INTRODUCING THE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PAYCHECK PROTECTION ACT

As dangerous wildfires burn in Oregon and other parts of the country, we are reminded of the sacrifice that firefighters make – bravely running towards danger to keep our communities safe. It’s our responsibility to ensure firefighters are compensated appropriately.

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act is much-needed bipartisan legislation that will ensure our brave federal firefighters continue to receive the pay they deserve. Specifically, it seeks to bolster firefighter recruitment, retention, and wellbeing by preserving a pay raise established in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.

I'll continue advocating for several proposals that seek to help Oregonians recover from wildfires and ensure firefighters are properly supported and equipped. Learn more:

EXPANDING ACCESS TO AG CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Farmers are the best stewards of their land, and many would greatly benefit from reduced barriers to participation in conservation programs. Current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations disproportionately limit producers with high input costs from participating in certain U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation-focused programs. Those limitations have not kept pace with inflation.

That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the GATES Act, which would help our farmers put food on America’s tables while also keeping our soil and water clean and healthy.

Learn more:

URGING LABOR DEPARTMENT TO EXPAND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS

I recently joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues on the Building Trades Caucus in urging the Department of Labor to take commonsense actions to support registered apprenticeship programs.

Bolstering America’s National Apprenticeship System will be key to ensuring that apprenticeship programs are able to meet the needs of the workforce necessary to build America’s infrastructure with high-skilled workers. Making critical updates, such as the ones outlined in our letter, will help to ensure we are expanding career pathways for in-demand infrastructure jobs while helping workers develop the skills necessary to fulfill the jobs created by federal infrastructure investments.

Read our full letter by clicking HERE or below:

CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMPLETES KEY EXPANSION PROJECT

My team recently visited Clackamas Community College to celebrate the completion of several bond projects, which included improvements that will further enhance the excellent technical programs they offer. I'm excited for the community and for everyone who worked hard to make this happen!

ONE MORE THING!

Thank you to our interns in the Redmond office for all of your hard work on behalf of the 5th District! My office has internship opportunities in our two district offices and our Washington, D.C. office. The fall deadline has already passed, but students interested in future opportunities can learn more about requirements here: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/services/internships

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,