Dear Friend,

Our region is home to some of the most beautiful recreational areas in the country, including the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mt. Ranier National Park. It is important these areas are cared for and maintained so we can continue enjoying the many natural treasures the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I am proud my House colleagues also understand the importance of trail maintenance and passed a bill I cosponsored, the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to send this bill to the President’s desk so we can keep our trails open and accessible to everyone.

Giving 911 Families a Chance at Justice

Nothing can fully heal the pain felt by families who lost loved ones on 9/11. But this week, in a historic act of bipartisan solidarity, Congress gave them the power to seek justice on behalf of their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and loved ones. I am proud that my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle set their party interests aside and put the American people first by passing the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.

Strong Laws, Strong Trade Deals

Enforcement of our laws and the opening of new markets allow our manufacturers, farmers, service providers, and workers to compete and win. It’s part of our commitment to the American people that we don’t just sign trade agreements and let our manufacturers, farmers, and workers fend for themselves. If foreign competitors don’t play by the rules and ignore their obligations, we hold them accountable. This week, I chaired a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing on how we must ensure the flow of legitimate trade and protect against evasion and the theft of intellectual property rights.

Click HERE to watch my opening remarks.

Serving the Healthcare Needs of Rural Communities

Too many families in rural communities are struggling to access the health care they need due to a shortage of primary care physicians. The doctor shortage threatens the health of the over 46 million Americans who call rural regions of the country home. Community Health Centers play a critical role in meeting this need. It only makes sense that we should be training our future doctors in the setting where we need them most – and that’s what the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program does. It has a proven track record of attracting and retaining high-quality medical professionals in underserved areas. This week, I joined Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) in introducing a resolution expressing the need to provide this program with the resources necessary to serve our communities.

Responsible Governing

I am proud my House and Senate colleagues agreed to put politics aside and acted in the best interest of our national security and the American people by passing a funding bill Wednesday night. Veterans, seniors, our troops, vulnerable members of society, and our economic stability all depend on a government that is fully operating. I see it as my privilege and duty to make sure these needs are met.

Mobile Office Hours

If you’re in the Ellensburg area, do not forget to stop by my mobile office on Wednesday, October 5th! A member of my staff will be there to assist you with casework, pass along comments or concerns, or answer any questions you may have regarding social security or veterans benefits.

Where:  Kittitas County Court House

             Commissioner's Conference Room

             205 W 5th Ave #180, Ellensburg, WA 98926

When:   Wednesday, October 5th

             10 am - 2 pm

 

It’s been another wonderful week serving Washington’s Eighth Congressional District. Have a good one and I’ll see you next week!