Dan Newhouse

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary milestone in the history of American reclamation, Western agriculture, and responsible local stewardship. On June 30, 2026, the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Quincy, Washington, made its final construction repayment obligation associated with its portion of the Columbia Basin Project. This is more than the closing of an account. It is the fulfillment of a promise made across generations. The Columbia Basin Project is one of the great infrastructure achievements in the history of the American West. At the center of the Project is the Grand Coulee Dam, one of America's most remarkable public works. Through the Project's pumping plants, reservoirs, canals, laterals, and drains, water from the Columbia River is lifted, stored, delivered, reused, and put to beneficial use. What was once arid ground today serves over 700,000 irrigated acres sustaining the production of potatoes, apples, wheat, corn, hay, grapes, livestock, and many other crops. It also supports processors, equipment dealers, truck drivers, local banks, schools, small businesses, and rural communities whose futures are tied to the land. Today, the Columbia Basin Project supports a diverse agricultural landscape that helps feed families across the country and around the world. So we honor the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District, its irrigators, its landowners, its employees, and the generations of Central Washington families who made this achievement possible. I congratulate the District on this historic accomplishment, and I took forward to the continued success of Central Washington agriculture for generations to come.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Moses Lake Police Officer Edgar Salazar for his public service and congratulate him on being named the 2026 Hometown Hero by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington. This well-deserved award is in recognition of Officer Salazar's heroic actions at the Gorge Amphitheater Campground in 2023, when he put his life on the line and helped to prevent a mass shooting. Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Salazar for the remarkable courage he displayed that day in saving dozens of lives and for his continued service to the Moses Lake community. He represents the best in law enforcement and we are all grateful for his service.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 139.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues Representative Michael Baumgartner and Representative Kim Schrier to join many in the Pacific Northwest community and Indian country to honor Mel Tonasket, a leader and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Mel is retiring this week after more than 55 years of service to his tribe, community, and country. After serving the Nation in the U.S. Navy, Mel worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for eight years before being elected in 1970 to the Colville Business Council, the governing body of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Mel would continue to serve on the Colville Business Council as a representative of the district serving Omak, Washington, at various times for the next 55 years, which concludes with his well- earned retirement. Mel helped lead the Colville Tribes and Indian country during one of the most consequential periods in modern tribal history. He was pall of the generation of Native leaders who sought to reverse the federal policy of termination and fought to preserve the rights and future of tribal communities. That work helped protect the sovereignty of the Colville Tribes and contributed to a broader movement that reshaped federal Indian policy. Mel's impact extended well beyond his reservation. From 1973 to 1976, he served for four years as President of the National Congress of American Indians, the largest and oldest national tribal organization in the United States. While President, he helped mobilize national support for landmark legislation, including the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Between breaks serving on the Colville Business Council, Mel worked for the Indian Health Service and retired from federal service as the CEO of the Colville Service Unit, which provides healthcare to citizens of the Colville Tribes. Over the course of his career, Mel served in numerous leadership roles and has represented Tribal governments in national and international forums. Through that leadership, he strengthened the voice of tribal nations at the national level and helped secure protections and opportunities that continue to benefit Native families and communities today. It is my honor to join the Colville Tribes, the people of Washington State, and all those throughout Indian Country in congratulating Mel Tonasket on this remarkable milestone. We wish Mel the best of luck in his retirement and hope he can create more memories in this next stage of his life.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2027 agricultural appropriations legislation as well as in support of farmers, ranchers, and producers across this Nation. As a third-generation farmer myself in central Washington, I know firsthand the challenges facing farm country as they produce the food, the fuel, and the fiber for consumers both here and around the globe. In this legislation we provide key support for international food aid, including the Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Progress programs, helping to lift developing nations out of poverty while providing export markets for our farmers right here at home. We continue critical investments in agricultural research, promotional efforts, loan programs for rural communities, and assistance for specialty crop producers. This legislation also ensures that the Secretary of Agriculture remain a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing our farmland, which is a matter of national security. As we find ourselves nearly $40 trillion in debt, we must rein in spending. We must get our fiscal house in order, and we must ensure taxpayer dollars are spent as efficiently as possible. Madam Chair, this bill does this. This is a good bill. I thank Chairman Harris and Chairman Cole, as well as Mr. Bishop and Ms. DeLauro and the entire committee staff for their work on making this important piece of legislation as good as it gets. Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of the esteemed elder, Davis Washines, known to many as ``Yellowash,'' of the Yakama Nation. Washines was a Yakama citizen who took on many roles in his community. He served as police chief, was a fierce advocate for fishing rights and the environment, and was chairman of the Yakama Nation Council. I had the honor of working with him throughout the years on issues, including Tribal rights and law enforcement, water resource management, and the protection of cultural and natural resources in Central Washington State. He will be sorely missed by the entire Yakama community, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and all those who knew him. My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the dedication and public service of Police Chief Ken Roske, who recently retired after nearly four decades with the Pasco Police Department. Ken has served in multiple roles in the department and always with honor and distinction. For decades, Ken's fingerprints have been on efforts to ensure officers' needs are met and the public trust remains strong. Some examples of his work include leading efforts to make Pasco accredited by both the State-level Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the international Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He was also a driving force behind the department's adoption of equipping officers with body cameras, and he brought a regional police academy to Pasco, opening opportunity for people to serve who normally would not be able to do so. I speak on behalf of the entire Pasco community in thanking Ken for his service, and I wish him the best going forward. I am fortunate and honored to be able to call him friend.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to talk on this very important bill. As everybody who knows me knows, I am a huge fan of hydropower. The Pacific Northwest boasts some of the most abundant form of low-cost, carbon-free renewable baseload power in the country, and I want to see other parts of the country be able to enjoy the same kind of benefits that we do in the Pacific Northwest from hydropower. That is why this legislation is so important. It will extend the deadline so that construction projects can commence because their licensing opportunities will be extended. Our country needs this hydropower. We need all forms of power, but this, in particular, is something that will help us provide a critical role in meeting the growing demand that we see throughout our country. As I said, this is baseload power. It is carbon-free. It is something that is important to everybody in the country to make sure that we are good stewards of our environment. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak in favor of an option that we have in front of us that potentially could provide 2.5 gigawatts more power in the near future, which will go a long ways in meeting the important demands that we have in our electrical future. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Julie and Juergen Grieb of Treveri Cellars for their recognition as ``influencers'' and ``trailblazers'' in Sip Magazine. It all began in 2008 when Juergen first suspected that central Washington and Yakima Valley grapes might make a delicious sparkling wine. Well, he put that theory to the test, and the wine was so good that when Julie tried it, she was blown away. That led them to working together to open Treveri Cellars, Washington's first sparkling winehouse. Today, Treveri is a highly respected, multigenerational, family-owned business that produces over 50,000 cases of sparkling wine a year. I congratulate Julie and Juergen again for this well-deserved outstanding recognition. Cheers to you both.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my outgoing communications director, Mr. Matt Reed. Matt has been on my staff for 2\1/2\ years. During that time, he has been a crucial member of my team. Matt has tremendous work ethic, an infectious sense of humor, and is a friend to everyone in the office. From late hours in the D.C. office to road trips throughout central Washington, Matt has been my megaphone across three Congresses, and we have enjoyed every minute of it. As Matt departs from the House for, I am sorry to say, the upper Chamber, I am confident that he will succeed in his new role and that he will have a bright future ahead of him.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. It is a testament to the hard work of the committee and subcommittee leadership on both sides of the aisle and the dedicated staff that spent an untold amount of time to make this process work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides to support this negotiated bill that provides the resources necessary to secure our borders, protect Americans here at home, and ensure we are being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the fiscal year 2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill is the culmination of the hard work of our committee and our staff and provides critical investments to protect the American homeland. As a member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I know that this bill champions public safety and preparedness. It protects taxpayer dollars and refocuses the Department on its core functions. With border encounters at a historic low, this legislation fully funds DHS and the effort to detain and remove violent, illegal immigrants from our communities. In central Washington, we know firsthand the important work done by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This bill increases FEMA grant programs by 5 percent above their previous levels and restores critical staffing positions lost under the fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution. It also delivers funds directly to communities across the country, including my own Yakima County, to establish a dedicated emergency operation center and ensure timely and well-coordinated emergency response efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard is fundamental in protecting our border and domestic security. This bill boosts funding for the Coast Guard and provides funding to counter China's footprint in the Indo-Pacific. Lastly, as a member of the Select Committee on the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, I am pleased to see this bill refocuses the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, or CISA, on its core cybersecurity mission and rightsizes the agency to preserve critical functions. This includes funding to counter threats from adversarial nations and ensure critical infrastructure systems are protected from these threats. Mr. Speaker, this Homeland Security bill is the last piece in completing 12 fiscally responsible, bipartisan spending bills. It is a testament to--

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Moore doing this Special Order this evening. It is truly an honor and a privilege for me to join my colleagues in honoring the life and the legacy of our good friend, Doug LaMalfa. Throughout my time in Congress, I worked hand in hand with Doug on the many issues that face the American West. He had a love for his work. He had an understanding as a fellow farmer in the value of the rural way of life, and he fought to protect all of those things. When I stepped down as chairman of the Western Caucus, Doug was the clear choice to take the gavel. He was elected unanimously to lead the caucus into its next chapter. Truly, Congress and the people of California's First Congressional District have lost a true advocate for the issues that we all face. Mr. Speaker, Doug was much more than a colleague. Doug was a dear friend. He had a kind soul and a sincere love for all of the people in his life, as you have heard this evening. While Doug may have towered over you, as you shook his big hand, you were never small in his eyes. He was humble, generous, a loyal friend, and liked by everyone he met. I am going to miss Doug's big grin, as he always greeted me as Lieutenant Dan. Joan and I are going to truly miss Doug. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jill, and their four kids during this incredibly difficult time. I thank and ask all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in honoring the great work that Doug accomplished over the years. May we preserve his legacy. May we be more like him, and may he rest in peace.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. For over 10 years, children in schools across our country have been deprived of the many benefits of whole milk, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans has reported that nearly 90 percent of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. This overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation brings common sense back to how we help the next generation stay healthy, putting vitamin D and calcium-rich whole milk in front of millions of children nationwide. However, Mr. Speaker, children are not the only ones who stand to benefit from this legislation. American dairy farmers produce and process some of the highest quality products in the world. With school milk accounting for more than 8 percent of fluid milk demand, this legislation allows our dairy farmers to have their products go right back into the communities from where they were produced. I thank my colleagues in both Chambers on both sides of the aisle for helping put this nutritious, high quality whole milk back into our schools and also for bringing back common sense into how we keep Americans healthy.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 313 and Roll Call No. 314. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 313 and YEA on Roll Call No. 314.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Cole for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, over 40 days after the Senate Democrats shut down the Federal Government, we are finally reopening. The result of the shutdown has been thousands of employee furloughs, major disruptions to our air travel, servicemembers going without pay, delayed food assistance for low-income individuals and families, and much, much more. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the responsibility of funding the Federal Government is one that I take very seriously, especially in light of our Nation's debt surpassing $38 trillion. The performative tactics that we have watched over the last 7 weeks have truly been a disservice to Americans. My friends across the aisle should never have put leverage or politics over those people who they represent. The most important thing right now is that we get back to work, making sure that the Federal Government can provide the essential services that people depend on and that Congress can continue working to pass full-year funding legislation, providing responsible Federal spending and funding those essential services. Mr. Speaker, we are making significant progress with the inclusion of these three appropriations bills, but our work is far from over. I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this deal, vote to end this unnecessary shutdown, and help us get back to the business of hardworking Americans across this country.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Washington Cattleman's Association on their 100th anniversary, an incredible milestone that ranchers in our State should be proud of. Since its inception in 1925, the Washington Cattleman's Association has been instrumental in promoting the agriculture and cattle industry in the State of Washington. They preserve, protect, and promote the beef industry through producer and consumer education, legislative advocacy, regulatory scrutiny, and legal intervention. Based in Ellensburg, Washington, the Washington Cattleman's Association has 1,500 members across the State. Their excellent leadership in Olympia and Washington D.C. has helped advance important legislation and cut red tape for ranchers in our State. Despite challenges facing ranchers and cattleman in the State, the Washington Cattleman's Association has been instrumental in establishing water, grazing, and local conservation efforts that has helped build our robust cattle industry here in Washington. Their exceptional work has helped so many ranchers, and on their 100th anniversary, I thank them for all they do for the State of Washington.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Dr. Steven Ashby on his retirement as Director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. Since 2015, Dr. Ashby's leadership at PNNL has driven scientific excellence and innovation, advancing the lab as a world leader in science, national security, and energy research and development. Dr. Ashby believes our biggest challenges cannot be solved alone, and his tenure reflected that belief. Having spent over a decade working to expand the lab's reach with new partnerships and opportunities, he transformed PNNL from a research lab to a world-class institution held in the highest regards throughout the scientific community. I also commemorate Dr. Ashby for his work on modernizing PNNL and equipping the lab for the future. Under his leadership, the campus became a hub for new and emerging technologies, including the Energy Sciences Center and the Grid Storage Launchpad, that will contribute to research and innovation for decades to come. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Ashby for his willingness to work with myself and members of the Washington Congressional Delegation. We built a strong relationship over the years and worked diligently to ensure PNNL had the resources needed to not only be successful but excel in their mission. I wish Dr. Ashby the very best in his retirement and thank him for his years of service.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, due to a previously scheduled medical procedure, I was unable to vote on Roll Call Nos. 265 and 266. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 265 and YEA on Roll Call No. 266.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, due to a previously scheduled medical procedure, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 263 and YEA on Roll Call No. 264.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for two reasons: to honor the crew members who served aboard the USS Triton (SSRN-586) submarine, and to commend the Port of Benton for commissioning a new commemorative wall honoring the Triton and her crew. Commissioned in 1959, the USS Triton holds a special place in the history of the U.S. Navy. Powered by two nuclear reactors, the Triton was the first submarine to complete a submerged circumnavigation of the globe. During the Cold War, the Triton was a vital part of the Navy's defense strategy as a leader in peace and security around the world. The members who served aboard her were at the forefront of this mission, often enduring long months of isolation and unpredictable conditions aboard the vessel. But their shared dedication and expertise led them to achieve one of the most groundbreaking missions in naval history. The USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park was formally dedicated in Richland, Washington, on November 10, 2011, to commemorate the submarine and her crew. Central Washington is proud to be home to this piece of our Nation's history, and I thank the Port of Benton for honoring the crew members and preserving their legacy.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier) for yielding. I thank all my friends and colleagues here in the Chamber of the House today. Mr. Speaker, as we all just heard, tragedy and sorrow fell on Wenatchee, Washington, this week with the loss of three beautiful young girls: Evelyn, Paityn, and Olivia Decker. I can't believe that many of us here can truly understand the pain that comes to loved ones living through something like this. I thank my colleagues because we are here to send our most sincere condolences to their family; to the community; and to the people of Wenatchee, Washington, as they all mourn this tremendous loss. Today, we join the outpouring of support. It is truly amazing what is happening and what we are seeing back home, as community members pay their respects to these three young ladies. We support law enforcement who have committed to employing any resource necessary to bring those responsible to justice for this tragedy.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, due to unanticipated personal reasons, I missed an important vote on H.R. 2240 and H.R. 2255. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 130, and YEA on Roll Call No. 131.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues from Washington state, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Michael Baumgartner, Emily Randall, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland, to recognize and commend the distinguished tenure of Dr. Kirk Schulz as President of Washington State University (WSU). Since 2016, President Schulz has guided WSU through a period of immense growth, advancing research, student success, and statewide partnerships. As he prepares for retirement, we honor his leadership and dedication to higher education in Washington State. Under President Schulz's tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students across our state have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington's congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives. Each of Washington's ten congressional districts has benefited from President Schulz's leadership, reinforcing WSU's role as an institution that serves all Washingtonians. I would like to highlight a few key impacts across the state. 1st District: WSU has built strong partnerships with the region's tech industry, working with companies in King and Snohomish counties to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, software development, and semiconductor manufacturing. These efforts ensure Washington remains at the forefront of technological advancement. 2nd District: WSU's agricultural extension programs in Northwest Washington have played a vital role in supporting farmers and sustaining fisheries in the region. WSU's Everett campus provides entrepreneurs critical business management skills and trains engineers for the world-class aerospace and high-tech industries in Northwest Washington. 3rd District: WSU Vancouver has expanded opportunities in STEM education, creating new pathways for students to enter high-demand fields like engineering and healthcare. By connecting with local industries and healthcare providers, WSU is strengthening Southwest Washington's workforce and economic outlook. 4th District: Home to some of the Nation's premier vineyards, Central Washington has benefited from WSU's viticulture and enology programs. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with winemakers, WSU has helped the region maintain its reputation as a world-class wine producer. 5th District: WSU's Pullman campus is a cornerstone of agricultural research, and the completion of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) building has only strengthened that legacy. The facility provides farmers and food producers with critical innovations in crop science and food security, supporting one of Washington's most essential industries. 6th District: WSU researchers have been at the forefront of sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts. Their work supports the health of Washington's forests, which are vital for the economy, outdoor recreation, and the environment, ensuring these natural resources are protected for future generations. 7th District: WSU's collaborations with Seattle-area institutions have led to major advancements in medical research, including breakthroughs in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering. These efforts not only push the boundaries of science but also create opportunities for students to engage in life-changing research. 8th District: With a focus on clean energy, WSU has led the way in developing innovative hydroelectric, wind, and solar power solutions. These advancements have benefited communities across the Cascades, helping Washington transition to a more sustainable energy future. 9th District: The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has provided new opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the medical profession. By expanding access to healthcare education, WSU is addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across Washington. 10th District: Military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord have benefited from WSU's extension programs, which provide educational support and workforce development opportunities. These initiatives ensure that service members and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed. Mr. Speaker, as President Schulz concludes his tenure, we recognize his transformative impact on Washington State University and our communities. His leadership has strengthened WSU's role as a center of innovation, education, and economic opportunity. I thank President Schulz for his years of service, and I look forward to seeing how WSU continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Mr. NEWHOUSE

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on roll call no. 84 and no. 85 due to unavoidable circumstances. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 84 and YEA on Roll Call No. 85. personal explanation