eNewsletters
Protecting Reproductive Freedom + An Update on Major Federal Investments in Our Neck of the Woods
Hello Folks -So far this year, we’ve seen a government shutdown averted, a couple of new football coaches hired, and the first new Billy Joel song released in 17 years! And it’s only February! What’s more, reliable sources are telling me we can expect an early spring. There’s also been a lot happening here at home and in Washington, D.C.. With that in mind, let’s get to the news…Defending the Right to ChooseNearly two years ago, with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization … Continue Reading
January 22, 2024
An Update on My Work to Boost Local Economies and on Government Funding
Hello Folks -I hope this newsletter finds you well. Thankfully, we made it through last week’s deep freeze, though now we are slated for a whole lot of rain (my weather app shows rain for ten days straight!).While the weather forecast may be grim, there’s actually some good news coming out of D.C. recently. With that in mind, let’s get into it!Averting a Government ShutdownAs regular readers of this newsletter can attest, I have shared update after update over the past seven-plus months on the … Continue Reading
January 08, 2024
Upcoming Government Funding Deadlines and My Work to Build Civic Bridges
Hello Folks,Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in great spirits and enjoying the beginning of 2024! I’m currently heading back to Washington, D.C., feeling rejuvenated after a terrific holiday season.As we dive into a busy week, there’s also a wave of excitement for tonight’s game, where our very own Washington Huskies will face off against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It’s been a fun season filled with … Continue Reading
December 27, 2023
New Opportunities for Clallam, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor Counties
Hello Folks -Happy Holidays! I hope this week’s newsletter finds you well, enjoying time with family and friends as we count down the days until we can ring in the New Year. We have a lot to cover this week, with some exciting news for people in our region, so let’s get right to it.New Opportunities for Clallam, Jefferson, and Grays Harbor CountiesI grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and was in high school right around the time the timber industry took it on the chin. I saw a lot of folks in our … Continue Reading
December 11, 2023
Investing in the Future of Our Ferries
Hello Folks -I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good spirits during this holiday season. It’s such a wonderful time of the year to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and look forward to the future.Speaking of accomplishments, I can’t help but mention some exciting news from the sports world - our Washington Huskies clinched the Pac-12 Championship and are headed to the College Football Playoff! While this team has occasionally been bad for my blood pressure, it’s been … Continue Reading
November 28, 2023
So … What’s Happening with Government Funding?
Hello Folks -I hope this message finds you in good spirits and still stuffed after the Thanksgiving weekend. As we step away from the Thanksgiving table, filled not just with delicious food but also with gratitude, it’s the perfect time to catch up. I trust you've had your fill of turkey, stuffing, and perhaps a slice (or two) of pumpkin pie.Before we get into the news, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who’s reached out to me and my team since I announced that I won’t seek another term … Continue Reading
November 09, 2023
It’s been one of the great honors of my life to represent our region in Congress.
Dear Friend, Over most of the past decade, each time I boarded the plane to DC, I would email my kids, Sophie and Aven, to explain to them why I was leaving - and what I’d be working on while we were apart. When they were little, those letters were elementary. “This week, I’ll be working for more jobs in our region” or “I’ll be fighting this week against things that might make it harder for you to have clean air or good health care.” My letters always ended with “Be good. I love you.”Later, … Continue Reading
October 30, 2023
The House Has a Speaker … So, What’s Next?
Hello Folks -The Halloween season is finally upon us! Whether you find yourself out trick-or-treating with the kiddos, dressed as your favorite Star Wars character (Han Solo, obviously), or carving pumpkins while enjoying one, two, or too many candy bars, I hope this newsletter finds you well. I’ve got a whole lot to cover on what’s been going on in the House, including a new speaker.But before we dive in, I want to address the mass shooting that took place in Lewiston, Maine, last week. No … Continue Reading
October 16, 2023
Finding an Enlightened Path Forward
Hello Folks -The events of the past weekend in Israel have left us all reeling. My heart goes out to the families affected, the communities in mourning, and a nation grappling with yet another episode of profound tragedy.There’s much to discuss and reflect upon this week. So, let’s get into the news.Standing Firmly with IsraelThe unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists are stark reminders of the grave threats Israelis face every day. The slaughter of those in Israel - the murder of innocent … Continue Reading
October 02, 2023
A Short-Term Funding Fix
Hello Folks -Folks who read this newsletter regularly know that I love sports. I’m bummed the Mariners are on the outside looking in at the MLB playoffs. But football in our state this year is off to a strong start with the Huskies and Cougars looking great. And I’m hoping the Seahawks take it to the Giants tonight on Monday Night Football.I’ve even started getting into soccer (admittedly, Ted Lasso helped). I played soccer as a little kid (our team was “The Maroon Monsters”), and I think it’s … Continue Reading
September 18, 2023
Government Funding: Getting Down to the Wire
Hello Folks -I’m back in Washington, D.C., and there’s a lot to cover. Let’s jump right into the news.Government Funding: Getting Down to the WireFor those who have been following things in D.C., you’ll know that the government funding process has been no simple matter. This past week, things took another turn in the House, and I want to make sure you’re informed about the moving parts.Unfortunately, the House seems to be moving toward a shutdown of the government. As I shared in my last … Continue Reading
September 05, 2023
Back to D.C. – Here’s What’s on the Docket
Hello Folks -I hope you all had a terrific Labor Day weekend. It’s hard to believe that September is already in full swing, though I’m looking forward to football season and watching the Mariners make a run at the playoffs for the second straight year!In just a week or so, I’ll return to D.C. to continue work on next year’s federal budget and other matters about which you might want to hear. So, on to the news!Preventing a Government Shutdown: A Matter of Responsible ChoicesFor the next few … Continue Reading
August 21, 2023
A ‘Day In the Life’ During the August District Work Period
Hello Folks -I hope this finds you well. It’s hard to believe August is nearly over. The Mariners are in the thick of the wildcard race. Football season is about to kick off. Kids are about to head back to school. And it’s been an astonishingly busy few weeks here in our neck of the woods. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!Showing UpAs many of you know, Congress holds a district work period each August to enable Members of Congress to spend time visiting with the folks they … Continue Reading
August 07, 2023
It's August Recess ... So, what am I up to?
Hello Folks -Congress is currently on “August recess,” but if you saw my schedule, you’d get a strong sense that “recess” is the wrong word for it. In fact, this week I’ll visit all six counties in the district I represent, meeting with folks and learning about issues that matter to you. There’s a lot to chat about, so let’s hop right into the news.Investing in Our TribesRepresenting 12 Tribes across our region, I understand how crucial it is for Tribal nations to find new ways to boost their … Continue Reading
July 24, 2023
An Update on My Work to Support Our Rural Communities
Hello Folks -There’s one more week in D.C. until the August district work period. The current forecast for Friday is 101 degrees, so I’m definitely looking forward to getting to spend time in our Washington - the better Washington! I’m gearing up for a whirlwind of traveling from pillar to post around our region through the month of August.There’s a lot to cover this week, so let’s jump right into the news.Recognizing and Honoring Our VeteransFirst off, if you follow me on Facebook or listen … Continue Reading
July 10, 2023
Updates on Efforts to Create More Economic Opportunities in Our Region
Hello Folks –I hope you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday last week! I attended a pancake breakfast, three parades, and a fireworks show (which I got to view from the deck of the USS Momsen). It was a full day – but a lot of fun! As summer gets into the swing of things, it’s full steam ahead for me. There’s a lot to cover so let’s jump right in.An Update on a New Program to Help CommunitiesHaving grown up on the Olympic Peninsula, I saw some of the challenges … Continue Reading
June 26, 2023
My Work to Revitalize Our Economy and Support Our Military
Hello Folks -It’s officially summer! As we close out June, I’m getting charged up for the Fourth of July. I’ll be serving pancakes in Kingston, walking in a few parades, and then hopefully watching the fireworks. Here’s hoping you all have a safe and festive holiday.Now … on to the news!Governing is About ChoicesSince my first day on the job, I’ve been focused on trying to make choices that make things better for folks across our region. In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that … Continue Reading
June 12, 2023
My Work to Protect Our Environment and Fight Back Against Cancer
Hello Folks -Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard a lot about the nation’s debt ceiling and the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that resolved the crisis.It’s not a perfect deal. But overall, the bipartisan agreement helped our country avoid economic catastrophe - and protected critical services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, health care, and funding for education. Last week, I spoke with Joe Kernen of CNBC’s morning program, “Squawk Box,” to discuss the Bipartisan … Continue Reading
May 30, 2023
An Update on America’s Fiscal House and Reducing Barriers to Housing That People Can Afford
Hello Folks -Yesterday, on Memorial Day, we paused to honor and remember brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation. The day wasn’t about cookouts or appliance sales - it was about recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of more than a million Americans who have died in military service since the Civil War. I was grateful to join folks at Ivy Green Cemetery to remember and appreciate all those from our community who died in service to our country. Their sacrifices should … Continue Reading
May 15, 2023
A Blueprint for Supporting Our Troops
Hello Folks –I hate to start my newsletter with tough news, but our region suffered a difficult blow last week when the Hurricane Ridge Lodge was destroyed in a fire. Having grown up in Port Angeles, I have countless memories from my time on the Ridge, and – like many people in our region – I understand its significance to our economy.I’ve had a lot of people ask me: “So what happens now?”Well, first, it’s important to note that Olympic National Park … Continue Reading