The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Washington law enforcement officers are concerned by recent legislation introduced by Washington State Democrats and policy stances made by Big Tech. These developments are concerning for our communities, our children, and our... — Updated 7/21/2021

As a farmer, former state director of Agriculture, chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and congressman representing one of the most flourishing agricultural regions in America, I fully understand the extent to which... — Updated 7/14/2021

Tracy Stone-Manning is an unacceptable nominee to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and President Biden’s nomination of her highlights just how out of touch he is with rural America. The Bureau of Land Man... — Updated 6/30/2021

President Biden is stretching the limits of his executive authority – and this time, the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities across the nation are at stake. As a lifelong farmer, representative of this area, and... — Updated 6/23/2021

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: An income tax in Washington state is unconstitutional. Democrats in our state legislature recently passed Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill (ESSB) 5096, a bill that would impose a new... — Updated 6/16/2021

For many of us, Memorial Day serves as a turning point in our calendars. The beginning of summer, the end of another school year, and the start of many trips with family and friends. While many of us are looking forward to the new... — Updated 6/2/2021

President Biden has created and perpetuated a crisis at our southern border, and I’ve seen it firsthand. On Friday, I visited the United States-Mexico border to see for myself what was going on. Based on media coverage alone in... — Updated 5/26/2021

There’s been a lot of talk about our dams over the last few weeks, and I want to make it abundantly clear: Any “solution” for our salmon population that includes removing the dams on the Lower Snake River is a nonstarter.... — Updated 5/19/2021

Millions of Americans tuned in last Wednesday night to see what President Biden had to say about the first 100 days of his Administration and his plans for our country. Unfortunately for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural... — Updated 5/5/2021

The saying goes: if you can’t win the debate, change the rules. And that is exactly what the Democrats in Congress are doing. Over the past few weeks, Democrats in Congress have pressed forth numerous pieces of legislation to... — Updated 4/21/2021

We all agree that senseless acts of violence are unacceptable, and in our nation of law and order, there is no room for gun violence. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is utilizing heartbreaking crimes to push its agenda.... — Updated 4/14/2021

A year into living with the ramifications of a global pandemic, it is clearer now than ever before how important science is to our decision-making – and how quickly it can get tossed to the side in lieu of more politically expedi... — Updated 3/31/2021

In Central Washington, we know the best way to jumpstart our economy is by reopening our small businesses and letting America’s free markets get individuals back in the workplace. Unfortunately, far-left Democrats in Congress... — Updated 3/24/2021

In the first two and a half months of 2021, illegal immigration has reached a crisis point. There have been more than 200,000 illegal border crossings with as many as 5,000 illegal crossing encounters in one day. In order to mainta... — Updated 3/17/2021

When our state moved into Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s latest iteration of a reopening plan, it signaled a well-deserved step forward for our region. Following guidelines under the leadership of local health districts and elected... — Updated 3/3/2021

Central Washington is one of the most agriculturally rich and diverse regions in the United States. Since coming to Congress, I have had the honor of representing our agricultural producers, advocating for strong trade agreements... — Updated 2/3/2021

Throughout the past year, I have written a lot about how I have witnessed Central Washington come together in times of crisis. The challenges of a global pandemic are certainly unprecedented, but individuals, families, healthcare... — Updated 12/30/2020

Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage... — Updated 12/2/2020

Over the past few months, catastrophic wildfires raged – once again – throughout Central Washington and across the West. Smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest, and whole towns were essentially wiped off the map. Unfortunately,... — Updated 11/4/2020

I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and that could not be truer in Central Washington’s rural communities. The owners and employees of Main Street businesses are integral to the well-being of... — Updated 10/28/2020

  The Endangered Species Act was signed into law to help protect and recover animals and wildlife facing critical threats or risk of extinction. As Americans, we share the common goal of protecting our environment, creating... — Updated 10/14/2020

Many of us are familiar with how our school districts are funded. Construction costs, maintenance updates, teacher salaries, and more are funded by local taxpayers. With local property taxes, levies, and bonds, superintendents and... — Updated 9/30/2020

Hunters, fishers, and farmers are the original conservationists. Growing up in Central Washington, I have been surrounded by agriculture my whole life. As our farmers and ranchers work to feed the world, we also recognize the... — Updated 9/2/2020

When rural communities call, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) answers. Our postal service employees provide critical services to the communities of Central Washington and are often the only delivery service that will go the “final... — Updated 8/26/2020

I recently conducted a survey of constituents in Central Washington, asking a question that is on the minds of parents across our district and the entire country: “Do you support doing everything we can to safely reopen schools... — Updated 8/19/2020