count towards a dams' new license. With this language included, these improvements can be made outside of that window and count towards the next license. H.R. 2872, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act, which promotes hydropower development at existing nonpowered dams by establishing an expedited licensing process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less, and H.R. 2880, the Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, to promote closed-loop pumped storage for hydropower development by establishing an expedited licensing process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-department-transportation-grants-methow-valley-state-airport-11", "U.S. Department of Transportation Grants Methow Valley State Airport $1.1 Million for Apron Expansion", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation noticed a grant for the Methow Valley State Airport in Winthrop, WA. The federal grant will fund the final phase of construction to expand the existing west general aviation apron to provide additional space for aircraft parking and meet Federal Aviation Administration standards.\nI am very pleased with the federal funding announcement to provide $1.1 million for the final phase of apron expansion for the Methow Valley State Airport, said Rep. Newhouse. The completion of this project is vital to fulfill Federal Aviation Administration standards and keep the North Cascade Smokejumper Base in Winthrop where it belongs.\nGrant Description:\n$1,150,000.00 for to rehabilitate the apron and runway at Methow Valley State Airport.\nClick here for the North Cascades Smokejumper Base Preliminary Project Analysis Base Location Alternatives report by U.S. Forest Service, which lays out the required apron improvements at Methow Valley Airport (page 40) that are funded by this federal grant.\nAdditional details on the grant can be found here.\nIn June, Rep. Newhouse ensured that the Interior Appropriations bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee included his language supporting the North Cascades Smokejumper Base remaining in Winthrop.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399281", "VIDEO CLIP: Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Bill to Remove 19th Century Prohibition on Tribal Lands Passes U.S. House", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill to repeal an antiquated 19th century prohibition of distilleries on tribal land passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote Wednesday night.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler's bipartisan bill to repeal an antiquated 19th century prohibition of distilleries on tribal land passed the U.S. House by unanimous voice vote Wednesday night.\r\nJaime's bill would allow tribes to increase economic development by permitting distilleries on tribal lands. The Chehalis Tribe is planning to build and operate a distillery, brewery and restaurant that would bring about 100 new jobs to Southwest Washington. \r\nThis issue is a matter of fairness; Washington, D.C. shouldn't be in the business of telling Indian country it cannot engage in a business that's allowed everywhere else and is actually helping many neighboring areas revitalize their local economies. I was proud to shepherd this bill through the House in a bipartisan manner, Jaime said. The Chehalis Tribe had the vision for this economic development and together, we're successfully cutting through federal bureaucracy to repeal an 1834 law. I'm hopeful the Senate will also swiftly pass its bill so Indian tribes across the country will be allowed to distill on their own land, and provide new jobs not just for tribal members, but to neighboring communities as well. \r\nThe Chehalis Tribe is grateful for the House of Representatives' overwhelming bipartisan support in repealing this antiquated, paternalistic law, Chehalis Tribe Chairman Harry Pickernell Sr. said.Today's passage of H.R. 5317 not only promotes tribal sovereignty and self-determination, but it will also benefit tribal and local economies nationwide. I look forward to swift action on the bill in the Senate and would like to extend our thanks to Congresswoman Herrera Beutler for her leadership on this issue. \r\nVIDEO CLIP: You can watch Jaime speak in support of her bill on the House floor Wednesday night. \r\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-for-government-funding-bill-highest-level-of-veterans-funding-ever/", "McMorris Rodgers Votes for Government Funding Bill, Highest Level of Veterans Funding Ever", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 13, 2018)  Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the conference report to the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, legislation which funds one-fourth of the government and provides the highest level of discretionary funding for veterans ever. \nPeople in Eastern Washington rightfully expect results, and that's exactly what we set out to deliver in the Better Way Agenda two years ago. To ensure the red carpet is rolled out for our veterans, this bill provides for the largest dollar amount for the VA in history and funds important programs to ensure veterans receive the care and treatment they need. It also strengthens our national security, supports better infrastructure for our military, and invests in our nuclear technology. For a safer and stronger America, these are the solutions we promised to deliver. As a result, people are Better Off Now.\nThis marks the first time since 2007 that both Houses of Congress will send multiple appropriations measures to the president's desk on time. In doing so, I'm pleased that the People's House took an important step today in meeting one of our most basic duties to exercise our power of the purse' responsibly and on schedule. To build trust with the American people, this work must continue.\nNOTE: This bill includes $98.1 billion to providecare for our veterans and fund the necessary housing, training, and resources for our military and their families. This is the largest ever discretionary funding level for our veterans.\nThis bill also included language stating that the ongoing increased spill at the Columbia and Snake River dams is not based in science and will threaten the reliability of the federal power system. This language states that increased gas levels will likely harm fish while costing ratepayers an estimated $40 million. The original Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and McMorris Rodgers amendment would have stopped the additional spill entirely. This was one of three bipartisan proposals to assist salmon recovery and BPA's increasing costs on the Columbia River this Congress. 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