At the memorial service this past week in Dallas, five empty chairs were set up on stage, symbolizing the law enforcement officers who were killed in a cowardly act of violence while protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights. Tragically, there are many more empty chairs and broken hearts across the country, mourning the loss of brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers who were killed in the line of duty.

The lack of accountability and the breakdown in trust across neighborhoods in America has created fertile ground for tensions to escalate, ultimately leading to spikes in crime and sometimes, preventable deaths. We must establish mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and the people they serve around the country.

This week, I joined six House Republicans and six House Democrats for the first meeting of the Policing Strategies Working Group.

To hear more about steps we can take to rebuild relationships in communities and strengthen law enforcement, watch my interview on King5 News.

Creating Jobs by Expanding Digital Trade

The United States is by far the world’s leading exporter of digital goods and services. And with digital trade growing at a rapid pace, this means more opportunities and jobs for Washington State, where we have one of the nation’s leading digital sectors. This week, I chaired a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing highlighting how digital platforms, like e-commerce websites, Internet search engines, and payment systems, allow businesses of all sizes to reach consumers around the world.

Click HERE to learn more about how digital trade creates more jobs here at home.

Leadership in Trade

I was honored to receive the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) “Congressional Leadership Award” this past week. This award is given to leaders in Congress who have shown a commitment to expanding opportunities for American exporters and creating more jobs here at home. For me and for folks across Washington State, trade is not just something we do, it is integral to every sector of our local economy and our greatest source of job creation. I have seen this when I visit apple orchards in Wenatchee, tech companies in Issaquah, and aerospace manufacturers in Auburn. The prosperity and opportunities trade has created in our region is what continues to inspire my commitment to breaking down barriers and opening up new markets for our businesses, farmers, and workers.

Supporting our Military and Protecting our National Security

I was also honored to be selected by Speaker Ryan to serve on the bipartisan conference committee charged with developing the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that authorizes funding to our military and national security programs.  As a member of this conference committee, I will fight for the pay raise that our military men and women deserve and continue to ensure that our troops have the support they need to fulfill their critical mission, especially at a time when we face so many threats at home and abroad.

A Big Thank You from a Little Guy

When my staff member’s son, 5 year-old Domenic, heard something bad happened in the law enforcement community last week, he thought that meant policemen and women were feeling sick. In an effort to make them feel better, young Domenic set up a lemonade stand in Wenatchee offering free lemonade to local members of law enforcement. Thank you Domenic for taking the time to think about some of the people in our community who do the most and often don’t hear the word thank you.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll see you next time!

Sincerely,

Dave