INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ANALYZE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

I joined several of my colleagues this week to introduce the Jobs of the Future Act. Our bipartisan proposal would authorize the Department of Labor and the National Science Foundation to work with private and public stakeholders to create a report analyzing the future growth of artificial intelligence and its impact on U.S. workers.

Specifically, the study would analyze industries and occupations projected to have the most growth in AI use, and whether the technology is likely to result in the enhancement of workers’ capabilities or their replacement; opportunities for various stakeholders to influence the impact of AI on workers across various industries; and which workforce demographics currently stand to be most affected by the proliferation of AI.

With artificial intelligence quickly becoming more popular and powerful, we need to prepare for the consequences in a timely manner – and that includes analyzing the impact AI will have on our workforce. I urge my colleagues to support conducting this study so workers, businesses, and communities can prepare sooner rather than later.

Learn more about the Jobs of the Future Act by visiting my website:

HELPING LEAD THE BIPARTISAN FARM WORKFORCE SUPPORT ACT

During my Farm Bill listening sessions and in my conversations with farmers and ranchers, I’ve frequently heard that labor shortages are making it difficult for these businesses to operate efficiently. We must ensure the H-2A visa program is effective for both the workers and employers who produce the food needed to feed the world. That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan Farm Workforce Support Act, which will help my colleagues and I better understand the program’s deficiencies so we can take a more targeted approach to reform.

Our bill would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze deficiencies of the H-2A visa program and provide a report to Congress – beginning to pave the way for H-2A visa reform that works for Oregon farmers and ranchers. Learn more:

JOINING THE AGRICULTURAL LABOR WORKING GROUP

I’m also honored to be a part of the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group, which was recently launched by the Agriculture Committee. This bipartisan group will focus on workforce issues facing the nation's agricultural producers.

The working group will seek input from stakeholders, employers, and workers, particularly emphasizing the H-2A visa program for nonimmigrant agricultural workers; produce an interim report detailing the program's shortcomings and the impacts on food security; and file a final report with recommendations to address the flaws within the program. The final report of the working group will provide potential solutions that can inform and be utilized in subsequent legislative efforts.

Learn more about the working group from the Agriculture Committee by clicking HERE.

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS IN DESCHUTES COUNTY

It was great to be back in Deschutes County last week to visit and meet with employees at Bright Wood in Redmond, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, and Deschutes River Dialysis Center. Thanks for having me!

2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

I’m excited to announce that the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is now open to middle and high school students across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District! This is a nationwide competition that encourages students to learn to code and gives them hands-on experience in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of skill level or experience.

Students can register online HERE. The deadline to submit an app is November 1, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

The winning app for the 5th District will be announced in the month of December and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ official website. Additionally, winning teams are invited to Capitol Hill every spring to demonstrate their apps, meet their representatives, and connect with other coders from around the country at a celebration called House of Code.

Learn more by visiting the App Challenge page on my website.

ONE MORE THING!

I'm looking forward to playing in my first Congressional Women’s Softball Game this coming Wednesday! The game benefits the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a nonprofit dedicated to the critical issues unique to young people diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition to raising funds, the game also raises awareness about the prevalence of breast cancer in young people and the importance of screening.

Learn more about the game and YSC here.

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,