url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-joins-house-agriculture-committee,Newhouse Joins House Agriculture Committee,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Agriculture announced Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) will rejoin the committee in the 119th Congress. He served on the committee in his first term in Congress. ""As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to rejoin my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee. Central Washington is home to over 7,800 farms covering almost 6,000,000 acres, and I am looking forward to bringing their voices to the committee next year. We also have a critical Farm Bill to get across the line, and I am ready to get to work,"" said Rep. Dan Newhouse. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson said, ""I’m excited to welcome this strong and diverse group of legislators to the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress. This is a pivotal time for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, so we’ll hit the ground running with rigorous hearings and oversight, all to ensure we deliver legislative victories for rural America and the farm families that guarantee our nation’s food security."" Rep. Newhouse will retain his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, where he will stay on the Subcommittees on Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Homeland Security. He is uniquely positioned, serving on both the House Agriculture Committee that authorizes the Farm Bill, and the Appropriations Committee that directs funds to carry out its policies. He will also remain a member of the Select Committee of the Chinese Communist Party pending its reauthorization in the 119th Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-targets-ccp-fentanyl-pipeline-new-bipartisan-legislation,Newhouse Targets CCP Fentanyl Pipeline in New Bipartisan Legislation,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chairman of The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Fentanyl Policy Working Group, along with his colleagues introduced bipartisan legislation to hold the CCP responsible for directly subsidizing the fentanyl crisis currently plaguing the United States. “For too long, China has profited from the destruction of American lives, and the fentanyl crisis they are manufacturing knows no boundaries. As we continue our work fighting the immediate threat the drug poses, we are also going after the CCP and their central role in subsidizing, producing, and exporting the precursors that fuel this epidemic,” said Rep. Newhouse, Chairman of the Working Group. The working group spent months building on the Select Committee’s bipartisan investigation which uncovered for the first time how the CCP directly subsidizes fentanyl precursors and analogues. The lawmakers are now introducing three bipartisan bills aimed at supporting law enforcement, strengthening sanctions on CCP-backed entities engaged in drug trafficking, and leveraging fees against entities that fail to implement appropriate transparency and related safeguards that hinder drug trafficking. ""Dismantling the fentanyl supply chain starts at the source. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act sanctions Chinese chemical manufacturers that are profiting by poisoning the American people,"" said Rep. Auchincloss Ranking Member of the Working Group. “Earlier this spring, the Select Committee uncovered new evidence showing how the Chinese Communist Party directly fuels America’s fentanyl crisis. China has programs in place to reward companies with subsidies for exporting fentanyl and other drugs illegal under Chinese law to the United States. It is now abundantly clear that the CCP is not just turning a blind eye to the fentanyl crisis, it is causing it,” said Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar. “Thank you to Rep. Newhouse and Rep. Auchincloss, for their bipartisan leadership and the solutions they have crafted to hold the CCP accountable for the fentanyl crisis.” “Earlier this year, the Select Committee’s bipartisan investigation proved that the CCP could be doing much more to stop the flow of fentanyl. But if the CCP won’t take action, Congress will,” said Select Committee Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi. “I want to commend Congressmen Auchincloss and Newhouse for their leadership of this working group. Building off the findings of our investigation, the three bills put forth today would help save lives, and help ensure that companies in China that produce and export deadly chemicals are held accountable.” The bills developed by the working group are the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 sponsored by Rep. Newhouse, The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act, and the International Protecting from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act. The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 would establish a coordinated task force to combat the trafficking of synthetic narcotics like fentanyl. The task force will bring together representatives from relevant federal agencies to conduct joint operations, disrupt trafficking networks, and enforce sanctions. It will focus on international and domestic coordination, including addressing the role of the People’s Republic of China in the opioid crisis. The task force aims to streamline interagency collaboration, enhance legal enforcement, and report regularly to Congress. Full bill text can be found here. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act targets what the Select Committee’s bipartisan fentanyl report described as the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity. This legislation would codify important new authorities to address this threat while working to target those responsible for the epidemic. It codifies and builds on Executive Order 14059, which established critical new sanctions authorities against actors involved fentanyl trafficking. It also expands existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate shipment/transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as PRC online marketplaces and other entities that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sale of illicit synthetic narcotics. The legislation also grants Treasury the authority to restrict foreign financial institution correspondent accounts and payable-through accounts if the President determines the account has knowingly facilitated transactions on behalf of individuals engaging in synthetic narcotics trafficking. Full bill text can be found here. International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act The International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act aims to combat fentanyl trafficking by imposing civil penalties on PRC entities that fail to implement appropriate transparency and related safeguards that hinder drug trafficking. It introduces compliance requirements for PRC ports, vessels, and exporters, to properly manifest fentanyl precursors and related chemicals, as well as to follow formal entry when shipping to the United States. PRC entities that fail to follow these requirements would be subject to escalating civil penalties adjusted to the value of goods present on a given vessel. Any such revenues would go towards funding anti-trafficking efforts. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-winner-2024-congressional-app-challenge,Newhouse Announces Winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced the winner of the 2024 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app-designing competition for middle and high school students. Jeffrey Noah from Kennewick High School designed the winning concept, Canari. His app concept would empower the agricultural industry to share issues affecting their crops and our food supply. Canari uses a database to store user reports and displays the most relevant and severe threats to users depending on their location. The platform is designed to be a free resource for anyone from hobbyist gardeners to industrial farmers. You can view his presentation on the application here. “Congratulations to Jeffrey on winning this year’s Central Washington Congressional App Challenge!” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “Each year, students from across Central Washington submit their app concepts and showcase their skills in the STEM field, and Canari is an excellent example of how our region’s high schoolers can utilize technology to solve problems in different industries. Thank you to all who submitted, I truly enjoyed viewing all the different apps and seeing everyone’s creativity. Congratulations Jeffrey, I am confident you will continue to learn and grow your STEM capabilities and inspire others to do the same.” The winning app was selected by a panel of expert judges from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The winner will receive a PNNL “swag bag” and the app will also be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and the Congressional App Challenge website. Background: The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as 1 million programmers by 2021. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-fentanyl-task-force-release-final-report,"Newhouse, Fentanyl Task Force Release Final Report",2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) led the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force in a meeting and released the taskforce’s final report outlining guidance to help mitigate the ongoing fentanyl crisis. “We are proud to release a report which outlines our comprehensive work over the last year and a half to help stop the influence of the fentanyl crisis in our community,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “From individuals who have firsthand experience in substance recovery, law enforcement officers, tribal representatives, and medical professionals, this task force represents all of us who have been impacted by this issue in one way or another. I am proud of the work we have accomplished.” Meeting on a quarterly basis, the task force identified four categories to assess the problem and execute solutions: data, funding, policy, and education, at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. In each meeting, the task force compiled datasets to assess current trends of the crisis, mapped out funding mechanisms and resources available, discussed current laws and available programs, both for enforcement as well as prevention and treatment services, and finally, contributed to the all-hands-on-deck education campaign in Central Washington to combat this crisis. This report reflects the task force’s collective efforts, recommendations, and conclusions. Background Enough fentanyl was interdicted by U.S. law enforcement last year to kill every American 66 times, 97% of it originates from China, 90% of it enters through U.S. Ports of Entry by vehicle, and 17% of meth, 41% of cocaine, 72% of heroin, and 74% of xylazine tested positive for fentanyl. The Task Force has evidence that shows 7 out of 10 fentanyl pills off the street in the U.S. possess a potentially deadly dose. The fentanyl, mental health, and substance use disorder crisis is a multifaceted problem that requires all members of the community, both in the public and private sectors, to bring together their expertise, perspectives, and efforts to execute tangible and attainable solutions. The Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force was formed to bring together all voices of the community to discuss the complex problem of the fentanyl crisis and identify and implement attainable solutions. Watch the full announcement here. View the full report here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-bill-reform-telework-locality-pay-federal-employees,Newhouse Introduces Bill To Reform Telework Locality Pay for Federal Employees,2024-10-20,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced The Federal Employee Return to Work Act to crack down on wasteful government spending and incentivize federal employees to return to in-person work. Federal employees who telework from home currently receive annual locality bonuses despite not being required to physically attend their offices located in a high-cost-of-living area. This bill is the House companion to U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana’s bill. “The federal government pays for massive offices for agency employees in Washington, D.C. and we now know that 17 of the 24 federal agencies are using less than a quarter of their space because of work from home employees,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “If agencies wish to allow their employees to work from home, that is within their right to do so. But if they do, then the government should not be paying locality bonuses to those employees and they should be treated like any other work from home federal employee that doesn’t receive such a bonus. Taxpayers pay for federal buildings and salaries; it is time to stop wasting their money on empty buildings and unneeded work from home bonuses.” U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said, “Federal employees get paid extra to work in higher-cost cities. But what if they don’t show up to work? Why should they get paid?” said Dr. Cassidy. “If you don’t show up for work, you don’t get paid at the same rate just for teleworking.” The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 17 of the 24 federal agencies were using 25% or less of their headquarters building’s capacity at the beginning of 2023. GAO identified six agencies that were on average 91% vacant while their employees still received a 16.44% locality bonus compared to the rest of the country, regardless of their in-office attendance. These agencies included the Social Security Administration, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The bill excludes certain federal employees who telework at least one day a week from receiving raises and special locality bonuses for their office location being in a high-cost-of-living area despite working from home. In the bill, the term “covered employee” means “an employee who teleworks not fewer than 1 day, or in the case of an alternative work schedule, not less than 20 percent a week.” The term does not include an employee who teleworks not fewer than 1 day a week; is disabled and receives reasonable accommodations; is a member of the Foreign Service; Federal law enforcement; Armed Services; or any other employee, the official worksite of whom is not described in section 531.605(a)(1) of title 5. If the employee meets the definition of “covered employee,” then they may not receive an annual adjustment under section 5303 of title 5. They shall be paid at the rate of basic pay under the applicable grade under the locality pay area designated as “Rest of U.S.” Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-bill-protecting-small-and-rural-post-offices-amid,Newhouse Introduces Bill Protecting Small and Rural Post Offices Amid Increasing Public Concern,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Upholding USPS Delivery Standards and Election Integrity Act in the United States House of Representatives amid heightened public concern over changes to local mail facility processes. “I have consistently been hearing serious concerns regarding the impact of new USPS mail facility reviews slowing delivery times and potentially impacting election operations here in the state,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “This bill codifies a guarantee that the USPS cannot conduct mail center reviews during an election year. We don’t want to see these reviews lead to a potential change in operations that could interrupt the ballot collection box delivery processes amid an election. I also included a provision to prevent the USPS from closing small and rural post offices. This steers us clear of situations where mail is forced out to more metropolitan areas, slowing down delivery, and protects offices like Wenatchee and Yakima that have experienced such an attempt by the USPS.” The bill requires three actions to occur: 1) The USPS may not consolidate or close small rural and other small post offices. 2) The USPS may not perform a mail processing facility review or implement changes pursuant to a mail processing facility review during an election year. 3) The USPS Office of Inspector General must conduct an audit of all collection box removal processes and submit a report to Congress. The bill outlines seven Congressional Findings and are summarized below: 1) The mandate of the USPS, as outlined in 39 U.S.C. 101, is described. 2) In 2021, the USPS announces the Delivering For America plan and their use of Mail Processing Facility Reviews, which have the potential to impact delivery standards and ballot collection processes across the Nation. 3) Thousands of concerned American citizens and representatives voice opinions against these reviews to the Postmaster General demanding answers to these legitimate concerns. 4) The Postal Regulatory Commission and the USPS Inspector General possess the statutory authority to audit and issue advisory opinions about USPS practices, as outlined in 39 U.S.C. 501. 5) In March 2024, an Inspector General audit outlined the negative impact of these reviews including worse service, an inadequately informed public, decreased employee availability, and increase in late and canceled mail transportation trips. 6) In April 2024, the Postal Regulatory Commission issued an order regarding these reviewal processes and their negative impact on delivery standards and required the USPS to either submit to an advisory opinion or justify why said opinion is not warranted. 7) In May 2024, the USPS agreed to pause some of the reforms until January 1, 2025, and outlined which reforms remain ongoing in 2024. Yakima and Wenatchee are postponed till 2025. The decision to postpone some of the operational changes to the Yakima and Wenatchee offices until 2025 is a direct result of an oversight letter by Rep. Newhouse sent in February 2024 to the Postmaster General that was replicated by numerous Members and Senators. This oversight was successful, and this bill serves to codify the success of that process. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-new-administration-effort-targeting-lower-snake,Newhouse Statement on New Administration Effort Targeting the Lower Snake River Dams,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Energy’s announcement of a taxpayer funded study on replacing the Lower Snake River dams. ""This administration insists they are not pursuing breaching the four Lower Snake River dams, yet just announced they are using taxpayer dollars to conduct another study looking for ways to replace the power if the dams are breached,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, ""I will be starting oversight of DOE’s Grid Development Office in the coming weeks to get to the bottom of why they are spending more taxpayer money to fund another study that ends with the same conclusion: the Lower Snake River dams provide a critical source of renewable, reliable, and affordable baseload power and strengthen economies in the Pacific Northwest."" The Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office announced the launch of the Pacific Northwest Regional Energy Planning Project (PREPP) process that looks at what infrastructure and resources could be needed to replace the power and services provided by the four Lower Snake River Dams. The full announcement can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-bill-secure-american-critical-mineral-supply-chain,Newhouse Leads Bill to Secure American Critical Mineral Supply Chain,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) alongside Reps. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Russ Fulcher (ID-01) introduced the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act to establish a National Roadmap to provide a pathway to reshore domestic critical material processing facilities away from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and reduce unworkable permitting barriers to help secure our supply chains. “It is no secret the United States is in a dangerous position with our reliance on adversaries like the CCP for the critical minerals we use in everything from our energy sector to our defense industrial base,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “This bill is a big step towards bringing critical mineral processing back to our shores and keeping bad actors out of our supply chains. As a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, I know we as lawmakers need to be doing all we can to prioritize national security before it is too late.” Rep. Guthrie said, “Today I was proud to introduce the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act alongside Congressmen Newhouse and Fulcher to help ensure America has control over its manufacturing and energy future. For too long our nation has been reliant on the CCP and other foreign adversaries for the essential facilities to process critical materials into usable resources for our manufacturing industry. This bill will help provide a pathway to reshoring the processing of critical materials and uncovers the extent to which the CCP has exploited this supply chain. If our nation is to become energy independent once again, secure our supply chains, and reshore job creating industries then we must produce and process our critical materials here at home, I am proud to be leading this bill that will help accomplish this.” “Critical minerals are not only vital to America’s energy supply, but to our national security as they are a key component for defense technologies and weaponry. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Congressman Guthrie and Newhouse to establish a national roadmap to bring the development and processing of key minerals back to the USA. Securing America’s energy independence starts with securing our critical minerals supply chain,” said Rep. Fulcher. The bill will establish a Department of Energy led National Roadmap to reshore domestic critical material processing industry, which will include a comprehensive review of: Current landscape of domestic and global markets for midstream critical material processing. The extent to which China and other adversaries employ anti-competitive practices to manipulate critical material markets. Opportunities and barriers to reshoring domestic industries, including working alongside allied nations. Permitting challenges facing a domestic critical material processing industry. This bill requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on how to improve federal permitting to incentivize more investment including: How the Inflation Reduction Act may have fueled Chinese greenfield investment in Free Trade Agreement countries How EPA regulations and litigation raise costs on facilities Ways to improve federal collaboration and coordination to leverage expertise in critical material processing. The full bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-major-forest-restoration-bill,Newhouse Applauds Passage of Major Forest Restoration Bill,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong resident of Central Washington where we are affected by these disasters, wildfire risk remains top of mind as states across the West are ravaged by wildfires year after year,” said Rep. Newhouse. “In Washington state alone, wildfires have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres in recent years, and there is no sign of it slowing down. We need proactive forest management now, and the Fix Our Forests Act will help achieve this goal.” “This bipartisan effort will enable desperately needed active forest management by expediting permitting reviews and limiting senseless lawsuits from extreme environmentalists.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-resolution-honor-gold-star-families-2,Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families,2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led 44 members in introducing the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution to honor the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation. It designates September 22 - 28, 2024 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. “Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “By designating September 22-28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved.” The following are quotes of support from Gold Star Family members: “I am very pleased that Congress is choosing to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Every Memorial Day, we honor our warriors who gave their lives in defense of America. We should also honor the families of those fallen warriors, who stood behind them as they served, suffered the pain of their loss, then picked up the pieces and carried on. I'm a Gold Star son who lost my father in Vietnam. Life has taught me three truths. Grief fades. Love never dies. Courage shines on forever.” – Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Hank Cramer, Washington, Gold Star Son of Captain Harry Griffith Cramer Jr. (U.S. Army Special Forces), who was Killed in Action in 1957 in Vietnam. “I was just a year old when my father was declared Missing in Action in December 1945 in Germany. I have no memory of him but would like to honor his legacy by sharing his story with others who want to know the experiences of Gold Star families.” – Karen Oberg, California, Gold Star Daughter of Pvt. Worrell F. Oberg (Army) who was Killed in Action on December 22, 1945, and whose remains have yet to be recovered. “My brother had just turned one and I was two and a half when our father was killed. As we got older, we often wondered what kind of man he was. In a letter to his sister just before he was killed, dad wrote that he had been wounded and had to build up his courage to go back in combat because he had seen so much death and destruction. From that letter, and in that moment, we knew our dad was a hero and we brought him off the shelf and back into life.” – Walt Linne, Indiana, Gold Star Son of Sgt. Walter John Linne (Army) who was Killed in Action in Germersheim, Germany on March 24, 1945. “In 2022, when I visited South Korea and observed for myself the freedom, liberty, prosperity and gratitude of the South Korean people, I further realized that the supreme sacrifice by my father and its effect on our family was not in vain.” – Robert James Johnston, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Sgt. James Fred Johnston (Army) KIA/MIA, December 2, 1950, at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. “Since I was only two when my Dad went missing, I have no personal memories of him other than what my Mom told me often that to do my best as my Dad would expect or when I did something good, she would tell me how proud he would be of me. David, my brother, and I grew up loving the same things our Dad did, Boy Scouts, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and family.” – Mike Logan, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Maj. Samuel P. Logan, Jr. (USAF). He was the pilot of a B-29 shot down and taken captive while on a mission over North Korea on September 9, 1950. In 1954 he was declared Killed in Action. Maj. Logan was survived by his Gold Star Wife and two Gold Star Sons. “Being a Gold Star family member signifies profound sacrifice and loss as we bear the enduring grief of losing a loved one in service to the nation. Gold Star families' identities are shaped with both pride and sorrow.” – Carol Brenneman Reed, California, Gold Star Daughter of Captain Austin E.E. Brenneman (USMC) who was Killed in Action on May 28, 1951, in Anak, North Korea. “In July 1951, the 2nd Inf Div deployed to Korea, leaving a pregnant, newlywed wife on a lifetime path of uncertainty, grief, loss, and life challenges. Ellen Marie Blissenbach handled her loss by joining the Gold Star Wives of America, becoming very active in supporting other families and veterans, as well as seeking information on my missing father, ultimately achieving some closure before her passing.” – Maj. Paul K. Blissenbach US Army (Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Son of SFC Joseph A. Blissenbach, who gave his life on November 30, 1950, in Kunu-ri, North Korea. “Losing my father in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War was an indescribable blow, not only to my family but to the very fabric of my life. His absence left a profound void, a loss that reverberated through every milestone, forever shaping who I became. The sacrifice he made in such a fierce and historic battle deepens the sorrow, as his life was cut short defending a cause that took him far from home, never to return.” – Army veteran Thomas Barrett, Ph. D., Maryland, Gold Star Son of SSGT Thomas J. Barrett, Jr. (Army), Killed in Action November 15, 1965, Vietnam. “During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we honor the parents, spouses, siblings and children of those service members who lost their lives defending the United States and her allies. For nearly a century, ‘The Long Gold Line’ of these Gold Star Families has personified the resilience of the American spirit. Here on the home front, they endured the worst possible news delivered from a faraway war front. Yet they moved forward supporting each other and carrying on the legacies of their fallen heroes who, in the name of freedom, gave their last full measure of devotion.” – Tony Cordero, California, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero (USAF) who was killed on a bombing mission over North Vietnam on June 22, 1965. He is the founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch - America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War. “Our son held a strong sense of honor and service and would have no regrets. We honor his valor and sacrifice every day. We gratefully support this resolution to honor and remember the sacrifices of all of our fallen and of the 7068 men and women Killed In Action in the Global War on Terror and the ongoing sacrifices of the families they left behind. It is this nation’s responsibility to Never Forget, to honor their valor, and to always support the families left behind.” – Barbara and Col. Mark Roland (USAF, Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Mother and Father of Captain Matthew Roland, USAF, Killed In Action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015. “My father flew 22 missions along the coastal waters of Vietnam to clear the area of enemy submarines before the US could bring in the 7th Fleet at the onset of the Vietnam War. His body was never recovered after his plane plunged into the South China Sea. My life and my family crumbled before my eyes and to this day I continue to live a life never knowing my father. Three months after the attack on the Twin Towers, my son joined the US Army, following his grandfather’s footsteps as he was also willing to die for his country. Unfortunately, it ended horrifically when he was killed by an enemy IED while on patrol near the Hor Rijeb Canal in Iraq. There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his country.” – Elaine M. Roach, California, Gold Star Mother of PFC Joel Brattain, Killed in Action on March 13, 2004, and Gold Star Daughter of Lt. Harold S. Roach (Navy), lost in the South China Sea on October 2, 1964. The following Members are co-sponsors of the legislation: Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Mark Green (R-TN), Michael Guest (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Greg Lopez (R-CO), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Murphy (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Roger Williams (R-TX), Brandon Williams (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Don Davis (D-NC), Josh Harder (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Keating (D-MA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Juan Vargas (D-CA). Click here to read the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-esa-reform-bill-advances-through-committee,Newhouse ESA Reform Bill Advances Through Committee,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee approved the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2024, a bill by Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) that makes reforms to the ESA to incentivize conservation, protect landowners' rights, and implement transparency in the recovery of species. “The ESA is in dire need of serious changes, and I am thankful that the committee understands that. Our species and landowners have suffered far too long from misuse of the ESA and my bill puts an end to that. If we are to truly prioritize species recovery and de-listing, then we must prioritize advancing this legislation,” said. Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “I thank House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman for taking up this important bill, and I look forward to working to get it across the finish line.” This legislation is the final product of the ESA Working Group co-founded by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse and Chairman Bruce Westerman in July 2023. Original co-sponsors include Reps. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL). Background: This legislation: Incentivizes wildlife conservation on private lands. Prevents the Secretary of the Interior from designating privately owned or controlled land as critical habitat, protecting landowners’ rights. Empowers states to enact species recovery plans as state and local officials know best how to manage populations without harming communities. Requires that removal of a species is not subject to judicial review. Creates greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. Appropriations authorizing number- $431,755,000 – which is the total authorized in House FY25 bills for Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) ESA activities. Full original bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-bill-protecting-american-farmland-foreign-adversaries-passes,Newhouse Bill Protecting American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries Passes House,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed his bill, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act. “Today, the United States took a stand against one of our greatest foreign adversaries, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “The CCP has been quietly purchasing American agricultural land at an alarming rate, and this bill is a crucial step towards reversing that trend. We know that USDA’s foreign purchase tracking is wildly flawed, and by adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, we can begin to correct course. Food security is national security, and it is incumbent upon us to keep our adversaries far away from the lands that feeds our country, and the world.” “I’m thankful for Rep. Newhouse’s leadership in protecting our agriculture from China and its proxies,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson continues, “Agriculture is the backbone of America, and we should take every possible measure necessary to protect it.” Watch Rep. Newhouse’s floor speech on the legislation here. The bill adds the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS for transactions, including land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing. It also requires the Secretary to report any transaction that can be considered a threat to national security. Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, tasked with finding bipartisan solutions to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values. The Senate companion bill, S. 5007, was introduced by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) on September 10, 2024, and co-sponsors include: Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Todd Young (R-IN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Full House bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-esa-reform-bill-protects-species-and-landowners,Newhouse ESA Reform Bill Protects Species and Landowners,2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), alongside House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), introduced the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act, making reforms to the ESA to protect landowner rights, incentivize conservation, and increase transparency in the recovery and de-listing of species. This legislation is a policy proposal from the ESA Working Group co-founded by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse and Chairman Bruce Westerman in July 2023. “In the fifty years since its enactment, the Endangered Species Act has overwhelmingly failed in its mission to recover vulnerable species,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “In order to ensure that reforms to the ESA work for our species while also ending abuse of the law by anti-development activists, the Congressional Western Caucus and House Natural Resources Committee created the ‘ESA Working Group’ to propose solutions after hearing feedback from subject matter experts. The ESA Amendments Act is the result of this group, and I’m proud to introduce the bill along with Chairman Westerman. This bill will help recover species while allowing rural America to prosper.” “We can all agree that America’s rich biodiversity needs to be conserved for generations to come,” said Rep. Westerman. Westerman continues, “However, while initially well-intentioned, radical environmentalists have weaponized the Endangered Species Act to the point where the current law has patently failed to achieve its goals for species recovery. With the modernizing legislation we’re introducing today, we will make long-overdue reforms to the ESA and ensure the continued abundance of America's wildlife.” “It is beyond clear that the Endangered Species Act is broken,” said Rep. Stauber. Stauber continues, “A half-century after being signed into law, very few species listed as threatened or endangered have ever made it off the list. And whether it be the Gray Wolf or the Northern Long-Eared Bat, Minnesotans are facing the consequences of a broken ESA every day. I am proud to join Chairmen Westerman and Newhouse in introducing the ESA Amendments Act, which will make commonsense reforms to the ESA and close the loopholes that activist judges and radical environmentalists have abused to keep species listed indefinitely for decades.” “Over the last 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has failed to be a celebration of recovery and instead has been weaponized for political activism,” said Rep. Tiffany. Tiffany continues, “The ESA Amendments Act is much-needed legislation to give states more management, and help ensure that animals, like the gray wolf, who have met and exceeded their recovery goal are removed from the list of federal endangered species. This long-overdue modernization will not only allow for more critical infrastructure projects and economic development, but also protect rural communities and all species.” “Back in July, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries discussed bills that continued Republican efforts to address the federal usurpations of state control and authority over a state’s water resources, combatting the Nutria infestation, and reauthorizing essential U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conservation programs,” said Rep. Bentz. Bentz continues, “These measures strengthen transparency, improve species recovery efforts, and respond to recent Supreme Court rulings (Chevron). Congress must continue to enact reforms that protect our communities while safeguarding our natural environment.” “For far too long the federal government has been making listing decisions based on secret science and pseudo-science, including studies that do not allow for peer-review of the underlying data,” said Rep. Gosar. Gosar continues, “Even more troubling is the fact that attorneys have been making millions of dollars based on frivolous lawsuits associated with the Endangered Species Act, yet the federal government doesn’t even know how much money has been paid out. The Endangered Species Act Amendments Act makes commonsense changes that increase transparency, save taxpayer money, ensure local involvement in species conservation and the designation process, limit the hourly rate attorneys can charge the taxpayers for lawsuits and require the federal government to make available to Congress and the public any data it uses to determine which species to list as endangered.” “I am proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the ESA Amendments Act,"" said Rep. Hageman. Hageman continues, “States, not the federal government, know best how to manage species and ensure their recovery. Allowing states to develop and submit their own recovery strategies, and requiring agencies to establish objective, incremental recovery goals for threatened species while decreasing overly stringent regulations, combined with limiting judicial review during the five year recovery period, will allow more species to be delisted when their recovery goals are met. Had this bill already been in place, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly – a species that surpassed recovery goals years ago – would have already been delisted.” Original co-sponsors include: Reps. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Harriet Hageman (WY-AL). Background: This legislation: Incentivizes wildlife conservation on private lands. Prevents the Secretary of the Interior from designating privately owned or controlled land as critical habitat, protecting landowners’ rights. Empowers states to enact species recovery plans as state and local officials know best how to manage populations without harming communities. Requires that removal of a species is not subject to judicial review. Creates greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. Appropriations authorizing number- $431,755,000 – which is the total authorized in House FY25 bills for Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) ESA activities. Full bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-bill-protecting-american-farmland-foreign,Newhouse Introduces Bill Protecting American Farmland from Foreign Adversaries,2024-08-30,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and to take necessary actions to prohibit the purchase of U.S. agricultural land by foreign adversaries. “Food security is national security, and for too long, the federal government has allowed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to put our security at risk by turning a blind eye to their steadily increasing purchases of American farmland,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “It is not enough to just discuss this issue—we must take immediate action to stop the CCP from further encroachment. By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, we can ensure much-needed oversight of agricultural land purchases by foreign adversaries, which will protect American farmers and the industry as a whole. The Chinese Communist Party has long sought to undermine our institutions and very way of life, and I am proud to lead this effort to support farmers in Central Washington and across the nation.” The bill adds the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS for transactions, including land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing. It also requires the Secretary to report any transaction that can be considered a threat to national security. Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, tasked with finding bipartisan solutions to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy, and our values. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-senator-lummis-introduce-legislation-overturn-burdensome,"Newhouse, Senator Lummis Introduce Legislation to Overturn Burdensome Environmental Justice Initiatives",2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (WY) introduced the Reducing Environmental Gamesmanship (REGs) Act. This legislation prohibits federal agencies from implementing “environmental justice” standards unless expressly directed by Congress and nullifies two environmental justice executive orders. “‘Environmental justice’ is another ploy by extreme activists to block traditional energy and infrastructure projects and force a green transition,” said Chairman Newhouse. “The reality is that if this agenda is put in place, the very low-income communities the left is claiming to help would be overburdened by higher energy costs. I’m proud to partner with Senator Lummis to overturn the Biden Administration’s environmental justice executive orders to help underserved communities and reclaim Congress’ legislative authority post-Chevron doctrine.” “The Biden-Harris administration has made it crystal clear that it will do anything to appease its radical environmental base, even at the expense of Wyoming and the American west,” said Chair Lummis. Wyoming households continue to shell out record amounts of their hard-earned money to keep up with this administration’s self-inflicted high energy costs at a time when they’re already spending more to keep up with inflation. I am partnering with Rep. Newhouse to overturn this administration’s radical agenda to ease the financial strain this administration has put on western communities and scale back the executive branch’s self-awarded power.” Background: Without direction from Congress, the Biden administration has decided that 40% of the funding from certain federal programs must go to “disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.” Again, without Congressional direction, President Biden has said the “pursuit of environmental justice is a duty of all executive branch agencies and that federal agencies should be taking action now to incorporate this charge into their missions.” Prioritizing environmental justice over Congressional intent has only led to longer permitting delays and more red tape, delaying environmental cleanup activities. As a prime example, the IIJA created a program for orphan well plugging with clear, set guidelines for eligibility. The bill says states may use funding to “identify and address any disproportionate burden of adverse human health or environmental effects of orphaned wells on disadvantaged communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.” However, as part of its environmental justice initiative, the Department of the Interior requires states to meet that optional standard, in clear violation of Congressional intent and rendering the program infeasible for many states while delaying the cleanup of orphan wells. In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which ended the Chevron doctrine, Chairs Newhouse and Lummis introduced this legislation to reclaim Congress’ authority. Full text of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-interior-appropriations-bill,Newhouse Statement on Passage of Interior Appropriations Bill,2024-07-25,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. “This year’s Interior appropriations bill is a huge victory for rural America,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse adds, “This important legislation unlocks America’s energy and mineral resources to restore our energy independence, curbs administrative overreach and abuse of the Endangered Species Act, and reins in annual spending. I am also proud to have secured critical funding for communities in Central Washington. I thank Chairmen Simpson and Cole for their leadership and look forward to working to get the rest of our bills across the finish line.” The Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $38.478 billion, which is $72 million (0.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2024 level and $4.407 billion (10%) below the President’s budget request. The bill prohibits funds to implement the final rule titled “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem. Rep. Newhouse secured the following measures for projects and issues in Central Washington: $1.3 million for the City of Oroville for the Water System Improvement Project. $1.5 million for the Town of Winthrop for Water Source and Distribution System Improvements. $1 million for the City of Othello for a Regional Water Supply Project. $1.5 million for the City of Moses Lake for a Water Infrastructure Project. $1.5 million for the City of Tonasket for a Water Improvement Project. Protects access to our public lands by prohibiting multiple U.S. Fish and Wildlife rulings to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers. Provides funding for wildfire activities and permanently addresses wildland firefighter pay and capacity. Expands access to critical minerals, reducing our domestic reliance on the Chinese supply chain. Stops the Bureau of Land Management’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule to ensure continued access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and energy development. Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-tribal-healthcare-bill-receives-hearing,Newhouse Tribal Healthcare Bill Receives Hearing,2024-07-24,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) delivered remarks at the House Natural Resources Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee hearing on his legislation, the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act. This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to create a centralized system to prevent malpractice, cut down on the onboarding backlog, establish a standard of care for tribes, and ensure the providers at IHS facilities are vetted in an efficient and proper manner. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks here or read remarks as written below: “Before I discuss my legislation, I would like to introduce one of my constituents, Jarred Erickson, who is the Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. As the Committee knows, the Colville Tribes have had many challenges with the Indian Health Service over the years. I also know that Chairman Erickson has been dealing with two wildfires burning on the Colville Reservation as we speak, and I appreciate him being here today to testify on these important bills. I am here today to discuss the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act, which I recently introduced with my colleague, Representative Dusty Johnson. The Indian Health Service is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes. This duty includes reviewing and verifying professional qualifications of clinicians through a process known as credentialing and privileging. Currently, this process involves meeting credentialing requirements that are spread across multiple, and sometimes conflicting documents, making it challenging for officials to effectively and efficiently credential incoming medical providers. This lack of a standardized credentialing system has led to issues for the IHS and for those who utilize its services. In my district, constituents have reported instances in which the current IHS credentialing system has negatively impacted health provider recruitment and onboarding efforts, including one instance in which providers were interested in working for the local service unit only to pursue an opportunity elsewhere because of the slow pace of the credentialing process. Given the health disparities that exist in Tribal nations, recruitment of quality health personnel should be of the utmost priority. Additionally, there have been reports of inconsistencies between facilities and their credentialing, privileging, and hiring processes in which hiring committees have prioritized filling vacant positions over thorough background and credentialing checks. Furthermore, it has been reported that a lack of shared information increased the practice of hiring individuals with otherwise questionable history and qualifications from one facility to another. A recent GAO report described the effect of the lack of a centralized system. In one instance, the report found that at an IHS facility that was reviewed, 12 percent of clinician files that were analyzed did not meet IHS’s requirement to verify all licenses held by the clinician, and in three of those files, the IHS had not verified any licenses. My bill seeks to address such issues by requiring the Indian Health Service, in consultation with Tribes and stakeholders, to establish a uniformed and centralized IHS-wide credentialing system for individuals providing services at IHS facilities. The development of such a system would ensure that IHS providers are equipped with the tools that they need to efficiently and effectively hire qualified personnel in their facilities and ensure that all of them are thoroughly vetted. It is of the utmost importance that all patients receive the highest quality of care. I believe my legislation is a step in the right direction and urge the committee to support this important measure. Thank you.” Background: To provide patients with the highest level of care at its federally operated facilities, the IHS, which is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes, reviews and verifies professional qualifications of clinicians through a process known as credentialing and privileging. Currently, IHS requirements are spread across multiple, sometimes conflicting, documents, making it challenging for officials to know of and meet them. Further, existing IHS oversight is concentrated at the local level and does not routinely include headquarters' reviews of clinicians' files for adherence with IHS requirements. Until it ensures clinicians are appropriately screened, IHS risks hiring or retaining clinicians with performance, health, or other issues, potentially affecting the quality of care provided to patients and putting them at risk. The IHS has also documented various incidents in which health professionals with histories of malpractice claims have passed screenings that failed to identify performance, health, or other issues. The lack of a centralized, uniform, service-wide credentialing system has been identified as a cause. This bill would require the establishment of a standardized system to improve and maintain health professional quality and quality of care as well as ensure that health professionals at IHS facilities are vetted thoroughly. Click here to read full bill text. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-bill-reform-tribal-healthcare-credentialing,Newhouse Introduces Bill to Reform Tribal Healthcare Credentialing,2024-07-09,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act. This legislation amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act for the development and implementation of a centralized system to credential licensed health professionals who seek to provide health care services at any Indian Health Service unit. “Due to a lack of a standardized credentialing system for tribal healthcare professionals, our Native American population is struggling to receive appropriate care,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “The current system has led to a backlog in onboarding new providers, which has caused those interested in working for IHS to pursue opportunities elsewhere. There have also been numerous incidents where healthcare professionals with histories of malpractice claims have bypassed the guardrails put in place to make sure medical professionals are just that—professionals. The IHS is receiving taxpayer dollars to fund their operation, and it is my priority to ensure those resources are not wasted. By creating a centralized system, we can establish a standard for tribes and ensure that providers at IHS facilities are vetted in an efficient and proper manner.” Click here to read the full letter of support from Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman of the Colville Business Council. Background: To provide patients with the highest level of care at its federally operated facilities, the IHS, which is responsible for providing direct medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Native American Tribes, reviews and verifies professional qualifications of clinicians through a process known as credentialing and privileging. Currently, IHS requirements are spread across multiple, sometimes conflicting, documents, making it challenging for officials to efficiently credential incoming providers. The lack of a centralized credentialing system has negatively affected IHS recruitment efforts by delaying the process in which doctors get credentialed. The slow pace of the process is a result of the lack of a centralized credentialing system and has caused doctors who have been recruited to work in these facilities to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Further, existing IHS oversight is concentrated at the local level and does not routinely include headquarters' reviews of clinicians' files for adherence with IHS requirements. Until it ensures clinicians are appropriately screened, IHS risks hiring or retaining clinicians with performance, health, or other issues, potentially affecting the quality of care provided to patients and putting them at risk. The IHS has also documented various incidents in which health professionals with histories of malpractice claims have passed screenings that failed to identify performance, health, or other issues. The lack of a centralized, uniform, service-wide credentialing system has been identified as a cause. This bill would require the establishment of a standardized system to improve the efficiency of the credentialing process, maintain health professional quality and quality of care, as well as ensure that health professionals at IHS facilities are vetted thoroughly. Click here to read the full bill text. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-federal-investments-richland-east-wenatchee-airports,"Newhouse Announces Federal Investments into Richland, East Wenatchee Airports",2024-06-27,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced two federal grants from the fiscal year 2024 Appropriations bills passed in March for significant infrastructure improvements at Richland and Pangborn Memorial airports. “These projects are crucial for both the safety and service of our airports that already contribute so much to our economy here in Central Washington. Grants like these go a long way in local projects, and I am looking forward to seeing these two come to fruition,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. The Port of Benton will receive $765,959 for Richland Airport for Phase 2 of their project to reseal 8,010 feet of existing runways. The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority will receive $609,290 for their project to acquire a replacement rotary snow blower to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods and aid in the efficiency and safety of operations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-common-sense-forest-management-following-old-growth,Newhouse Calls for Common-Sense Forest Management Following Old-Growth Forest Plan Proposal,2024-06-21,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) issued the following statement in opposition to the Biden Administration’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed National Old-Growth Amendment. “The action taken today by the Forest Service is the next step towards limiting timber production at the expense of common-sense forest management, including in the Colville, Gifford Pinchot, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests”said Rep. Newhouse. “Let’s be clear, this war on timber harvesting is to the detriment of communities across North Central Washington and will increase the risk of out-of-control forest fires by limiting proper forest management tools. As Chairman of the Western Caucus, I will continue to work to ensure that our forest managers have the necessary tools at their disposal and use all available means to prevent this proposed amendment from becoming a reality.” Background: The U.S. Department of Agricultureinitiated a scoping period for a proposed amendment to all 128 plans across the National Forest System in December 2023. The comment period for this scoping period closed on February 2, 2024; the Forest Service evaluated comments from the scoping and drafted an EIS highlighting a preferred alternative. The draft EIS was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2024, with an accompanying 90-day public comment period. A final EIS and record of decision for the amendment to all 128 National Forest system plans is expected at the end of 2024/beginning of 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-appointed-lead-select-committee-ccp-fentanyl-working-group,Newhouse Appointed to Lead Select Committee on CCP Fentanyl Working Group,2024-06-20,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) was selected as the Republican lead for the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Fentanyl Policy Working Group. ""Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for people ages 18-45 in the United States, and we now know the Chinese Communist Party is the force behind that crisis,"" said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""From funding the manufacturing and export of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals to holding ownership interest in companies tied to drug trafficking, the CCP is not only an active participant in the drug trade—they are directly incentivizing it. While the CCP continues to economically enrich themselves at the expense of the health and safety of millions of Americans, it is imperative that the United States sends a clear message: the buck stops here. I applaud Chairman Moolenaar for his leadership on this issue and look forward to leading my fellow working group members in cracking down on the CCP’s influence here at home."" Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar said, ""Earlier this spring, the Select Committee uncovered new evidence showing how the Chinese Communist Party directly fuels America’s fentanyl crisis. China has programs in place to reward companies with subsidies for exporting fentanyl and other drugs illegal under Chinese law to the United States. It is now abundantly clear that the CCP is not just turning a blind eye to the fentanyl crisis, it is causing it. That is why I am establishing a bipartisan Select Committee fentanyl working group to determine what must be done to seek justice for the hundreds of thousands of victims and hold the CCP responsible for funneling this poison into American communities. Congressmen Newhouse and Auchincloss bring valuable experience on this issue, and I am thankful for their leadership of our new working group."" The Policy Working Group will be charged with raising awareness of the CCP's role in the fentanyl crisis through Committee events and producing legislation to combat the threat. Its work will start immediately and will build upon the Select Committee's April report which revealed, among other things, that the Chinese Communist Party is subsidizing the export of deadly fentanyl into the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-slams-biden-administrations-columbia-river-taskforce,Newhouse Slams Biden Administration’s Columbia River Taskforce Announcement,2024-06-19,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon the Biden Administration’s announcement of a Columbia River Taskforce tasked with finding ways to breach the four Lower Snake River dams. “This is what happens when a president bends to the will of unelected bureaucratic environmentalists that have no knowledge of how the world works outside of their D.C. bubble,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “This taskforce, made up exclusively of Biden Administration officials, is a huge disappointment to those of us that are serious about improving ways for dams and salmon to coexist. Why are our local stakeholders and leaders not included on, or even informed of, a taskforce designed to fundamentally alter our region’s economic landscape? This is nothing more than a disingenuous ploy for this administration to check a political box in the name of environmentalism and tribal relations. Their only “task” is breaching our carbon free, renewable, and affordable energy base that supports the lives of the people of Central Washington.” Established by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and co-chaired by three federal agencies, the new Columbia River Task Force will coordinate efforts across federal agencies to further attempt to breach the Lower Snake River dams. Read the White House press release here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-blocking-chinese-communist-party,Newhouse Introduces Legislation Blocking the Chinese Communist Party From Purchasing American Land,2024-06-11,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), introduced the No American Land for Communist China Act to prevent the CCP from purchasing land adjacent to federally owned land. “The Chinese Communist Party is at our doorstep, and we best not let them in,” said Rep. Newhouse. “I have been closely watching the rise in cases of the CCP’s attempts at undermining our institutions. From spying on sensitive national security sites to buying up American farmland, it is clear we are vulnerable to their malicious efforts. This bill strengthens our domestic defenses and protects critical federal lands against these foreign actors that aim to deepen their already dangerous influence on the world stage.” The bill currently has 33 cosponsors, including the Chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP. “There is no world in which the Chinese Communist Party would allow Americans to buy vast swaths of farmland next to its military bases. We need to protect our farmland and ensure our largest adversary cannot own land near sensitive U.S. military bases. Thank-you to Congressman Newhouse for his leadership on this issue and the work he has done to introduce this legislation,” said Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar. The other cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Carol Miller (WV-01), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), David Valadao (CA-22), Mike Flood (NE-01), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Mike Kelley (PA-16), Cory Mills (FL-07), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Jim Baird (IN-04), Jody Arrington (TX-19), Lori Chavez-Deremer (OR-05), Claudi Tenney (NY-04), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), John Duarte (CA-13), Randy Weber (TX-14), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Mike Collins (GA-10), and Rick Allen (GA-12). This bill would prohibit any agent of the CCP, or any business owned by the CCP, from purchasing land adjacent to federal land in the U.S. This protects our military installations, national labs, and land with critical resources from being purchased by our greatest adversary. Full bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-veterans-affairs-military-construction,"Newhouse Statement on Passage of Veterans Affairs, Military Construction Appropriations Bill",2024-06-05,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction and Veterans Affair funding bill. “I am proud to support this bill that provides increased investment for our veterans and ensures their healthcare, benefits, and VA programs are fully funded,” said Rep. Newhouse. I was also able to include important language in this bill that cracks down on the use of Chinese-made medical devices in our VA clinics. My colleagues and I on the committee are working to rein in federal spending while prioritizing our veterans who have sacrificed so much for this nation.” The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill includes a total discretionary allocation of $147.52 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing), and related agencies. The defense portion of the allocation is $17.96 billion ($412 million above the FY25 Budget Request), and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $129.56 billion. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-effort-overturn-grizzly-plan-demands-answers,"Newhouse Announces Effort to Overturn Grizzly Plan, Demands Answers from Administration Officials",2024-05-16,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a resolution of disapproval under Title 5 U.S. Code Chapter 8, the Congressional Review Act, in response to the Biden Administration finalizing its misguided plan to establish a nonessential experimental population of grizzly bears in the North Cascades ecosystem. Rep. Newhouse questioned National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams, at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Oversight hearing, and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Martha Williams, on the final rule at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Hearing. To read the full notice of disapproval, click here. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks to Director Williams from the House Natural Resources Committee hearing HERE or read excerpts below: ""Director Williams, when we met last November, you told me that this 10(j) proposal was needed to expand management options due to the fact that the First Nation Tribes in British Colombia had plans to “imminently” move bears to the northern border of the NCE. I would now like to enter into the record correspondence between my staff and the Canadian government, specifically staff from British Columbia. This correspondence states that “there are no immediate plans to move bears into the Canadian side of the North Cascades Ecosystem.” Isn’t that interesting? What is abundantly clear to me now is your agency is relocating bears from other ecosystems to prevent the delisting in spite of population recovery metrics having been achieved as outlined under the ESA.” Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks to Director Sams from the House Natural Resources hearing HERE or read excerpts below: “The National Park Service, jointly with the Fish and Wildlife Service, recently decided against the will of my constituents that they will be introducing grizzly bears into my district. You heard me correctly – the federal government has finalized a plan to airdrop grizzly bears into the North Cascades ecosystem. Grizzly Bears have not existed in this ecosystem for decades so NPS is not preserving a grizzly park, nor does it support the NPS’s goal of “creating close-to-home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.” It’s too close-to-home for my constituents and is certainly not fun."" To learn more and watch the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Oversight hearing, click here. To watch the full House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-resolution-designating-national-first-responder-month,Newhouse Leads Resolution Designating National First Responder Month,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) led the introduction of a resolution to designate the month of May as National First Responder Month. “Our first responders are the front line for the safety and security of our communities, and this resolution designating May as First Responder Month is the least we can do to recognize them for their sacrifice and commitment,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “With crime at all-time highs, deadly drugs plaguing our communities, and emergency life or death situations happening every day, I thank all of our first responders—whether full time, part time, or volunteers—for their dedication and heroism in the line of duty.” Rep. Newhouse was joined by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mike Bost (R-IL), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “True heroism is defined by one’s willingness to put the needs of others above their own. It requires sacrifice for the greater good without seeking personal gain,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Rep. Bilirakis continues, “First responders embody this concept as they put themselves in harm’s way each shift to make sure our communities stay safe. When others run away from danger to safety- these brave men and women run toward it – looking for ways to help – even though they know doing so could mean that they don’t come home to their own families that night. We all owe them a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid and this resolution is a small token of the appreciation we feel for them throughout the entire year.” ""As one of the only former professional firefighters in Congress, I know first-hand how important it is that we support and uplift our first responders,” said Rep. Mike Bost. Rep. Bost continues, “I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this Resolution to declare May as First Responder Month, a time to spotlight the hard work our dedicated first responders put in to keep our communities safe."" “The men and women who rush into danger during emergencies deserve our respect every day of the year, and I am immensely honored to have served alongside some of the finest Americans during my time as both an NYPD Detective and Chief of the Island Park Fire Department,” said Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. Rep. D’Esposito continues, “Ensuring that there is a dedicated month on the calendar to recognize the heroic actions of first responders who selflessly serve others is the least we can do as a nation, and I am honored to co-sponsor this resolution.” “The men and women who volunteer to serve in the face of tragedy, crime, and disaster deserve to be honored,” said Rep. Adrian Smith. Rep. Smith continues, “Recent wildfire and weather disasters in Nebraska’s Third District have highlighted the critical civic role of these brave Americans who protect our communities and save lives. Across the country these heroes watch over us around the clock. This resolution is an important way to express our thanks.” ""Our first responders work selflessly and tirelessly each day to protect and serve our communities – we owe them the recognition they have rightfully earned,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. Rep. Houlahan continues, “By supporting this resolution to designate May as National First Responders Month, we celebrate the invaluable and collective contributions of our brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect ours. Let this serve as a reminder that we must show our unwavering support and gratitude for all first responders and the work they do not only in May but throughout the year."" Click here for the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-legislative-package-protecting-lower-snake-river-dams,Newhouse Leads Legislative Package Protecting the Lower Snake River Dams,2024-05-07,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and his colleagues introduced a package of nine bills to protect the four Lower Snake River Dams following the release of the final package of actions and commitments in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation which undermines dam operations. “I have consistently reminded the Biden Administration that the authority over the Lower Snake River Dams remains in the hands of Congress,” said Congressman Dan Newhouse. “This package is not only a staunch reinforcement of that fact, but a testament to our commitment to protect these critical pieces of infrastructure.” The package contains nine bills aimed at reversing specific provisions in the final package of actions and commitments in the CRSO mediation. They are cosponsored by multiple members from the Pacific Northwest and supported by a variety of organizations with stakes in the Columbia River System. The bills are as follows: The Abandoning Inconsistent and Rash Environmental Solutions (ACRES) Act Cosponsors: Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02). Supporting organizations: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: Prohibits the breaching of federally operated dams if such breach would result in the replacement energy resource occupying additional acreage of more than 5 percent. Bill text here. The Breaking Irresponsible Energy and Commercial Habits (BREACH) Act Cosponsors: Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02). Supporting organizations: Public Power Council, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: Prohibits the breaching of federally operated dams if such a breach would result in an increase in carbon emission by more than 10 percent, would make the body of water impacted by the breach less navigable for commercial interests, and would result in an increase of at least 10 percent of the price of products shipped via the body of water. Bill text here. The Ratepayer Funding Alternative Act Cosponsors: Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01). Supporting organizations: Public Power Council, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: Directs DOE to develop fish and wildlife program funding alternatives to mitigate the cost to BPA ratepayers and report to Congress within 6 months of enactment on what alternative funding options are available. Bill text here. The Pinniped Predator Deterrence Act Cosponsors: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01). Supporting organizations: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: Requires and authorizes USACE to acquire technology that uses acoustic sound technology to deter pinniped predators above and below the Bonneville Dam. Bill text here. The ELECTRIC Act Cosponsors: Reps. Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02) Supporting organizations: Public Power Council, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: Prohibits DOI and USACE from retiring an energy generation source if that retirement would raise customer electricity rates and decrease regional energy reliability by more than 10 percent. Bill text here. The QUERIES Act Cosponsors: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01). Supporting organizations: Public Power Council, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress an updated report on the roles, responsibilities, and practices of the Council on Environmental Quality. Bill text here. To prohibit the Secretary of the Army from carrying out certain spillage operations on the Lower Snake Rivers dams, and for other purposes Cosponsors: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01) and Cliff Bentz (OR-02). Supporting organizations: Public Power Council, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Summary: The Secretary may not carry out any spillage operations on any of the Lower Snake River 7 dams unless such operations are approved by the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. Bill text here. Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that hydropower is a vital component to an all-of-the-above approach to energy development which is critical to U.S. national security Cosponsors: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01). Supporting organizations: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Resolution text here. Resolution expressing disapproval of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative entered into by the Biden Administration Cosponsors: Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02). Supporting organizations: Cowlitz PUD, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Port of Benton, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Resolution text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-designates-national-day-awareness-missing-and-murdered,Newhouse Designates National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,2024-05-04,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) led the introduction of a resolution to designate May 5, 2024 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. “Indigenous women and girls continue to face heightened violence that is tearing families and communities apart,” said Rep. Newhouse. “As of March, Washington State has over 100 open cases for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. We must ensure these heinous crimes no longer go under or un-reported. Designating May 5, 2024 as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will help raise national awareness to this crisis and. serve as a reminder in Congress that we need to be doing more to support our threatened native communities.” “Indigenous women and girls deserve the same recognition, protection, and respect under our laws as any other American, but shamefully that is still not the case,” said U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.). “The designation of May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls stands as a reminder to honor those we have lost and to redouble our efforts to give tribal communities the resources they need to address this crisis. I want to thank Congressman Newhouse for his leadership on this resolution and for ensuring that justice for Indigenous women and girls remains a national pursuit.” He was joined by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Tom Cole (R-OK), David Joyce (R-OH), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Teresa Leger Fernandez (R-NM), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Matthew Rosendale (R-MT), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Val T. Hoyle (D-OR), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Betsy McCollum (D-MN), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-DC), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Katie Porter (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI). The resolution is also supported by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Yakama Nation, Seattle Indian Health Board, Urban Indian Health Institute, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “For too long, our missing and murdered relatives have not been shown that anyone cares for their well-being outside of our communities,” said Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) executive vice president of Seattle Indian Health Board and director of Urban Indian Health Institute. “There is so much work that needs to be done to address centuries of genocide on our people, but it needs to start with acknowledgment from others. Representative Newhouse’s resolution to establish a national day of awareness for MMIWG is the type of action we are grateful for and expect to see from elected officials.” ""On this day, we honor Hanna Harris and the countless American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls who have been murdered or have gone missing, along with their families and communities who continue to seek justice and healing. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) applauds the designation of May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls, and we thank Representatives Newhouse and Grijalva for their ongoing efforts to bring attention to this crisis. We call on the world to organize for systemic change at all levels to put an end to this violence."" - Lucy R. Simpson, Executive Director, National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) ""The Colville Tribes appreciates and supports the efforts of Rep. Dan Newhouse, Ranking Member Grijalva, and others in Congress to keep attention focused on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women. Despite receiving greater attention in recent years, the problem persists as Native women still suffer violence at rates much higher than the national average. The Colville Tribes would welcome a MMIW law enforcement presence specifically dedicated to serve the Pacific Northwest.""- Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation “The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) commends the efforts taken today by Representative Dan Newhouse and other members of the House of Representatives to recognize May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and Girls,” said NCAI Violence Against Women Task Force co-chair Shannon Holsey. “The American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) rates of murder, rape, and violent crime are all higher than the national average and AI/AN women are the most frequent victims. These are not just empty statistics. These are the cries of mothers who have lost their daughters, children who have lost their mothers, and families torn apart by senseless violence. This is the pain that we carry with us every day— the burden that we refuse to let our sisters bear alone. We must come together, united in our grief and our determination, and take action. We need new collaborations to engage with Native women, families, communities, and governments to remove systemic barriers and identify solutions centered on women’s health and safety.” “Awareness. Remembrance. Action. Today’s Resolution calls on all of us to be aware of the MMIP crisis where families mourn for missing relatives without closure. It is a call to action for our Leaders, law enforcement, and our judicial system to take necessary action every day throughout the year to take action to stop the violent crime and human trafficking that traumatize our communities. The Yakama Nation appreciates Congressman Newhouse's continued work to bring attention to and address the crisis of violence against Indigenous people.” - Councilwoman Charlene Tillequots, Yakama Tribal Council, Chair for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Committee “For many years, our Reservation communities have faced grave threats, including MMIP, violent crime, and drug-related overdoses that impact Native American communities at some of the highest rates of incidence across the Nation. This Resolution renews moral clarity that our leaders must invest in stronger communities. The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington State appointed the first Department of Justice Prosecutor in the country dedicated to the resolution of MMIP cases. Commitment and action like this is the best strategy to meaningfully address so many of the threats that disproportionately harm our Reservation communities. We thank Congressman Newhouse for being a strong partner on this critical issue.” - Chairman Gerald Lewis, Yakama Tribal Council Click here for the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reacts-biden-administrations-directive-airdrop-grizzly-bears,Newhouse Reacts to Biden Administration’s Directive to Airdrop Grizzly Bears into the North Cascades,2024-04-25,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"April 25, 2024 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a Record of Decision for their grizzly bear restoration plan, confirming that their preferred option will move 3-7 grizzly bears per year to the North Cascades Ecosystem for 5-10 years to establish a population of at least 25 total bears. “The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision regarding the North Cascades grizzly restoration plan is outrageous, yet consistent based on the recent actions of this administration,” said. Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “Throughout this entire process, I have been hearing from local residents, participating in public comment sessions, and meeting with the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent this misguided decision from moving forward, and today’s announcement reinforces what we feared: no amount of local opposition was going to prevent these federal bureaucrats from doing what they wanted all along. While it was my hope that NPS and USFWS would listen to the will of concerned of residents in the affected areas, this administration is, once again, disregarding local public opinion and instead catering to the whims of coastal elites and the out-of-touch environmentalist lobby, which has been rushing to finalize this plan since its inception.” Full text of the Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan can be found here. Background: The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Central Washington communities surrounding the North Cascades National Park were not provided an adequate opportunity to give their input on the proposal. In March 2017, Rep. Newhouse wrote to North Cascades National Park Service Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich to express opposition to the plan, citing an inadequate level of local community input and encouraging federal agencies to defer to state and local authorities on grizzly bear management efforts. On April 12, 2018, Rep. Newhouse wrote a letter to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing his deep concern regarding the then-Secretary’s support for the proposal. On June 6, 2018, the House Appropriations Committee approved Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Interior to be used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades until local communities had the chance to adequately submit their public comments. The amendment was included in the passage of the final FY19 Interior Appropriations language. On July 19, 2018, the full House of Representatives approved legislation containing Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to deny funding used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades. In October 2019, hundreds of North Central Washington residents attended a public listening session – requested by Rep. Newhouse – in Okanogan, Washington, where officials from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife listened to local concerns on the proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem. U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife Rob Wallace was at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex as many of the more than 600 North Central Washington residents provided up to two minutes of oral comment on the record. As reported by Capital Press, 50 people spoke in opposition to grizzly bear introduction, and 12 people spoke in support. On July 7, 2020, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt visited North Central Washington, where he announced after following the federal rulemaking process, reviewing hundreds of local public comments, and hosting a public comment listening session in Okanogan County, DOI concluded that grizzly bears will not be introduced into the North Cascades Ecosystem. On November 10, 2022, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with four virtual meetings to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington. Over 6,200 comments were received on the draft EIS, with the vast majority coming from outside of Washington state. On September 28, 2023, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced their intention to seek public comment on a proposed rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act related to the potential introduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades. On October 6, 2023, Rep. Newhouse demanded the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service extend their public comment period to accommodate locals who want to respond to the Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington State proposal. On October 13, 2023, Rep. Newhouse attend the public comment session in Okanogan and delivered a personal comment to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. On March 22, 2024, Rep. Newhouse released a statement condemning the announcement the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with proposed action on the question of introducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem. ### Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ice-we-just-dont-have-many-personnel-go-out-pick-large-individuals,ICE: “We just don’t have as many personnel to go out to pick up at-large individuals”,2024-04-18,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) questioned Patrick Lechleitner, Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on the agency's annual budget request and how the crisis at the Southern Border is causing other sectors of the Department of Homeland Security to fall behind. Acting Director Lechleitner cited ICE’s inability to detain at-large illegal immigrants currently inside the country due to the agency’s resources being pulled to assist with the record high flow of illegal immigrants flooding the Southern Border. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/corps-engineers-budget-request-threatens-salmon,Corps of Engineers Budget Request Threatens Salmon,2024-04-17,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) questioned officials with the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation about the Lower Snake River dam’s salmon mitigation and spillage operations in a budget request hearing with the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. Testifying at the hearing was Scott Spellmon, Corps Chief of Engineers, Michale Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army, and Camille Touton, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. The annual budget request by the Corps of Engineers proposes $75.2 million for the Columbia River Fish Mitigation Program while research shows spillage operations harms water quality and could result in a surge in salmon mortality. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE or read remarks as prepared below: “Thank you, Chairman. I appreciate having the chance to ask questions today about the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and Army Corps (Corps) FY25 budget. I want to thank our guests for all the work you do. Today, I’d like to discuss the Lower Snake River Dams and the Columbia River Treaty. Mr. Spellmon, a lot has changed regarding the Columbia River System Operations litigation. The Administration and sovereign nations have come to an agreement. Currently, it is being implemented. Your budget proposes $75.2 million for the Columbia River Fish Mitigation Program. As part of the agreement, the Corps is conducting spillage operations on the Snake River. The Corps’ purpose of these operations is to minimize the time it takes salmon to move through the dams to ensure a “healthy and abundant” salmon population. Mr. Spellmon, are you aware there is scientific and peer-reviewed research which confirms spillage operations can negatively impact water quality downstream by increasing total gas dissolution which kills salmon? If the outcome of expanded spillage operations were to be a surge in salmon mortality, wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of the spill? I appreciate your answers. Mr. Connor, I’d like to discuss the same issue. Currently, a large dam removal project is happening along the Klamath River. Dam-breaching advocates tout it as an effort to improve the salmon population. However, 830,000 salmon were killed when the dams were breached. It is believed the fish died due to “gas bubble disease” when passing through tunnels. Mr. Connor, yes or no, are you aware of this? Given all this, if there were a point where the Lower Snake River Dams were to be physically breached isn’t it possible that salmon mortality could increase? Another reservation I have with spillage operations is that spilling water will decrease the amount of hydroelectricity generated. Washington struggles with weather like droughts and a shrinking snowpack. We need robust hydropower more than ever. Mr. Connor, will spillage operations decrease the amount of hydroelectricity the dams are able to produce? If spillage operations make it so that not enough hydroelectricity is generated for the dams to operate, wouldn’t they be functionally useless? Now, I’d like to transition to discussing the Columbia River Treaty (CRT). The Pacific Northwest delegation has concerns over the Administration’s failure to negotiate the CRT. The treaty must be changed to have a balance of payments to Canada for storage and develop a suitable agreement for pre-planned flood control. It’s been five years since negotiations began and impacted stakeholders are concerned about flood risk impacts. The budget request includes $4 million for treaty negotiations; but nothing for flood control payments to Canada. What will the Corps be doing to handle flood risk management with respect to domestic measures and relations with Canada in the interim? And how does the Corps plan to coordinate with the Mid-Columbia public utility districts on future river operations? Thank you for your answers. Commissioner Touton, thank you for your budget request for the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project. This project is vital in Central Washington to protecting the water supply for irrigation. However, I would like to discuss the Lower Snake River Dams. In your testimony, you referenced a request of $500,000 for the WaterSMART Program. Through this program, BOR can fund dam removal. You said dam removal would only be done if the projects are “supported by a broad multi-stakeholder group.” Stakeholders — those not directly involved with the litigation but have to deal with the consequences — have complained about the lack of outreach the Administration does with them. Commissioner, since dam breaching is being considered, what, if any, outreach has BOR done with stakeholders to understand the impact dam removal would have on Washingtonians? You also included $2.8 billion for Indian Water Rights settlements. And, $34 million for the requirements of the CRSO agreement. The purpose of Indian Water Rights Settlements is to help tribes secure historical water and land. While the CRSO agreement never explicitly calls for dam breaching, it does commit to funding for studies, projects, and operations if Congress approves dam breaching. Why would BOR be proposing such a large financial set aside for water rights settlements, unless BOR along with the Administration, has already pre-determined dam breaching is inevitable? Thank you, and I yield back.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-questions-barr-donovan-china-enabling-fentanyl-crisis,"Newhouse Questions Barr, Donovan on China Enabling Fentanyl Crisis",2024-04-16,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, during a hearing by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) questioned former U.S. Attorney General William Barr and Drug Enforcement Agency Chief of Operations, Ray Donovan, on how the CCP is subsidizing, awarding, and investing in the production of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE or read remarks as prepared below: “First off, thank you all for providing your expert testimonies and your continued dedication to keeping our Nation as safe as possible. This issue is critically important to the people I have the honor of representing in Central Washington. Unfortunately, as some of those sitting in the audience and those tuning in virtually at home know all too well, the fentanyl epidemic has taken so many American lives. Last year, a father in Yakima, WA, Andrew Wonacott (or Andy), reached out to me to share his deeply saddening and personal experience with fentanyl. Over the span of about 18 months, he lost both of his sons in separate instances to substances laced with fentanyl. After hearing this, I knew we had to do something, so I introduced the William and James Wonacott Act, in honor of his two sons. The Act focuses on enhancing enforcement and increasing penalties for fentanyl distribution without the recipient’s knowledge. We soon learned that there is no ‘silver bullet’ to solve this complex crisis – which is why we created the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force. The Task Force is a working group comprised of more than two dozen experts on the front lines and those directly impacted by the crisis. We are finalizing a year-long report that outlines all relevant data, funding, policy, and educational efforts on the subject; and this is where we would really appreciate your collective expertise on the source of the problem – China’s complicit and illegal distribution of fentanyl precursors. As you all know, more than 90% of fentanyl precursors come from China and are then processed and distributed by the cartels through our Southern Border. Attorney General Barr, under your leadership in the previous Administration, China designated fentanyl analogues as controlled substances, which was a great step in the right direction, but as you know the loophole remains for fentanyl precursors. Under the current Administration, diplomatic pressure forced China to issue a Notice admitting these drug trafficking operations are illegal; however, this too possesses limitations, because China continually undermines its own enforcement laws. And finally, as our committee investigation unveiled today, the CCP is: Subsidizing, awarding, and investing in the chemical companies responsible, Failing to prosecute these companies or collaborate with U.S. law enforcement, Essentially conducting forms of legal and illegal statecraft to unleash all-out drug warfare. My question to you, Attorney General Barr, is, given these Committee findings, how do you think U.S. strategy should change to enhance our enforcement capabilities and hold the CCP accountable? Targeted appropriations, expanded authorities, and cooperation with allies? AG Barr, we have seen the CCP use this subsidy playbook in several other industries. Are there lessons we can learn from and apply these to their state-sponsored fentanyl operations? The CCP subsidizes armaments, power generation and distribution, oil and petrochemicals, telecommunications, coal, civil aviation, and shipping. Mr. Donovan, as we are assessing and debating this year’s appropriations bills, which specific divisions or programs within the DEA should we keep top of mind?” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-mayorkas-how-can-you-justify,Newhouse to Mayorkas: “How can you justify this?”,2024-04-10,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his annual budget request and failure to secure the southern border of the United States in a House Appropriations Committee hearing. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE or read remarks as prepared below: “Thank you, Chairman Joyce, and Ranking Member Cuellar. Secretary Mayorkas, thank you for being here to discuss the Administration’s Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025. I could ask about the crisis at our Southern Border that is both a humanitarian crisis—migrants of all ages from around the world making a perilous journey to the border—and a national security crisis—people being released en masse into the country daily, a record number of individuals encountered who are in the Terrorist Screening Dataset, and local jurisdictions not honoring DHS detainer requests and releasing dangerous criminals back onto the streets— but… I would like to discuss the fentanyl crisis that is raging throughout the United States. Fentanyl flooding across the Southwest border does not stay in border communities; it spreads throughout the country to destroy lives, families, and communities. This is such a serious issue for my constituents that I brought together members of law enforcement, addiction treatment groups, medical professionals, and community leaders, in addition to members of municipal and tribal government to launch the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force to develop an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat this crisis and collaboratively reduce the effect this drug has on our region. Your testimony notes that “the Department has stopped more illicit fentanyl and arrested more individuals for fentanyl-related crimes in the last two fiscal years than in the previous five years combined.” This is equally admirable and disturbing. The men and women of CBP and ICE do extraordinary work on the front line and beyond to execute their mission of protecting the homeland. However, as Border Patrol agents are pulled off the front line to process then release the majority of illegal migrants into the United States, the cartels have shifted their tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities those personnel shortfalls have created. Your testimony also notes that the FY 2025 budget request includes critical investments in the fight against fentanyl, specifically, investments in Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology. Yet, when I reviewed the budget justifications for CBP’s Non-Intrusive Inspection Systems Program, it says “the FY 2025 budget does not provide procurement funding for this investment” although it does request level funding for operations and support. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I did not see the roughly $300 million that is allegedly needed to install the scanners used to detect drugs and other contraband that have been purchased and are sitting in a warehouse collecting dust while you and I are sitting here. The only investment I saw is $10.5 million within the Science and Technology Directorate for R&D to improve detection – nothing that stops the fentanyl making it across our borders and into our communities right now. When I visited the border in February, one of your own border patrol agents told me directly, “we don’t control the border, the cartels control the border—they control who comes across and when.” A local resident also told me that neighbors don’t even bother to lock their doors anymore because the smugglers and illegal migrants simply break into their home to steal what they need—in fact, some residents leave clothing and consumables on their patio in hopes of deterring another break-in. The fentanyl epidemic is fueled through the Southwest Border. How can—better yet—why do you justify this? Are you working with Mexican authorities to: 1) stop fentanyl precursors from entering Mexico and 2) prevent waves of migrants from physically rushing the border? What are the specific and tangible actions? While it is true that most of the fentanyl seized by CBP is intercepted at official ports of entry, this is because those facilities are equipped for that very purpose. Agents operating at checkpoints and between the ports do not have the benefit of such infrastructure. What specific investments does your budget make to catch the hundreds, likely thousands, of pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl-lace drugs that slip past the front line undetected? How are agents that should be conducting highway patrols or – for example – operating a main check point that is currently closed due to staffing shortages and the required burden to process illegal migrants, how are they specifically supported in your budget proposal? Every farmer and agriculture stakeholder I meet with brings up the same most important topic: farm labor. Our rural communities are struggling, and family farms are disappearing because it is no longer economically feasible for them to survive. By statute, your Department and the Department of Labor administer the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. Based on recent DOL rulemakings that farmers across the country are burdened with, that Department appears to either not understand or care about the agricultural industry. I, however, would like to believe you understand the importance of healthy foods grown in the United States which aligns with your department’s guiding principles and responsibility to “Preserve and Uphold the Nation’s Prosperity and Economic Security.” Yes or No: Do you believe that the ability of a nation to feed itself is inherently more secure than a nation that relies on imports to feed its citizens? Earlier this year USCIS finalized a new rule that would increase the costs to employers using the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, among other programs. While I understand the purpose and utility of fee-based programs and the need to update based on increased costs, the rule as finalized is overly burdensome and costly to America’s agricultural producers. Not only did the general filing fee increase, but a $600 asylum program fee was added requiring agricultural employers to pay for a program they receive no benefit from. Additionally, instead of just filling one form for all of their workers, the final rule caps the number of employees that can be listed on each form at 25 workers. There is no added benefit for this policy and only serves to increase paperwork burdens and costs to agricultural employers. Now that the rule has gone into effect as of last week, we have some actual costs associated with this rule – which far exceed the amount USCIS indicated of a “well under 26% increase”. Do you expect producers to absorb this cost or pass them along to the consumer? If producers are expected to absorb these costs, how do you expect them to stay in business? If they are no longer in business, how do you and the Biden Administration plan to protect our food security when the majority of the food served on our tables is imported from other countries?” Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Homeland Security subcommittees. To watch the full hearing, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-2024-central-washington-congressional-art,Newhouse Announces 2024 Central Washington Congressional Art Competition,2024-04-04,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the start of the annual Central Washington Congressional Art Competition. All high school students are eligible to participate. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. “The Congressional Art Competition is an event I look forward to each year,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Seeing the talent of young artists from all over Central Washington is truly something special, and I hope that students take this opportunity to showcase their creativity.” The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Central Washington. All artwork must be submitted to one of Rep. Newhouse’s district offices by April 29, 2024. Office locations and contact information is listed below. In addition to being displayed in the U.S. Capitol, the winning artwork is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page and the winner will be invited to a Congressional reception in Washington, D.C.. Honorable mention winners will be invited to have their artwork hung in one of Rep. Newhouse’s district offices. The following is a summary of the Congressional Art Competition rules and submission deadlines: Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. Paintings: Including oil, acrylics, and watercolor Drawings: Including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.) Collages: Must be two dimensional Prints: Including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints Mixed Media: Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc. Computer-generated art Photography All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing). All entries will need to fill out the online release form by the artist here. The honorable mention winners will hang in district offices in Yakima and Richland for the same duration of time as the 1st place winner’s entry. There is no limit to the number of students from one school that can submit a piece of art, but each student can only submit one entry. Please contact Emily Garza (Emily.Garza@mail.house.gov) with additional questions or one of Rep. Newhouse’s district offices to schedule a time for the artwork to be dropped off. Tri-Cities District Office 3100 George Washington, Suite #130 Richland, WA 99354 Phone: (509) 713-7374 Yakima District Office 402 East Yakima Avenue, Suite #1000 Yakima, WA 98901 Phone: (509) 452-3243 North District: Okanogan and Douglas Counties Phone: (509) 433-7760 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-questions-agriculture-secretary-farm-labor-grizzly-bears,"Newhouse Questions Agriculture Secretary on Farm Labor, Grizzly Bears",2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) participated in a hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to hear Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilisack testify on the fiscal year 2025 agency budget request. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE or read remarks as prepared below: “Thank you, Chairman Harris, and Ranking Member Bishop. Secretary Vilsack and Director Rapp, great to see you and thank you for being here to discuss the Administration’s Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025. Every farmer and agriculture stakeholder I meet brings up the same first and most pressing topic: farm labor. In your written testimony, you say ‘at the end of the day, a strong farm economy inarguably contributes to a strong rural economy and makes rural communities a more attractive place to live – and we are doing everything within out control to focus our efforts on enhancing economic resiliency.’ That is well intentioned, and I would agree, but our rural communities are struggling and family farms are disappearing because it is no longer economically viable for them to survive. One of the most significant costs is labor and in Washington, the Adverse Effect Wage Rate—which really should be called the Adverse Employer Wage Rate—is $19.25 per hour. While this wage is not determined by your agency, it does influence it because data collected through USDAs Farm Labor Survey is used to calculate the AEWR. The Department of Labor either does not understand or care about the agricultural industry and the importance of healthy foods grown in the United States. What are you doing to rein in the cost of labor? Do you have the right tools in your toolbox to address this issue? The right tool makes a big difference so if not, what specifically do you need from Congress to support the long-term sustainability of our domestic agricultural industry? The fiscal year 2024 agricultural appropriations bill recently signed into law included my language to ensure that you have a seat on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review certain covered transactions involving agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, or the agriculture industry. It also included language aimed at improving the reporting under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA). This language was critical after a recent GAO report confirmed one of our worst fears: that not only is the USDA unable to answer the question of who owns what land and where, but that there is no plan by the department to reverse this dangerous flaw that affects our supply chain and economy. Ownership of U.S. agricultural land by foreign adversaries is a very important topic and I was surprised it was not mentioned in your written testimony. How is your Department planning on executing the authorities and actions signed into law to address foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural lands? Later today, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will publish a final Environmental Impact Statement that recommends relocating grizzly bears into the North Cascades in my district. As a farmer, I worry not only about the grizzlies destroying my crops, but for the safety and well-being farmers, families, farm employees, and communities. This sentiment has been overwhelmingly amplified by constituents with many citing the cougar and wolf introductions that—to no surprise—have resulted in dead livestock and residents threatened. It is clear that officials the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife know grizzlies can and probably will move out of the zone in which they plan to drop them in, yet rather than letting common sense prevail, they continue to push forward with this dangerous plan and my constituent’s voices have been shut out in favor of a pre-determined outcome. Are you aware if the National Park Service or the US Fish and Wildlife Service consulted with USDA as they finalized the EIS? Do you know if either of these agencies, as a result of their disregard for public safety and the residents who would have to live with these executive actions, have a plan for dealing with crop loss and livestock depredation that is inevitable from these predators? As a third-generation farmer, I am proud to represent one of the most fruitful regions in the country. The EIS released today is not the final decision so as Secretary of USDA, I would ask for your assistance in conveying to the Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service that introducing grizzly bears into the North Cascades would threaten farmland, livestock, and most importantly, human lives. A consequence that we have seen across the country as a result of the recent record inflation is ‘shrinkflation,’ with products on our grocers shelves smaller than they were a couple years ago. I recently learned that in my home state, milk that comes in a 59 oz size is not allowed under the WIC program whereas the 64 oz size is. To your knowledge, does the WIC food package developed by USDA FNS provide flexibility that would allow a 59 oz container of cow’s milk to be covered?” Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Homeland Security subcommittees. To learn more and watch the full hearing, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-final-environmental-impact-statement-introduction,Newhouse Statement on Final Environmental Impact Statement for Introduction of Grizzly Bears to North Cascades,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"March 22, 2024 Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with proposed action on the question of introducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem. “This final EIS reveals the Biden Administration is more intent on pushing policies about Central Washingtonians than for them. The Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service held public comment sessions in my district where the overwhelming majority of voices, which I heard firsthand, were adamantly opposed to the introduction of grizzly bears. Their voices have been shut out of this entire process. This administration’s blatant disregard for public opinion and their unwavering commitment to the whims of extreme environmentalists is proven by the announcement of their ‘preferred alternative’ today.” Background The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Central Washington communities surrounding the North Cascades National Park were not provided an adequate opportunity to give their input on the proposal. In March 2017, Rep. Newhouse wrote to North Cascades National Park Service Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich to express opposition to the plan, citing an inadequate level of local community input and encouraging federal agencies to defer to state and local authorities on grizzly bear management efforts. On April 12, 2018, Rep. Newhouse wrote a letter to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing his deep concern regarding the then-Secretary’s support for the proposal. On June 6, 2018, the House Appropriations Committee approved Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Interior to be used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades until local communities had the chance to adequately submit their public comments. The amendment was included in the passage of the final FY19 Interior Appropriations language. On July 19, 2018, the full House of Representatives approved legislation containing Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to deny funding used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades. In October 2019, hundreds of North Central Washington residents attended a public listening session – requested by Rep. Newhouse – in Okanogan, Washington, where officials from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife listened to local concerns on the proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem. U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife Rob Wallace was at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex as many of the more than 600 North Central Washington residents provided up to two minutes of oral comment on the record. As reported by Capital Press, 50 people spoke in opposition to grizzly bear introduction, and 12 people spoke in support. On July 7, 2020, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt visited North Central Washington, where he announced after following the federal rulemaking process, reviewing hundreds of local public comments, and hosting a public comment listening session in Okanogan County, DOI concluded that grizzly bears will not be introduced into the North Cascades Ecosystem. On November 10, 2022, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with four virtual meetings to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington. Over 6,200 comments were received on the draft EIS, with the vast majority coming from outside of Washington state. On September 28, 2023, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced their intention to seek public comment on a proposed rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act related to the potential introduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades. On October 6, 2023 Rep. Newhouse demanded the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service extend their public comment period to accommodate locals who want to respond to the Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington State proposal. On October 13, 2023 Rep. Newhouse attend the public comment session in Okanogan and delivered a personal comment to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service. ### Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-final-annual-spending-bills-cutting-federal,Newhouse Statement on Passage of Final Annual Spending Bills Cutting Federal Spending,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“I am proud to support these final government funding bills as a testament to what we set out to do; cut spending in wasteful areas and support our national security,” said. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Newhouse continued, “What we have here is a delivery on the promise we made last January to rein in the out-of-control spending that we’ve seen under one-party rule in D.C. No spending bill in the history of the Congress has been perfect, and none will ever be, but people sent us here to fight for a sense of fiscal sanity, and we delivered.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-bill-denouncing-president-bidens-war-american-energy-passes,Newhouse Bill Denouncing President Biden’s War on American Energy Passes House,2024-03-21,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement today upon passage of his resolution condemning the Biden Administration’s failed energy policies. “President Biden’s war on American energy is not one fought over science, but over ideology. The United States is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and has the ability to achieve energy dominance. We can produce affordable, reliable, and clean energy here at home. I am proud to have brought this resolution to the floor alongside so many important pieces of legislation aimed at reversing the out-of-touch policies of this administration and getting our domestic production back on track,” said Rep. Newhouse. The resolution passed with support from all members of House leadership. “Since the moment he took office, President Biden has made it his mission to wage war on our domestic energy production and force the U.S. into energy dependency. As always, hardworking American families are left to deal with the consequences,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson concluded, “House Republicans commend Rep. Newhouse for his leadership on this important issue as we work against the Biden Administration’s subversive policies and seek to restore America’s strength and energy dominance.” Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “Americans are sick and tired of paying the price for President Biden’s disastrous energy policies. Since assuming office, President Biden has done everything in his power to crush American energy production, from canceling the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day as president, to selling our Strategic Petroleum Reserves to China, to banning LNG exports – all resulting in higher costs for families at the gas station, the grocery store, and in utility bills. “We produce energy better than anywhere else in the world, and we lower costs, create jobs, and shore up our energy security while we do it. It’s time to unleash American energy and restore our energy independence, instead of relying on adversaries and polluters like China. “I’d like to thank Rep. Dan Newhouse for standing up for hardworking Americans and bringing forward this important resolution denouncing President Biden’s anti-American energy policies,” Majority Leader Scalise concluded. “Americans have been paying the price for Joe Biden’s war on American energy since he cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office. House Republicans won’t stand idly by while this administration’s radical climate agenda destroys American jobs, raises costs for families, stifles American energy production, and benefits our adversaries,” said Majority Whip Tom Emmer. “The American people have had enough of Biden’s failed Far Left Green New Deal agenda and his war on American energy, which is why I co-led this important resolution to address the skyrocketing energy prices in Upstate New York and North Country. Our country elected a House Republican Majority to fight Joe Biden’s war on American energy, unleash American energy dominance, and drive down energy costs for hardworking Americans,” said GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s floor debate on the resolution HERE. The full text of the final resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-calls-out-energy-secretary-lower-snake-river-dams-hypocrisy,Newhouse Calls Out Energy Secretary on Lower Snake River Dams Hypocrisy,2024-03-20,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) participated in a hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water to hear Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm testify on the fiscal year 2025 agency budget request. During the hearing, Secretary Granholm refused to acknowledge the long-term implications of the Columbia River Systems Operation Agreement are a de-facto breach of the Snake River Dams. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks HERE or read remarks as prepared below: “Thank you, Chairman. Welcome, Secretary Granholm. It is great to see you here today to testify to the subcommittee on DOE’s FY2025 budget. I look forward to discussing our national energy challenges and the energy issues which impact my district. The preservation of the four Lower Snake River Dams is critically important to Central Washington. For years, I have worked to combat environmental activists and dam breaching advocates efforts to breach them. In December, the administration finalized an agreement in the Columbia River System Operations litigation. The agreement acknowledges only Congress has the authority to physically breach the dams, which I appreciated. However, it makes commitments to develop energy replacement for the dams as well as recommending spillage operations. Stakeholders have expressed reservations. If it comes to fruition, the results will be catastrophic. Adjusting spillage operations will make the dams functionally useless. Energy prices will skyrocket, recreationists will suffer, and the salmon population will be harmed. It is a de-facto breaching of the dams. Madam Secretary, are you willing to admit the administration is recommending policy that represents de-facto breaching of the dams in an effort to circumvent congressional authority as the sole decision maker on dam breaching? I would like to transition into discussing the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL is a leading hydropower lab conducting innovative research for DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office. DOE professes a “clean energy” agenda focused on efficiency, low energy costs, and renewable energy. You have acknowledged hydropower’s role in achieving this. In April 2023, you testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce. In response to a question, you stated hydropower was a – ‘renewable, cheap, form of power that we should be expanding… and not reducing.’ I could not agree more. Yet, DOE has proposed a $40 million budget cut to the Water Power Technologies Office in FY25. This cut would cripple PNNL’s hydropower efforts and is evidence of DOE’s tacit war on hydropower that unfairly favors wind and solar development. Madam Secretary, why is DOE proposing to cut research and development into hydropower technologies when we need cheap, clean, and reliable energy more than ever before? In Central Washington, the private and public sector has done great work to advance all-of-the-above energy development – from hydrogen production facilities, to small modular nuclear reactors, solar and fusion energy projects, and sustainable aviation fuel facilities. Do you support this type of an all-of-the-above approach to energy development that includes - hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, oil, gas, and fusion energy? Another issue I want to discuss is the Hanford Site. DOE has worked to cleanup the radioactive waste left from the plutonium production facility in what is the largest environmental cleanup the U.S. has ever seen. I have always advocated for adequate cleanup funding to ensure the government fulfills its obligation to cleanup the site. Recently, this funding has culminated in many accomplishments. Hanford completed heat up of the first melter and poured the first non-radioactive test glass. Now, the heat up process for the second melter has started. Funding needs will grow as vitrification continues and the High-Level Waste Facility work ramps up. With that said, there are cleanup projects elsewhere underway that require cleanup funding. How does DOE plan to ensure their will be enough funding to go around without sacrificing the needs of individual sites like Hanford? Also concerning Hanford is the Office of River Protection. It is expected to sunset soon and it will combine with the Richland Operations Office. The Office of River Protection was created to ensure Hanford’s tank waste operations got appropriate attention. But, now, I fear it will get all of the attention and the work of the Richland Operations Office will be ignored. What assurances can you give that the scope of work within both offices will get equal attention once the offices are combined? Last year, DOE announced the Cleanup to Clean Energy Initiative which aims to lease underutilized DOE land to develop clean electricity projects at DOE sites. Hanford is one of the sites. DOE also announced the issuance of Requests for Qualifications offering 18,000 acres for development. The Tri-City community has concerns about the trajectory of this initiative. They allege DOE has been unwilling to transfer land back to the community and has been favoring short-term solar projects that disincentivize investors who are looking for long-term investments in nuclear and hydrogen development. As well, constituents are complaining the administration is not listening to their concerns and engaging in policy making that picks energy winners and losers based on a pre-determined agenda. While DOE has hosted community roundtables, their is a difference between inviting groups to participate and taking their feedback while incorporating it into your final decision. What assurances can you give that DOE will work with the Tri-City community to incorporate their requests into land use decisions and fairly assess all clean energy applications related to this initiative equally?"" Rep. Newhouse is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Energy and Water, and Homeland Security subcommittees. To learn more and watch the full hearing, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-house-republicans-are-united-getting-energy-production-and,Newhouse: “House Republicans are united in getting energy production and security back on track”,2024-03-20,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer and GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik at a press conference to discuss his resolution denouncing President Biden’s failed energy policies. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s Remarks HERE or read below as prepared: “It is no secret that since day one in the White House, President Biden has consistently made energy decisions based on the agendas of the extreme climate lobby. His administration has consistently proposed and finalized regulations that increase the cost of energy for consumers, punish domestic producers, and increase reliance on our adversaries for our energy needs. As a third-generation farmer in Congress I hear every day the challenges that just our sector alone is dealing with. The administration has driven gas prices so high that farmers cannot afford to operate at even close to normal capacity. This is draining the budgets of farms across our country and is snowballing into damaging domestic food supply chains. As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, I hear from people across this country that are literally cutting their grocery expenses to help pay for their energy bills. Everyone from small businesses to single households are strained by this administration’s out-of-touch policies that seem to have no end. I am proud to bring House Resolution 987 forward to denounce the policies of this administration for their unnecessary and unprecedented war on American energy. Now is the time for common-sense solutions to the disaster they have led us to, and I thank Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, and Chairwoman Stefanik for championing this issue. We have a lot of work still ahead of us, but House Republicans are united in getting our country’s energy production and security back on track. Thank you.” Later this week the House will vote on Rep. Newhouse’s resolution that condemns the Biden Administration’s energy policies and regulations that increase costs of energy for consumers, hamper domestic production, and increase reliance on foreign adversaries for American energy demands.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-bill-supporting-tribal-law-enforcement-passes-house-committee,Newhouse Bill Supporting Tribal Law Enforcement Passes House Committee,2024-03-12,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after his legislation, the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act was marked up and agreed to by the House Committee on Natural Resources. “This legislation is key in improving hiring and retention among tribal law enforcement that are facing numerous challenges, including missing and murdered indigenous women and girls as well as the radically worsening opioid crisis. I want to make sure they have the resources they need to confront these issues head on,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “I am proud to have this bill move out of committee, and I thank Chairman Bruce Westerman for his support on such an important issue to tribes in Central Washington and across the country.” Rep. Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources said, “As Western Caucus Chairman, Rep. Newhouse is familiar with the issues that many tribal nations face across our country. His Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act is an important step in recognizing the work of our brave tribal law enforcement officers and ensuring they have access to the same federal benefits that all federal officers are granted.” “This legislation will help keep our tribal lands safe and secure while supporting courageous law enforcement officers across the United States. I look forward to working with Rep. Newhouse to help move this bill through Congress and ultimately into law.” The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act will: Authorize tribal officers acting under a 638 contract or compact to be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications, including having completed certain training and background investigation requirements that are comparable to BIA law enforcement officers. This action would eliminate the need for Indian tribes to enter Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) agreements, which are currently required under existing for tribal officers to enforce federal law and have proven administratively burdensome for tribes to obtain. Treat tribal law enforcement officers acting under a 638 contract or compact as federal law enforcement officers for purposes of other federal laws, including for benefits applicable to federal law enforcement officers for injury and death, retirement, and pension benefits. Tribal law enforcement officers are currently not eligible for these federal benefit programs and including tribal officers will enhance tribes’ ability to recruit and retain officers, especially in rural areas. Provide for the Secretary of the Interior to implement procedures for credentialing tribal officers and for the Attorney General to coordinate training and reporting activities. The legislation has been marked up and awaits further action by the full House. The full bill text as approved by the House Committee on Natural Resources can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-president-joe-bidens-state-union-address,Newhouse Statement on President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address,2024-03-08,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“Tonight, we confirmed what people across this country have suspected for a while: President Biden is completely disconnected from the issues facing Americans,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continued, “It is hard to process hearing the president say that the state of our union is strong while he refuses to act on the southern border and continues to attack American energy production. These are challenges being felt in every corner of the country, and Central Washington is not excluded from that.” “The way I see it, we have a president that is failing our region, and while the state of the union may not be strong, my commitment to strengthening Central Washington’s economy, infrastructure, and way of life is.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-six-spending-bills-major-investments-central,"Newhouse Statement on Passage of Six Spending Bills, Major Investments in Central Washington",2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"March 6, 2024 Today Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after voting in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that includes funding directed to Central Washington, protects American farmland, and cuts wasteful, reckless federal spending. “I am proud to support these bills that do exactly what we set out to do: rein in the out-of-control D.C. spending that we have become so accustomed to seeing. This package represents the first overall cut to non-defense, non-VA spending in nearly a decade,” said. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Newhouse continued, “We were looking down the barrel of another seven months of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer’s budget, but instead delivered on conservative wins that kick last cycle’s far-left policies to the curb and showed the Biden Administration that they can’t continue to spend money we don’t have without any repercussions.” “I am also proud to have secured funding for major projects and initiatives in Central Washington that directly contribute to our local infrastructure and economy. This is what happens when we spend responsibly and don’t fund bloated initiatives that contribute nothing to our region.” Today’s vote included the following federal spending bills brought forward by the House Appropriations Committee: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Commerce, Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Interior and Environment, and Related Agencies Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies The following Community Project Funding requests coming to Central Washington were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024: $500,000 for the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation project. $2,750,000 for the Astria Toppenish Hospital Facilities Improvement. $1,950,000 for the Adams County Correctional Facility Improvements. $100,000 for the Nespelem Community Longhouse. $2.25 million for Mattawa, Washinton for the Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements project. $3,096,000 to the Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) for the general aviation terminal modernization. $4 million to the State of Washington for Hood River – White Salmon Interstate bridge replacement. $2.5 million to the State of Washington for the Port of Warden Truck Access and Bypass Road Project. $2.5 million to the Port of Quincy (Grant County Port District No. 1) for the Port of Quincy Rail Infrastructure Expansion Project. $4,419,564 to the City of Pasco for the wastewater treatment upgrades. $2.5 million to the City of Pateros for the Pateros Mall revitalization. Highlights Rejects President Biden’s proposal for 4,700 new full-time equivalents (FTE) at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and instead encourages the hiring of staff in the county offices that work directly with producers and rural communities. Addresses foreign ownership of land by: Improving the tracking system of foreign-owned land; Adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agricultural transactions and also requiring the notification of CFIUS of agricultural land transactions of national security concern, including purchases made by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Continues critical investments in agriculture research, rural broadband, rural water infrastructure, and animal and plant health programs. Maintains a funding restriction on the FDA from conducting research on a human embryo that is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable genetic modification. Reduces funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by nearly 10%. Cuts the Administration’s Environmental Justice Budget Request by $275 million. Rejects policy provisions included in the President’s Budget Request that would have reduced domestic energy production, driven up oil and gas prices, and increased U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Includes language to protect public access for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands. Maintains key provisions, including exempting farmers and livestock producers from burdensome greenhouse gas requirements and preventing an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of sage-grouse, to enable continued energy and mineral development across the West. Reduces reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals by maintaining strong support for domestic production. A summary of the bills can be found here. Full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-outlines-issues-wa-dot-head-congressional-testimony,Newhouse Outlines Issues with WA DOT Head Congressional Testimony,2024-03-01,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and his colleagues from the Pacific Northwest sent a letter to the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation, Roger Millar, after the secretary made far-fetched claims during his testimony at the House Transportation & Infrastructure hearing, “The State of Transportation,” and his answers relating to the Lower Snake River Dams. The lawmakers wrote, “The Columbia/Snake River System Operations (CRSO) is the federal system of locks and dams which serves as an important trade route for the Pacific Northwest economy. Barges and ships transport thousands of containers along its 2,321 miles of waterways annually,” The letter continues, “During the Jan. 17 hearing, Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) described the insurmountable burden this would place on the rail and trucking industries, indicating it would take 39,204 rail cars and 150,784 semi-trucks per year to move the cargo that is currently barged through the Columbia/Snake Rivers. Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer asked you specifically if you believed that Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) would still be able to meet its objectives after adding this substantial amount of rail cars and trucks to railroads and highways, to which you replied in the affirmative. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 report, there were 37,250 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Washington, 22,690 in Oregon, and 14,030 in Idaho. That total would have to be tripled to meet the projected number of trucks needed consistently on the road to make up for lost barge transport. The letter concludes, “We find it incredibly hard to believe WSDOT will continue to meet these broad objectives after breaching the dams, as capacity on highways and railroads will meet an all-time high.” The letter poses the following questions to the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation: 1. Please expand on the stated objectives of WSDOT as a transportation agency; 2. Please specifically detail how WSDOT will continue to meet these transportation objectives if the Lower Snake River Dams are breached, especially as it relates to impacts from increased traffic on highway and rail transportation networks; and 3. How will WSDOT maintain its objectives and provide viable alternatives to continue to help robustly grow the Pacific Northwest economy? 4. If these objectives are maintained, why does WSDOT believe they still need additional DOT grants with respect to the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative? The full letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-defends-american-energy-production,Newhouse Defends American Energy Production,2024-02-16,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Potential Act of 2024. “President Biden’s ban on future LNG export terminals is an ill-advised handout to extreme environmentalists at the expense of American workers that also jeopardizes our allies’ energy security,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “This important legislation will end the President’s misguided, indefinite pause on LNG exports, remove political decision makers at the Department of Energy from the export terminal approval process, and help lower energy costs for all Americans.” Background: On January 26, 2024, President Biden announced he will pause all pending approvals of liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals under the guise of climate change. Clean natural gas is a significant reason why the U.S has been able to reduce its emissions more than any other nation, and the Department of Energy (DOE) has already commissioned five studies to examine the effects of LNG exports in the U.S. Their findings have overwhelmingly shown the environmental benefits, proving that our exports are 41% cleaner than the alternative—Russian natural gas delivered to Europe. This legislation: Repeals all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas. Provides that FERC shall have the exclusive authority to approve or deny LNG terminal applications. Makes clear that nothing in this section limits the authority of the President that imposes sanctions on a foreign person or foreign government, including a country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, to prohibit imports or exports. Read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-visits-southern-border-sees-illegal-immigration-crisis,"Newhouse Visits Southern Border, Sees Illegal Immigration Crisis Firsthand",2024-02-13,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Last week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Chairman of the Western Caucus, led a group of eleven lawmakers to tour Arizona’s southern border. “People are desperate to come to the United States, and I do not blame them for wanting to come, but we need to have a controlled entrance into our country, or we’ve lost our sovereignty,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “While I was at the border, I saw firsthand the chaos that is unfolding and heard directly from Customs and Border Protection about the challenges they face amidst this crisis. While the Biden Administration has made clear their willingness to ignore our Southern Border, I am committed to delivering common-sense, actionable solutions to secure our borders, stop the flow of illicit fentanyl, protect our public and private lands, and prioritize national security—for the good of communities across Central Washington and the nation.” Watch my remarks at the Southern Border here. On Thursday, February 8, members and staff attended a briefing from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department about how the border crisis has impacted local communities and how the federal government can support their efforts to combat increased criminal activity from cartels. They briefed us on the frequent home invasions families have been experiencing, the price drop in fentanyl indicating a rise in supply, and the power of the cartel, who will hold illegal immigrants ransom and demand money they earn from the jobs they get once they enter the United States. Following the briefing, attendees visited the border in the Coronado National Memorial to receive a briefing from U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Members also participated in a House Natural Resources Committee field hearing to examine the environmental effects of the border crisis on America’s public lands. Attending the trip along with Rep. Dan Newhouse were Reps. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Buddy Carter (GA-01), John Curtis (UT-03), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Mike Collins (GA-10), and James Moylan (Guam-AL). Photos from the trip can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-resolution-denouncing-bidens-failed-energy-policies,Newhouse Introduces Resolution Denouncing Biden’s Failed Energy Policies,2024-02-12,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“From day one of his administration, President Biden has been at war with American energy production, increasing our reliance on foreign sources, and putting our energy security at risk,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Whether it’s cancelling the Keystone XL Pipeline, halting future LNG export terminal permits, or revoking leases for oil, gas, and mining across the West, it is clear that President Biden’s policies have given Russia and OPEC a greater advantage than domestic producers. Central Washingtonians deserve affordable and reliable energy, a goal we cannot achieve until we unleash the full potential of American energy resources.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-letter-usps-regarding-wenatchee-and-yakima-operations,Newhouse Leads Letter to USPS Regarding Wenatchee and Yakima Operations and Election Integrity,2024-02-12,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to United States Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, and the Western States Government Relations Liaison Director Jennifer Selde with concerns about local delivery services and election integrity. “Upholding delivery standards and election integrity measures is the basis of the United States Postal Services’ operational mandates, and ensuring these requirements are being met is of the utmost importance,” said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse continues, “The new USPS proposal to move some Wenatchee and Yakima post office operations to Spokane and Seattle will slow the already frustrating process of mail delivery to our rural communities.” “This proposal will also make mail-in voting more difficult for our region, and it is crucial that we maintain the standards that the American people both expect and deserve. I am urging The U.S. Postmaster General to reconsider this unreliable proposal for the sake of their customers and voters.” Additionally, the letter poses the following questions to the Postmaster General: On USPS’s decision-making process regarding the Wenatchee and Yakima post offices: 1) What variables does the USPS measure to gauge service standards? 2) Do customers in Wenatchee and Yakima currently receive one-day, two-day, three-day, or delayed service and under which conditions does this occur? 3) If some of the operations are moved to Spokane or Seattle, how will this impact service standards and for which types of service? I have received conflicting information that the proposed adjustments will increase transport delays by three days each way, totaling six days for service that would have originally only taken one day. 4) How will these MPFR decisions impact mail-in ballots and Americans’ right to vote? 5) How will these MPFR decisions impact Americans’ timely access to official documents, checks, bills, prescriptions, and other critically important items? 6) How is the USPS factoring in the needs of the most vulnerable populations who consistently rely on timely, affordable, and efficient mail and package delivery services? 7) During the winter months, for these two post offices, USPS is already experiencing delays due to closed roads and severe weather conditions. How will USPS ensure services are not delayed or further delayed following any MPFR decisions? 8) When and to whom did you send the public release or announcement of this potential change and the opportunity for public input? 9) Who made the decision to host the public meeting on this potential process during the middle of the workday and what was their rationale for this decision? I have received information that public turnout was dramatically lower than previous meetings held years ago on this proposed process and the reasons were largely due to timing. 10) Are the public comment data, for Wenatchee and Yakima, as well as all MPFR cases, available for public review? If so, please provide the details for public access. 11) What percentage of these public comments were in favor, neutral, or opposed to certain parts of the Wenatchee and Yakima MPFRs? 12) How are these public comments factored into the MPFR decision-making process? 13) Based on USPS’s webpage titled “Mail Processing Facility Review”, under the column labeled “Status”, there appears to be “Notice of Intent”, “Public Comment”, “Under Review”, and “Decision to Proceed.” Out of the total number of MPFRs finalized, what percentage received the status, “Decision to Not Proceed” or a similar status based on public opposition? 14) Will any employees working in the Wenatchee or Yakima locations lose their jobs? I have received conflicting information ranging from zero, four, eight, or twenty. 15) What specific investments will be made into the Wenatchee and Yakima locations? I have received conflicting information that minimal to no changes to machinery will occur and the only improvements will be restroom and breakroom areas. On election integrity: 1) Will you provide an outline of where, when, and how many ballots were discovered? 2) Why were these collection boxes not searched in time for Election Day? 3) Is there any indication that the policies or processes in place in these identified counties may also be occurring in other counties in the State of Washington? 4) Is there a list of collection boxes that are considered in service or out of service? 5) What steps are being taken to ensure these concerning mistakes do not occur in the 2024 election? 6) Has USPS added or removed any collection boxes in the State of Washington throughout the past three months? If so, please provide this data. 7) Does USPS have any plans to add or remove any collection boxes in the State of Washington throughout the year of 2024? If so, please provide this data. 8) When and where were the last density tests conducted in the State of Washington? 9) Will you make the results of those tests available to the public? 10) How have you communicated with the public and local elected officials to ensure there will not be a disruption in the service delivered to these communities? The full letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-victory-over-biden-admin-gas-appliance-regulations,Newhouse Statement on Victory Over Biden Admin on Gas Appliance Regulations,2024-02-12,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) finalized energy regulation rules for conventional cooking products that scraps the February 2023 proposal to ban future production of gas appliances. “This is a huge win for the thousands of Central Washingtonians who use natural gas in their homes and for advocates of common sense. The original proposal was an example of the president’s misguided approach to clean energy handed to him by extreme climate lobbyists. I am proud to have led my colleagues in fighting this out-of-touch proposal and promoting an all-of-the-above approach to energy security and independence,” said Rep. Newhouse. On June 22, 2023, Rep. Newhouse introduced and led to passage an amendment that prohibits funds from being used by the Biden Administration to ban gas stoves. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill passed the House of Representatives on October 26, 2023. Watch Rep. Newhouse’s remarks introducing the amendment here. On February 1, 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed an “energy efficiency standard” for gas cooking products. The proposed rule would require, for the first time ever, an energy performance standard for residential cooktops. It would effectively ban the future production of gas appliances that consume more than 1,204 thousand British thermal units (kBtu) per year, or over half of current gas stoves. Today’s DOE finalized rule outlines regulations on stoves over 1,770 kBtu per year, or under three percent of current gas stoves. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-biden-admin-youve-crossed-line,Newhouse to Biden Admin: ‘You’ve crossed the line’,2024-01-24,2024,2024-01,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) led Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-05), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02) in introducing the Defending Against Manipulative Negotiators Act (DAMN ACT) to prohibit the use of federal funds from being used in breaching or altering the Lower Snake River Dams and to prohibit the implementation of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative. ""The Biden Administration has crossed the line with its blatant, hypocritical assault on the Lower Snake River Dams,"" said Rep. Dan Newhouse. Newhouse continues, ""This Administration, since its campaign, claims to advocate for green energy solutions, yet disregards that notion when told to by manipulative environmental activists who do not understand how critical the dams are to the Pacific Northwest and a clean energy future."" ""The Defending Against Manipulative Negotiators Act is the first of many pieces of legislation coming that combats this Administration’s radical, unfair, and unsubstantiated effort to destroy our dams and the livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them,"" Newhouse concluded. ""The deal President Biden brokered with radical environmentalists behind closed doors will forever change the way our river system operates. It will devastate communities in Eastern Washington and across the Pacific Northwest, and it makes commitments on behalf of Congress without engaging with us. The administration understands only Congress has the authority to breach our dams. This legislation is how we use that power to make sure that never happens while protecting our region’s way of life from the consequences of this deeply misguided plan,"" said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. ""From supporting agricultural supply chains to producing clean and affordable energy, dams along the lower Snake River provide significant benefits and support economic activity across the entire Pacific Northwest. I’m honored to join Congressman Newhouse and my colleagues from the region in introducing this legislation because breaching these dams would create more problems than it would solve,"" Rep. Chavez-DeRemer said. ""Removing the Lower Snake River Dams will decimate the economy, impacting industries like barging, agriculture, recreation, and energy across the Pacific Northwest."" Congressman Fulcher said. ""I am proud to cosponsor the DAMN Act as it prohibits the use of federal funds to breach the dams. This legislation protects crucial industries, preserves the way of life for communities across the region, and maintains a source of clean, reliable baseload energy."" ""The Snake River Dams are essential to the Northwest’s energy production, navigation, and the agricultural industry. The Biden Administration’s backroom deals to remove them would be devastating to the millions of Americans who rely on them. The DAMN Act is a critical step in protecting the Pacific Northwest’s economy and I am happy to support it,"" said Rep. Cliff Bentz. The legislation is supported by 10 stakeholders, who represent large constituencies, that would be directly affected by the removal and operational breaching of the Lower Snake River Dams including the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), Public Power Council, Inland Power, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Northwest River Partners, National Association of Wheat Growers, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Washington State Potato Commission, Washington State Dairy Federation, and the Columbia Basin Development League. ""The four lower Snake River dams are critically important to the economy of the Tri-Cities and the entire Pacific Northwest region. Their importance was underscored earlier this month when the Bonneville Power Administration reported record high electricity demand, which could not have been met without the power produced by these dams. Congressman Newhouse has always been a champion of the Snake River dams, and we sincerely thank him for his continued support,"" said Karl Dye, President & CEO, TRIDEC. ""Agricultural stakeholders appreciate the efforts of Congressman Dan Newhouse to protect one of our nation’s most important barge corridors. The bill introduced today will guard against public funds being used to advocate for breaching dams in the Columbia-Snake River system, which transports nearly 30 percent of U.S. grain and oilseed exports. The stakes are concernedly high, as the economic harm of breaching the dams would ripple throughout the U.S. agricultural value chain by effectively shutting down a critical export corridor for grains and oilseeds. Removal of the LSR locks could bankrupt thousands of producers as they attempt to change their freight distribution network from efficient river barges to far more costly – and environmentally damaging – long-haul truck or rail service. Rep. Newhouse’s bill is needed to prevent the damaging consequences of dam breaching for agriculture in the Pacific Northwest that could ultimately impact global food security,"" said the National Grain and Feed Association. ""The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) applauds the introduction of the Defending Against Manipulative Negotiators Act by Rep. Dan Newhouse. The Lower Snake River Dams are vital to the livelihood of Washington’s wheat farmers. Any alteration or breaching of these dams would negatively impact our ability to transport wheat, thus causing adverse impacts to local businesses, including family-owned farms, and the broader regional economy."" ""With potential operational changes in the Columbia River beginning in September with reduced electrical power production, uncertain navigation, irrigation and salmon recovery capacity the region needs to stabilize the conversation around dam removal on the Snake River. This bill is a critical step forward looking at the needs of region,"" said the Washington State Potato Commission. ""Breaching the Lower Snake River Dams will put tens of thousands of trucks on the highways and also crowd railway traffic. This will negatively impact feed and product transportation and dramatically reverse progress in reducing the carbon footprint of our state and nation,"" said Dan Wood, Executive Director, Washington State Dairy Federation. Background: The Biden Administration announced a 10-year stay in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation, alongside over $1 billion in funding for wild fish restoration in the Columbia River Basin. Throughout the mediation process, key stakeholders and community members directly impacted by the litigation have been left in the dark as negotiations take place behind closed doors. The Biden Administration and dam-breaching advocates are intent on achieving a “de facto” breach of the Four Lower Snake River Dams, by opening the gates to reduce the water below the minimum operating levels for hydroelectric generation. Given that “breaching the dams” is mentioned 68 times total in the package, it is abundantly clear what the goal of this administration is. This administration should not be making agreements which circumvent congressional authority to breach the dams by operationally breaching them with the agreement. The full bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-new-gao-report-foreign-land-investment,Newhouse Statement on New GAO Report on Foreign Land Investment,2024-01-18,2024,2024-01,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), released the following statement on the Government Accountability Office’s new report revealing that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cannot report reliable information to Congress, or the public, about where and how much U.S. agricultural land is held by foreign persons. “This report confirms one of our worst fears: that not only is the USDA unable to answer the question of who owns what land and where, but that there is no plan by the department to internally reverse this dangerous flaw that affects our supply chain and economy. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow foreign adversaries to influence our food supply while we stick our heads in the sand.” “I will, in my capacity as a member of the Select Committee on the CCP, Chairman of the Western Caucus, and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, be working to introduce measures aimed at fixing USDA’s internal reporting and data management to identify to Congress, and the American people, exactly who is investing in the over 40 million acres of U.S. farmland reported to have ties to foreign actors.” The GAO report released today outlines that the USDA does not share timely data on foreign investments in agricultural land collected under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA). The report comes as efforts in the last year to identify and prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. agricultural land, especially near sensitive sites and military installations, have been under way in Congress. Additionally, the report cited that the USDA annually publishes selected AFIDA information online that CFIUS agencies may use when considering potential national security risks associated with agricultural land. However, DOD officials noted they need AFIDA information that is more up-to-date and more specific, and they need to receive this information more than once a year. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-bipartisan-colleagues-urge-h-2a-wage-freeze-spending-package,"Newhouse, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge H-2A Wage Freeze In Spending Package",2024-01-12,2024,2024-01,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter alongside a bipartisan coalition of colleagues to the Chairwomen and Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees requesting a freeze on the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). “The national average AEWR has already more than doubled over the past two decades, making agricultural guest labor unaffordable for farm employers and resulting in higher consumer costs,” the letter reads. “While the AEWR varies by region, nearly half of all states are projected to have an AEWR between $17 and $19 per hour in 2024. Meanwhile, producers in Canada pay closer to $11 per hour for fieldworkers, or even approximately $1.50 per hour in Mexico. This uneven playing field greatly disadvantages our domestic producers. “For farmers and ranchers who use H-2A, the skyrocketing AEWR will only compound inflated input costs like energy and fertilizer, other guest worker expenses like transportation and housing, and burdens from several impending federal regulations and fees.” The United States Department of Labor annually adjusts the AEWR, and as prices and cost of living continue to rise, increasing labor costs for farmers and producers threatens both the domestic and global supply chains that rely on American goods made in states with high H-2A labor rates. Rep. Newhouse is the author and sponsor of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act that was passed in the House of Representatives in the 116th and 117th Congresses, and has been introduced in the 118th Congress. This legislation contains an AEWR freeze and makes meaningful reforms to the H-2A agricultural guestworker program with a first of its kind, merit-based visa program. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z