If you have ever visited Washington, D.C., or even looked into planning a trip to the nation’s capital, you know there are quite a few sights to see. Washington, D.C. is a hub for both American history and cultural exploration, from the U.S. Capitol building and the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, to memorials to great presidents and soldiers who fought in past wars.

As I have said in the past and will continue to vocalize in our nation’s capital: Hydropower is truly the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest.

The first step to getting out of a hole is not only to stop digging, but also to get out of the hole as soon as possible, before it can get even deeper.

We have been taught frequently that keeping the commandments of God, and following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, will help us gain an eternal reward in heaven after the end of our mortal lives.

Here in Central Washington, we have recently seen displays of citizens practicing their constitutional right to peacefully protest in nearly all of our communities. I wholeheartedly condemn the acts of violence we have witnessed in other cities across the United States, but I am proud to represent our district, where peaceful voices are being met with listening ears and open hearts.

There is no doubt that our country is facing difficult times, but if our history indicates anything, I am confident the American people will persevere. It can be hard to see, however – especially in the rural communities of Central Washington – that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The First Amendment and the right to peacefully protest is a bedrock of our nation’s founding. Empowering our neighbors to speak up for what is right, take action when injustice rears its ugly head in our communities, and create a society where we can live equally and peacefully is a goal we must all strive for.

For years, U.S. dependence on China has harbored a rising threat to our national security. Now, during a global pandemic, this threat has come clearly into view. After decades of well-known wrongdoings, human rights violations, and manipulation of American intellectual property, it is time to get serious about cutting China out of our nation’s supply chains.

“May we take a moment to commemorate all the women and families in our community impacted by the missing and murdered crisis,” remarked Emily Washines during a Facebook live event on May 5, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Throughout these unprecedented times, Members of Congress – like many families across the country – are facing uncertainty about returning to work. While we understand that it will take time to return to business as usual, we should be taking important steps to ensure the legislative branch remains representative of the American people.

Our local, state, and federal governments are working together to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and provide a bridge for our economy – and our society as a whole – to get to the other side of this outbreak.