SUPPORTING NEW LEGISLATION TO PREVENT YOUTH FENTANYL OVERDOSES

Thursday was National Opioid Awareness Day, and I was honored to join my Oregon colleague Congresswoman Bonamici in support of a bill she is leading, the Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act. The bipartisan proposal will replicate local education programs that have successfully curbed student deaths from synthetic opioid overdose.

Social media and other online platforms have made it easier for dealers to sell dangerous counterfeit pills, which are often disguised to look like prescription drugs, to teenagers and young adults. With fentanyl being 100 times more potent than morphine, this has created a serious and deadly problem.

I’m honored to support the bipartisan FACTS Act to ensure students and teachers are aware of the danger posed by these fake pills. Learn more:

PRESSING BUTTIGIEG ON DOT’S TOLLING AUTHORITY

On Wednesday, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight hearing with Secretary Pete Buttigieg. I used this opportunity to question the secretary on the department’s ability to prevent state-led tolling proposals from moving forward on federal highways.

I specifically asked Secretary Buttigieg if the department could deny tolling proposals from moving forward if it is determined the project was carried out without thorough consideration or public input.

Learn more about the hearing by visiting my website or click below to watch my full exchange:

ADVOCATING FOR MY BIPARTISAN HOMELESSNESS BILL

Earlier this week, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a “Member Day,” which is an opportunity for representatives who aren’t members of the committee to highlight their priorities. Since my new homelessness bill, the DIRECT Care for the Homeless Act, was referred to this committee, I took the opportunity to speak in support of the bill.

I was pleased to hear positive feedback and look forward to working with my colleagues to build a strong coalition of support for my bill. You can watch my full remarks here:

WORKING TO PREVENT A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

As you may know, funding for the current fiscal year will run out on September 30, and the White House, Senate, and House still haven’t reached an agreement on a budget for the upcoming fiscal year beginning October 1.

I want you to know that I’m doing everything I can to prevent a government shutdown.

I came to Washington, D.C. to do good work for Oregon, like address homelessness, fight the fentanyl crisis, and expand access to affordable child care. I'm frustrated that the current gridlock makes it harder to get these things done. We must come together for the American people.

PRESSING FEMA ON DELAY IN WILDFIRE RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

It was a busy week for committee meetings – I also participated in an Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee hearing with FEMA’s administrator on Tuesday.

The Detroit community has been forced to keep submitting an application for assistance from the Labor Day wildfires, which happened three years ago, due to high staff turnover at FEMA. This is unacceptable.

I'm glad Administrator Criswell agreed to look into the matter personally during the hearing. Watch:

REMINDER: TELE-TOWN HALL THIS COMING TUESDAY

I’m holding my next tele-town hall this Tuesday, September 26 at 5:30! Dial in to the number below to hear about my work to address homelessness, expand access to affordable child care, and much more. I will also have poll questions for the audience, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of your own. I hope you will consider participating!

CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT – VETERANS AFFAIRS

Providing excellent constituent service is a top priority for my office, but you don't have to take my word for it – just listen to Richard! We were able to help him get much-needed VA medical records. Need assistance with a federal agency? Let us help!

➡️ https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

ONE MORE THING!

I loved having the opportunity to greet veterans with the Honor Flight of Central Oregon alongside Congressman Bentz earlier this week! Hearing veterans’ stories from their heroic service is always humbling. It's an honor to serve those who so selflessly served us 🇺🇸

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,