INTRODUCING NEW LEGISLATION TO CARE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

I signed a new bill to be introduced this week, the HOME Act, which would help homeless veterans access needed shelter, care, necessities, and other resources. Specifically, it boosts funding for organizations that partner with the VA to provide transitional housing to homeless veterans and creates new assistance to help them purchase food, clothing, and other necessities.

According to the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 1,400 Oregon veterans are homeless on any given night. Our veterans have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and liberties we peacefully enjoy every day. It's our duty to ensure all of them are well cared for, and I’m glad to have the support of the House Veterans’ Committee Chairman. Learn more about the HOME Act by clicking HERE or on the picture below:

ADDRESSING THE LACK OF ACCESSIBLE CHILD CARE IN RURAL OREGON

This week, I also joined several of my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act. During the two Farm Bill listening sessions I’ve held with Oregon farmers and ranchers, they’ve raised concerns about a lack of access to child care. I brought this problem to Secretary Vilsack’s attention when he was in front of the Agriculture Committee, but it’s clear Congress needs to take proactive steps to help these parents.

That’s why I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation, which would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help parents in rural areas find accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for their children. Learn more by visiting my website:

RECAPPING LAST WEEK’S FARM BILL LISTENING SESSION

Last Friday, I was honored to host the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman GT Thompson from Pennsylvania, along with several of my colleagues on the committee, for a historic Farm Bill Listening Session in Albany.

Over 150 people attended, and we heard from over 50 Oregon farmers, ranchers, and foresters – ranging from 4th-generation to new and beginning farmers – about their priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill. Their priorities included support for specialty crop producers, wildfire disaster relief, precision agriculture, crop insurance, concerns regarding pesticide regulations, and much more. I look forward to bringing this valuable feedback with me to the policymaking tables in D.C. as we begin crafting the 2023 Farm Bill.

Thank you to everyone who attended. If you were interested but unable to attend, there is still time to submit your feedback by clicking HERE.

Read more about the listening session in this article from Capital Press.

UPDATES FROM THIS WEEK’S TELE-TOWN HALL

Thank you to the thousands of Oregonians who joined my tele-town hall Tuesday evening! I was able to provide an update on my efforts to tackle homelessness, the fentanyl crisis, and our national debt. I also answered over a dozen great questions, including on homelessness, tolling, fentanyl, bipartisanship, the Farm Bill, and much more.

During the call, I asked three poll questions and promised to put the results in today’s newsletter. The results are below – from top to bottom, the questions were:

What town hall format is easier and more convenient for you – telephone town halls or in person town halls?
Are you concerned about homelessness in Oregon?
Do you think enough is being done to tackle the fentanyl crisis?

I appreciate everyone who joined the conversation Tuesday. As you can see, we received a lot of positive feedback, so I look forward to holding more of these calls in the future!

UPDATING MAYORS IN THE 5TH DISTRICT

I also held a congressional update call with mayors across the district this week. As a former mayor, I will always keep an open line of communication with local leaders so I can be a strong partner at the federal level.

Serving as your voice in Congress is a responsibility I take very seriously. I’ll continue honoring my commitment to remain accessible to the Oregonians I represent. Please keep in touch – always feel free to send me your questions, concerns, or ideas: Chavez-DeRemer.House.Gov/Contact

ONE MORE THING!

Tuesday was D-Day, a time for us to remember and honor the service of the Greatest Generation. The heroes who bravely fought on D-Day paved the way for a more peaceful world. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice. 🇺🇸

Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter. It's an honor to be your voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to get in touch by calling (202) 225-5711 or by visiting my website at chavez-deremer.house.gov.

Sincerely,