INTRODUCING THE CHOICE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT

This week, I joined Congressman Cleaver to introduce the Choice in Affordable Housing Act. Our bipartisan proposal seeks to remove burdensome bureaucratic regulations from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) and incentivizes greater landlord participation by allowing higher numbers of vouchers to be used across more neighborhoods.

Oregon’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis demand bipartisan solutions. By making much-needed improvements to the HCV program, including using more targeted data to determine rent standards and reducing bureaucratic delays, our Choice and Affordable Housing Act would help low-income families access safe housing at an affordable price. I look forward to working on getting this bipartisan bill across the finish line to expand opportunity for families in Oregon and across the country.

Learn more about the Choice in Affordable Housing Act by visiting my website:

SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES

Another bipartisan bill I’m leading to increase access to affordable health care for small businesses passed the Committee on Education and the Workforce this week!

Currently, some pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and third party administrators (TPAs) are using loopholes to circumvent current law and withhold important information. My proposal, the Health DATA Act, seeks to close loopholes by improving transparency in the health insurance marketplace – streamlining employers’ ability to compare plans and provide their workers with high quality and affordable health benefits.

Small business owners have enough on their plate – they shouldn’t have to play games with PBMs and TPAs to fully understand the cost of the health plans they’re offering employees. Learn more about the Health DATA Act:

WELCOMING OREGONIANS TO OUR NATION’S CAPITAL

It was another busy week meeting with Oregonians visiting DC!

Earlier this year, I helped secure $1.6 million in funding for the construction of a permanent control tower at the Bend Municipal Airport. I met with airport manager Tracy Williams this afternoon to discuss my ongoing efforts to secure the rest of the needed funding through the annual appropriations process.

I also enjoyed welcoming Oregon dairy farmers to the Capitol on Thursday! All farmers are feeling the squeeze right now, and dairy is no exception. That’s why I’m supporting the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which puts our dairy farmers and children first.

I always enjoy meeting small business entrepreneurs — and this week, I spoke to Oregonians with Cerakote, a Medford-based company that produces ceramic coatings for vehicles, drones, and even satellites. Their product is now sold in over 4,000 Walmarts nationwide!

MEETING WITH FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ON OREGON’S TOLLING PROPOSAL

On Tuesday, I had a call yesterday with the administrator of the Federal Highway Administration to discuss my concerns that Oregon's tolling proposal on I-205 and I-5 may be out of compliance with federal law.

I made it clear that tolling should NOT move forward, since we still don’t fully understand the impact it will have on our communities. I look forward to keeping the conversation going and will continue working to pump the brakes on this proposal.

You can read the letter I sent to the administrator last month by clicking HERE.

INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT NURSES, CAREGIVERS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS

This week, I helped introduce the Reignite Hope Act, which seeks to increase the number of public safety officers, nurses, and caregivers employed in low-income areas and provide much-needed financial stability for families.

Specifically, the legislation targets Opportunity Zones, which are identified economically distressed communities, and establishes a tax credit for employees in critical industries. I was proud to champion Opportunity Zones when I served as mayor, and the Reignite Hope Act will encourage the recruitment of nurses, public safety officers, and caregivers needed to help these communities thrive.

Learn more about the Reignite Hope Act by visiting my website:

PASSING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT TO PROTECT OUR NATION'S NATIONAL SECURITY

One of the most important responsibilities of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. While this extensive bill isn’t perfect, it accomplishes several key objectives that are essential to protecting our national security and promoting peace and stability around the world. It includes funding that will directly benefit Oregon service members and help thwart the deadly fentanyl crisis that continues killing young Oregonians. Our state and our nation will be stronger and safer with the passage of this critical legislation, and that's why I was proud to support it.

The NDAA includes the largest pay increase for service members in over two decades, $71.5 million for the construction of an Air National Guard special tactics complex at the Portland International Airport, and much more. Read more highlights by visiting my website:

ONE MORE THING!

I was honored to play in the annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game this week! We raised over half a million dollars for a charity benefiting young women with breast cancer. While the members’ team ultimately lost to the press team 15-9, I was proud to hit home the first two runs for my team. Thank you 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,