JOINING A BIPARTISAN CAUCUS FOCUSED ON ADDICTION, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY POLICY

This week, I was honored to join the bipartisan Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus as a vice co-chair. Composed of more than 50 members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, this caucus is dedicated to education and raising awareness among lawmakers about addiction – including through a strong focus on expanding access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

At a time when overdose deaths and substance use disorders are on the rise, Oregon unfortunately ranks almost last in access to addiction treatment. This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue – this is a public health emergency that rises above politics.

That’s why the work of the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus is so important. Together, we will continue working towards pragmatic policies that help prevent and treat addiction.

Learn more:

NEW COLUMN: EXPANDING STREET MEDICINE TO ADDRESS THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

One of the worst failures of Measure 110 has been its ability to support the treatment of individuals suffering from addiction. Since the measure weakened law enforcement’s ability to penalize the trafficking, possession, and use of addictive illicit drugs, substance abuse has exploded. But unfortunately, Oregon continues to rank near the bottom nationally in addiction treatment.

While I agree with the majority of Oregonians who support a complete repeal of Measure 110, it’s clear we need to take action now to mitigate the fallout – particularly as it relates to the homelessness crisis. Federal data shows Oregon’s homeless population is growing at one of the fastest rates in the nation, as the crisis also continues to rise across the United States at a record-setting rate.

Too many people have fallen victim to a vicious cycle of substance abuse, mental illness, and poverty. Last year, approximately one in three homeless individuals in Oregon had either a substance abuse or mental health disorder. Despite making it easier to access and use dangerous drugs, the state has failed to follow through on providing adequate, accessible health care services to treat some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

While I recognize the importance of expanding affordable housing as one way to tackle the homelessness crisis, I believe this other critical component – treating addiction and mental illness – has been largely ignored for too long. As I explored ways to tackle this part of the crisis, my team and I began partnering with community organizations and street medicine professionals to write new legislation.

Read my full column in the Portland Tribune or by visiting my website HERE.

PREVENTING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND MY THOUGHTS ON THE NEXT SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Last Saturday, the House and Senate successfully came together in a bipartisan manner to fund the government for 45 days – temporarily avoiding a government shutdown. The hope was that passing this stopgap measure would give us more time to consider long-term spending bills that fight inflation, secure the border, and support farmers and ranchers.

Unfortunately, a wrench was thrown into that plan this week, when four percent of Republicans voted with all House Democrats to kick out the speaker – effectively paralyzing the House.

This situation is a very disappointing distraction from the important business we have at hand. In addition to funding the government, we need to pass a Farm Bill, the FAA reauthorization package, and much more. It also puts my priorities for Oregon – like addressing homelessness, tolling, and fentanyl – on hold.

Over the next several days, I’ll continue having conversations with my colleagues about my expectations for the next Speaker of the House. None of us want this to drag out like it did in January – we must get back to governing for Oregonians and the American people.

FIGHTING THE FENTANYL CRISIS

Local, state, and federal leaders need to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure parents, students, and educators are aware of the dangers of fentanyl. I recently spoke with West Linn Tidings about the efforts I’m supporting in Congress to tackle this crisis, including the bipartisan Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools (FACTS) Act.

Read the full article HERE.

ONE MORE THING!

I had another opportunity to preside over the House this week, which is always a humbling experience. It's an honor to be here fighting for the 5th District 🇺🇸

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,