BACKING WILDFIRE PROPOSALS TO HELP OREGONIANS RECOVER, EQUIP FIREFIGHTERS

During my first six months in office, I’ve made it a top priority to support bipartisan legislation that would help Oregonians rebuild and recover as well as support firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

We must ensure they have the resources needed to get these wildfires under control and prevent them from getting out of hand in the first place. As a member of the Forestry Subcommittee, I’ll continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the wildfire crisis that has had a devastating impact on Oregon and much of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about the bills that I’m backing by visiting my website:

URGING STATE DEPARTMENT TO ADDRESS PASSPORT BACKLOG

This week, I joined all of my colleagues in the Oregon delegation to urge the State Department to continue working to address the passport backlog for Oregonians by driving down wait times, increasing communication with Oregonian applicants, and informing Congress of any additional resources the department needs.

Over the last year, passport requests have increased by 30 to 40 percent, with routine processing times increasing to 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing times increasing to seven to nine weeks. Oregonians who are applying or renewing a passport prior to international travel should keep the following in mind:

- Demand for post-pandemic travel has resulted in a surge of passport applications, leading to a passport application backlog.

- Passport applications should be submitted BEFORE an international trip is booked.

- Applicants should visit the U.S. State Department’s website to apply for a passport application at: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html.

- Applicants should ensure their application is accurate and make sure paperwork and forms are complete.

- Routine processing time for passport applications right now is 10 to 13 weeks.

- Expedited processing time for passport applications is currently seven to nine weeks.

- Applicants can check the status of their passport at: passportstatus.state.gov.

If you have a casework request relating to passports, visit my website by clicking HERE.

SUPPORTING APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS

Apprenticeships play a critical role in ensuring the U.S. remains economically competitive. During last week’s Education and the Workforce Committee hearing on transitioning to a skills-based economy, I discussed Oregon’s top-tier apprenticeship system and how states must remove barriers to ensure apprenticeship programs can meet the needs of today’s economy.

I was proud to recently help introduce the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2023 to create thousands of new apprenticeship opportunities, and I’ll continue working to find new ways we can build programs that set students and workers up for success.

Watch:

MEETING WITH ALBANY CHAMBER

I enjoyed speaking and answering good questions during the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s June membership forum on Wednesday! Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and our chambers are vitally important to helping these local businesses grow and thrive. In Congress, I’m working to reduce burdensome regulations, lower input costs, and take other necessary action to empower small business owners. Thank you to the Albany chamber for asking me to be a part of your meeting!

HONORING VETERANS AT THE POW-MIA HIGHWAY 26 MEMORIAL RIDE

My team recently attended a stop along the POW-MIA Highway 26 Memorial Ride held by Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association. I was humbled to have been recognized by Sublimity Mayor James Kingsbury for working to support veterans – it's an honor to serve those who have served us!

LEARNING MORE ABOUT OREGON’S SPECIALTY CROP INDUSTRY

📍 Linn County, Oregon is considered the Grass Seed Capital of the World!

After our Farm Bill listening session earlier this month, my Agriculture Committee colleagues and I visited a local farm to learn more about specialty crop production, including grass seed and hazelnuts.

One of my top priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill is to support Oregon’s specialty crop growers by expanding the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program. Both of these trade initiatives help ensure our farmers have access to a level playing field in foreign and domestic markets.

ONE MORE THING!

As we celebrate our freedoms and liberties this Independence Day, we also reflect on the sacrifices that have made this day possible. I’m proud to be an American and am grateful to serve my country and Oregonians in Congress.

From my family to yours, have a safe and happy Independence Day!

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,