There has been a lot of buzz around the Snake River dams. In the decades-old argument, anti-dam advocates consistently point out if the people of the Northwest love salmon, the dams have got to go.

With over 300 different commodities, Washington state has one of the most diverse agriculture industries in the country, and we are recognized around the world as a top producer of specialty crops.

Across the country, we have seen communities and patients struggle to access and afford healthcare. In rural areas, this struggle is intensified by longer distances and the remote nature of our communities. Living in rural America, we recognize emergency services aren’t always just a phone call away. Many of us travel many miles between our homes and the medical facilities that provide primary and long-term care – not to mention specialized treatments, which are often provided across the mountains in Seattle.

Each year, Congress breaks from session for what is referred to as “August Recess.”

Five years ago, Washington state experienced the most catastrophic wildfire in its history. The Carlton Complex fire raged through Central Washington, burning more than a quarter of a million acres and leaving more than 500 homes and structures destroyed in its path.

There has been a loud nation-wide conversation about clean and carbon-free energy sources, and I am proud to represent Central Washington, where we are leading in renewable energy production.

A story out of Ritzville recently gained national attention: Larry Yockey is a fourth-generation wheat farmer, and for nearly 50 years, he hasn’t missed a harvest. Sadly, Larry was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, allowing him to only spend a short amount of time in the fields. He was worried that his streak would come to an end, but his neighbors wouldn’t allow that to happen.

The United States was founded on the values of liberty, equality, diversity, and unity. As Americans, we should work to promote these values every day.

Last week, the House of Representatives voted on the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, despite warnings from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office that this would result in the loss of nearly 4 million American jobs.

One of Congress’ most important Constitutional responsibilities is providing for our military and national defense. For the past 58 years, this has been a bipartisan affair. Members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have come together to pass a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that provides for our military and our troops who fight to protect and defend us.

Do you ever get discouraged, down-hearted, depressed?

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the United States of America was established. Last week, families across the country celebrated this momentous anniversary with firework displays, parades, and barbeques. Many of us prayed for the men and women who sacrifice th…

Do you ever get discouraged, down-hearted, depressed? I think all of us feel that way sometimes. But, the main thing is not to stay that way.

This Fourth of July, America will celebrate its 243rd birthday. Our country has come a long way since 1776, and there is still more progress to be made. Our independence and our patriotism are what set the United States apart from the rest of the world, and we have a lot to be thankful for.

June is National Dairy Month, and Washington has many reasons to celebrate. Washington is home to almost 400 dairies, nearly 275,000 cows, and 18,000 dairy jobs. In fact, while Washington may be known for our iconic apples, dairy is our second leading commodity, valued at $1.2 billion.