Protecting Our Home
Hello Friends,
Can you believe it’s almost May? This year is really flying by. Last Monday was Earth Day and last week was National Parks Week. It really got me thinking about all the work we’ve done - and still need to do - to ensure our planet and our little slice of heaven in northwest Washington stays healthy for future generations. So, today’s newsletter will cover what I’ve been doing to protect our environment and natural landscapes - and what’s coming down the pike.
But before I get into that... I’ve heard from a lot of the folks I represent who have asked for my take on the recently released Mueller Report. The initial redacted report undoubtedly leaves unanswered a lot of questions about the investigation - and its conclusions.
Having said that, there’s a lot that we know that’s really disturbing.
We know that a foreign government actively sought to influence an American election by executing a widespread disinformation campaign, and ultimately, interfere in the 2016 election.
We know that not enough has been done to keep that from happening again.
We also know that there were multiple incidents and actions that are being investigated that are deeply troubling.
In light of this, it’s clear that the full report and its underlying evidence should be made public so that Congress and the American people can fully understand its conclusions.
I’m confident that leaders in the House will be able to continue to handle the investigative matters while Congress moves forward and legislates on big issues facing our country - like rebuilding our infrastructure, stabilizing the health care market and protecting our environment - and making every effort it can to improve the lives of the American people.
Celebrating Earth Day
Every year, Earth Day reminds folks to be responsible stewards of our air, land, and water. Together, we can each do our part to protect our natural resources and leave a positive legacy for future generations! It was an honor to spend part of Earth Day this year on a tour with the staff of the Tacoma Youth Marine Center. They work to engage Tacoma’s young people about the critical importance of sustainability and marine science - which is having a lasting impact on our region. Our next generation is in good hands with organizations like the Tacoma Youth Marine Center leading the way. Thank you for having me aboard!
Addressing Climate Change
We know that communities throughout our region are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, and they are counting on the federal government to act. This problem won’t get better by ignoring it... or by unwinding the efforts taken by the Obama Administration to combat climate change.
With that in mind, last month, I signed on as an original supporter of the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9). This bill will reaffirm America’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and direct the Administration to develop - and make public - a comprehensive plan to meet the significant emission reductions that we as nation, and nearly every other nation, committed to back in 2015.
We know that making progress on this issue is important to the planet - but it can also be an amazing opportunity for new jobs in clean energy industries. That’s part of the discussion I had last week with the folks from the Citizens Climate Lobby.
When it comes to the climate challenges we face, the United States should be a leader in finding solutions - not riding the bench. This legislation will help get the U.S. back in the game and shape climate action on a global level.
I’m excited that the House will vote on the bill this week!
Fighting Ocean Acidification
We also know that one of the many consequences of climate change is changing ocean chemistry, which is already threatening entire livelihoods and industries in our state. That’s why a few weeks ago, I worked with a bipartisan group of legislators from the Pacific Northwest, including fellow Washingtonian Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, to introduce the Ocean Acidification Innovation Act.
This legislation seeks to encourage additional research to address ocean acidification. It would allow federal agencies to use existing federal funds to conduct prize competitions, creating an incentive for experts to focus on developing innovative solutions to this serious challenge. Generations of folks living among our coastal communities rely on fishing and shellfish, and if we don’t maintain a healthy Pacific Ocean, we risk endangering the well-being of folks who rely on a strong marine economy. In Washington state alone, the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries, which includes shellfish aquaculture, contribute 15,900 direct jobs and $9.4 billion in revenue to the economy. So, this bipartisan bill is really about jobs.
I’m hopeful that our bill will continue to move through the legislative process this week and eventually get signed into law.
Protecting Our Wild Areas
As someone who grew up in Port Angeles, I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental protection. Last week in Port Hadlock, I joined Senator Patty Murray and the diverse Wild Olympics coalition - including business, tribal, local government, and conservation leaders - to talk about how we can all work together to develop practical, balanced strategies to protect our natural wonders on the Olympic Peninsula while attracting businesses that stay, grow, and invest in our future.
I’m excited to keep working with community members and local business leaders to advance legislation that supports the whole community. Stay tuned for more news on this front!
Restoring Our Parks
As I’m sure you are aware by now, I am a big supporter of our National Parks. They are the crown jewels of our region - but our jewels are getting a little rusty.
In 2017, Washington state alone had 8.45 million park visitors. While they were here, they spent more than $500 million, supporting nearly 6,700 jobs and creating roughly $677 million in economic impact. That’s huge for our region! But as I discussed in a recent op-ed, without investing in the maintenance of our parks, we risk loving them to death.
That’s why I’m excited that our bipartisan public lands package, the Natural Resources Management Act, was signed into law earlier this year! From the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, to the creation of Washington’s first two National Heritage Areas, this is a big win for our neck of the woods. You can learn more about the bill here.
We need to build on that success and turn our attention to passing a bipartisan bill I’ve drafted called the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act (H.R. 1225). This legislation would direct approximately $6.5 billion of existing, unobligated oil and gas royalties to fund priority repairs in parks and other public lands. Passing this legislation would be a huge boost to our rural communities in Washington and across the nation. The good news is that support is growing: one-third of Senators and over one-third of House members have already signed on as supporters!
Protecting Puget Sound
The Puget Sound is an iconic body of water that is vital to our economy. It’s part of who we are as Washingtonians. But, unfortunately, it’s sick - jeopardizing shellfish beds, salmon runs, and the health of this treasure for future generations.
That’s why Rep. Denny Heck and I formed the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus a few years ago. The federal government needs to be a good partner in supporting our region’s efforts to recover Puget Sound. Our caucus is pushing against the Trump Administration’s proposed elimination of federal support for Puget Sound and, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, fighting for this vital funding is a top priority. Stay tuned for legislation we will soon introduce dealing with the toxic storm water runoff that negatively impacts the Sound.
Working For You
As always, my favorite part of this job is meeting with all of YOU. Here are some of the highlights from last week:
Working Together to Support the Local Economy
I was honored to meet with the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler, and Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe to talk about how we can work together to continue to improve the local business environment. I'm excited about the progress we are making and look forward to future successes!
Recognizing Our Health Care Workers
I’m always grateful for the dedication and commitment to high quality care embodied by our health care workers. Thank you to the staff and patients at DaVita Tacoma Dialysis Center for welcoming me and sharing your thoughts, stories, and time! I’ll keep fighting for affordable health care for every American.
Encouraging Our Kids
Visiting with the Robotics of Central Kitsap (ROCK) team was inspiring! These kids are up to some really interesting stuff. It’s exciting to see so many engaged and smiling faces - and the impressive work they are doing - all while learning STEM skills for the future. (Next year’s competition is focused on Star Wars!!! I’m totally in!!!)
Celebrating Community Institutions
I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon celebrating the powerful work that the YWCA of Pierce County does. I am so excited for them to break ground this summer on a new affordable housing project to expand access to shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence. Thank you for all that you do and please continue to count me as a partner!
That’s all for this week, folks! And remember, if you ever need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m honored to represent you.
Derek