MY BILL AUTHORIZING PORTLAND VA FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS HEADS TO PRESIDENT’S DESK

On Tuesday, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act – a bipartisan bill I was honored to lead in the House with my colleague from Oregon, Congresswoman Bonamici. This legislation authorizes several VA construction projects, including for Portland VA Medical Center to build a new specialty care facility and make other site upgrades to improve accessibility and safety.

The bill will ensure VA medical facilities across the country are able to provide more accessible, high-quality care to our veterans, including in the Portland area. It passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support, and now it heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Learn more about the Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act by visiting my website HERE.

SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

I spoke on the House floor in support of the Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense (CHOICE) Arrangement Act, which passed the House this week. The proposal seeks to expand options, increase flexibility, and improve affordability of small business health care coverage. This legislation will also reduce administrative burdens and empower small employers to provide the type of health care coverage that works best for their employees.

As a small business owner myself, I know that small businesses are being hamstrung by soaring health care costs. In Deschutes County, the average small business premium for a family has increased by 111% from 2014-2022. We can fix this by providing them with more flexibility. Watch my full remarks:

QUESTIONING WITNESSES AT HEARING ON TRANSPARENCY IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY

The prescription drug industry's middlemen, known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), currently operate with little transparency – helping them increase profits while driving up costs for patients.

During a hearing held this week by the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, I asked about ways to improve transparency and competition in the industry to ultimately help bring down the cost of prescription medications. Watch:

WELCOMING OUR CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNER TO D.C.

I loved having the opportunity to meet our 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner, Bailee Moore, who was in D.C. this week for the awards ceremony along with her mom Heather and grandma Cathie. Thank you for participating and congratulations once again on making the 5th District proud! Her artwork, “The Weight of Our Withers,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

VISITING KWS SEEDS; SPEAKING AT COCC’S COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

When I was in Oregon last weekend in between session weeks, I visited KWS Seeds in Tangent to learn more about the complicated process behind producing and processing high-quality sugar beet seeds. 80% of our nation's sugar beet seeds come from the Willamette Valley!

We also discussed their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, including efficient and science-based approval criteria.

Additionally, I had the honor of speaking at Central Oregon Community College’s commencement ceremony. My message to graduates was simple: If you work hard, and if you never stop learning, never stop growing, never stop dreaming – you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Congratulations graduates, and best of luck on your future endeavors!

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS IN D.C.

This week back in Washington, I enjoyed catching up with my friend Promise King, founder and executive director of the Oregon League of Minority Voters. As a former board member, I'm proud to continue supporting the league's mission by serving as a voice for people of all backgrounds.

One of my favorite parts of the job is meeting students who are visiting! I met with Oregon high schoolers who were chosen to visit our nation's capital this week as part of NRECA's annual Youth Tour, which brings together students from across the country. Congratulations and thank you for stopping by my office!

ONE MORE THING!

As a co-founder of the bipartisan Congressional Sneaker Caucus, I joined Congressman Jared Moskowitz to hold the first-ever Sneaker Day on the Hill. It was a fun way to bring members of Congress and staff together from both parties to discuss our shared love for sneakers, and we awardarded the top five best sneakers on the Hill. Thanks to everyone who participated!

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,