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 Tribes
Representing 12 Tribes across our region, I understand how crucial it is for Tribal nations to find new ways to boost their economy and create jobs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has some terrific programs that can help with economic development in rural communities. But Tribal communities haven’t been adequately able to take advantage of those resources due to a variety of factors.
That’s why I just introduced the bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act, to address these challenges by improving consultation and data transparency. By making improvements in how these programs engage tribal communities, we not only acknowledge the sovereign rights of Tribal nations but also equip ourselves with the knowledge required to enhance service delivery and utilization. This bill will also streamline processes and ensure Tribes have the information and resources they need to flourish.
It’s no secret that, for too long, the federal government hasn’t held up its end of the bargain when it comes to its trust and treaty responsibilities. Because of this, far too many Native communities don’t have what they need. In fact, the US Commission on Civil Rights has called out federal funding shortfalls as a reason for challenges tribes face with adequate housing, health centers, schools, justice centers, roads, as well as essentials like telecommunication, water, and other basic stuff needed to provide the right support services.
The REACH Our Tribes Act is all about making the USDA’s economic and rural development programs work better for Tribal communities in our neck of the woods and throughout our country. I’ll keep pushing to make sure the federal government honors its promises to Indian Country.
Honoring Our Veterans
I’m convinced we can't ever say thank you enough to our veterans. It was a real honor for me to help honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. I had the chance to do this at two veteran pinning ceremonies – in Aberdeen and Shelton. And let me tell you, it was a privilege.
I’m conscious of the fact that our country is stronger and safer because of those who serve. And we know that folks who served during the Vietnam War era often didn’t get the respect and gratitude they deserve. But it’s never too late to say thanks.
At these pinning ceremonies, I got the chance to give out Vietnam veteran lapel pins, courtesy of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. They're a small but important way of showing our country's gratitude. I'd like to tip my hat to Gwyn Tarrence from American Legion Post 5 in Aberdeen and Denis Leverich from VFW Post 1694 in Shelton. They teamed up with my office to help pull off these two great events.
One of the things I love most about my work is getting the chance to thank the brave folks who are serving or have served our great nation – and it's inspiring to see how folks in the community show up on behalf of our veterans. There’s a patriotism and pride that's really inspiring. In Aberdeen, one of the attendees told me after the event, “My face hurts from smiling so much.” I felt the same way.
Fighting for Our Kids’ Safety
Just last week, I got the chance to sit down and chat with some really committed folks in Tacoma. We met up at Hunt Middle School to talk about something that’s been on all of our minds lately – the serious problem of gun violence.
Our conversation centered around the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – a law to keep our schools safe and reduce the risk of gun violence. Among other things, this new law provides federal funding to support states with the implementation of crisis intervention orders, to support law enforcement and prosecutors so they can properly deal with gun traffickers and implement community-based violence prevention initiatives, and to expand mental health services for children and families.
This is a tough topic – no two ways about it. But with our shared determination and some recent progress made in Congress, I’m confident we can make a difference. That’s why I am working to seize opportunities like this to learn, listen, and get moving on making our communities safer for our families.
A big thank you to Korey Strozier, Mayor Victoria Woodards, Deputy Police Chief Paul Junger, and Everytown for Gun Safety’s Jack Budish for sharing the table with me. Their wisdom and commitment only highlight just how important our task is.
Working for You
Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs
I’m working to grow our economy from the middle out and the bottom up.
It was great to join labor leaders from across Pierce County to talk about my work to create good-paying union jobs!
Checking in with Community Partners
A big thank you to the good folks at the Pierce County Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs for inviting me over. I appreciated the chance to talk more about my work in Congress, like creating more jobs, battling inflation, boosting health care, and making the federal government work better for folks here at home.
Investing in Clean Water for All
Not long ago, I took a trip to check out Hoquiam's West Fork Dam removal project. It's a great deal all around – for clean, dependable drinking water, fish passage, and even boosting local business in Hoquiam. That's why I'm doing my part to get federal funding for this dam removal project in the Appropriations Committee.
OK – that’s it for now, folks. As always, I’m honored to represent you.
Sincerely,
Derek Kilmer