Dear friends and neighbors, 

I’m grateful to connect with you again through this newsletter to share important updates from across our region and state. This edition covers some exciting developments—from groundbreaking clean energy innovation and cross-border collaboration at the PNWER Annual Summit to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations right here in our community. 

At the same time, I want to address serious challenges we face, including harmful federal budget cuts that threaten our health care, emergency preparedness, and the wellbeing of Washington families. As your representative, I’m committed to both celebrating our progress and standing strong against policies that put our future at risk. 

Thank you for staying engaged and informed — together, we’ll keep working to build a resilient, equitable Washington. 

Last week, I had the honor of helping host the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER.org) Annual Summit right here in Bellevue. We welcomed leaders from across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada for several days of collaboration on issues that affect all of us—trade, energy, infrastructure, climate, and more. 

As PNWER President and Co-Chair, it was deeply meaningful for me to see over 600 participants come together, representing public officials, business leaders, universities, and tribal and First Nations partners. The theme this year, “Building a Resilient Future through Regional Collaboration, Innovation, and Trade,” reflects exactly why this Summit matters. 

Some highlights from the week: 

• We discussed the importance of U.S.–Canada trade ties, especially as global markets continue to shift. 

• We explored preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring games to both Vancouver and Seattle—a great opportunity to strengthen cross‑border tourism, transportation, and emergency planning. 

• We spotlighted clean‑energy innovation, from hydrogen supply chains to advanced fusion research like what I saw at Zap Energy in Everett. 

• Above all, we reaffirmed PNWER’s role as a trusted, nonpartisan forum where our region can come together to solve shared challenges. 

I also had the chance to speak with CBC Radio’s The Early Edition about the importance of protecting and growing our regional economic partnerships. If you’d like to listen, you can find the interview here: CBC Interview . 

This Summit wasn’t just about conversation—it was about action. I’m so proud that Washington was able to host, and I look forward to carrying these ideas forward as we continue building a strong and resilient future for our region.  

One of the best parts of the interim is getting out into our communities for site tours and hands-on learning. This week, I had the opportunity to join a fascinating tour of Zap Energy as part of the PNWER Annual Summit. 

Zap Energy is working on cutting-edge nuclear fusion technology, and I was truly impressed by the innovation I saw. I told the team it felt a bit like being in a test kitchen — when the recipe doesn’t come out quite right, you learn from it. Their willingness to experiment, adapt, and keep pushing forward is inspiring. 

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire Zap team for their hospitality and dedication. Looking forward to continuing the conversation and exploring how this exciting technology can play a role in Washington’s future energy leadership! 

Last week I had the privilege of joining community leaders in Shoreline to help kick off celebrations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. As Chair of the House committee that oversees state parks, economic development, and tourism, I’ve been closely involved in preparing our region for this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity. 

Tourism is Washington’s 5th largest economic sector, supporting jobs, tax revenue, and recreation. That’s why the Legislature has made major capital investments in local practice facilities and Lumen Field to help ensure we’re ready for the global stage. 

With six matches scheduled for Lumen Field and seven at BC Place in Vancouver, B.C., the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) has formed a Regional Tourism Council so that communities across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada can share in the benefits. Our goal is to create a “Two Nation Vacation” experience for the hundreds of thousands of fans who will visit. 

Planning is already underway to improve border crossings, train service between Seattle and Vancouver, transportation infrastructure, and public safety coordination. 

These matches will also coincide with our country’s 250th Independence Day, a chance to celebrate our shared history while building a stronger, more connected future. 

At the kickoff event, I encouraged us all to look ahead to the next 50 years with hope, intentionality, and a commitment to preserving our democracy for generations to come. 

I want to take a moment to talk about the recently passed Republican Budget Spending Bill, what many of us are calling the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Despite its name, there is nothing beautiful about it. 

This legislation strips away hundreds of billions of dollars from health care, food assistance, clean energy, housing, education, and emergency preparedness — all to give massive tax cuts to the wealthiest individuals and corporations. It is, in truth, one of the largest redistributions of wealth in our nation’s history, and the impacts on Washington families will be devastating. 

As your Representative, I am especially alarmed by the cuts to emergency preparedness and disaster response funding. Washington is no stranger to natural disasters — from wildfires and floods to earthquakes and severe storms. These cuts will make our disasters more extensive, more expensive, and more deadly: 

• With less federal support for emergency planning and response, our communities will face longer recovery times and greater economic loss. 

• Local governments and first responders will be forced to shoulder more costs without the resources they need to keep families safe. 

• Critical preparedness efforts — from wildfire mitigation to earthquake retrofitting — will be delayed or abandoned, leaving us more vulnerable when disaster strikes. 

We know that every dollar spent on preparedness saves multiple dollars in disaster recovery. Slashing these funds is not only cruel, it is fiscally irresponsible. 

I want you to know that your Democratic leaders at the state level are not standing by. Working alongside Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown, we are exploring every legal and legislative tool available to push back against this reckless agenda. We are also coordinating with local governments, nonprofits, and first responders to determine where we can backfill critical funding to protect Washingtonians in the short term. 

But we also need your voices. These cuts will touch every corner of our state — whether it’s your health care costs going up, fewer providers in your community, or less funding for disaster preparedness in your county. Please share your story with my office, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to make your voice heard. 

This fight is far from over. I am committed to defending Washington’s values and our future — and together, we will push back against this dangerous and short-sighted bill. 

As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges before us, I want you to know that your voice matters deeply. Whether it’s innovation, economic development, or defending critical services, I’m here to listen, advocate, and fight for our community. 

Please reach out anytime with your questions, concerns, or stories — and stay connected through upcoming events and updates. I am honored to serve as your representative, and I’m confident that, united, we can create a stronger, safer, and more vibrant future for all Washingtonians. 

With gratitude and determination,