Protecting salmon by controlling predators
Last week I introduced a bipartisan bill with U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) to help protect the salmon, steelhead, and other endangered native fish species so vital to the culture, recreation, and economy of our region.
The Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act enables trained members of tribal communities and government fish managers to remove California sea lions that pose a threat to the Columbia River's endangered fish population.
Breaking down health care barriers for the kids who need it most
I also joined my colleagues recently to reintroduce the ACE Kids Act, a bill we are pursuing to help medically-complex kids of families on Medicaid get the access to 21st century health care, regardless of their zip code.
We continue to build bipartisan support in both the U.S. House and Senate for this bill that will allow these young patients to get care at a network of children's hospitals that spans across states. By increasing efficiencies, this bill will actually save taxpayer dollars.
It's my hope that the ACE Kids Act is just a starting point for expanding access to kids of struggling families. I intend to build on the reforms in the ACE Kids Act to allow pregnant mothers covered by Medicaid to get specialized medical treatment for complex pregnancies, even if that means crossing state lines when they can't access appropriate care in their home state. This will give these children the best possible chance of making it to and thriving after birth.
Changing laws to work for victims, put an end to human trafficking
Human trafficking is the world's fastest growing form of organized crime, and it is happening right here in Southwest Washington. Last week, I joined a strong majority within the U.S. House of Representatives to pass 12 bills aimed at ending this terrible epidemic.
Among other things, the package of bills aims to crackdown on websites that are consciously advertising sex with minors. One bill in particular would give courts the means to prosecute individuals who participate in sex trafficking on online marketplaces, including Backpage.com.