WORKING TO BRING MORE TRANSPARENCY TO ODOT’S PROCESS TO IMPOSE TOLLING

Earlier this week, I wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg, urging him to review several key problems with the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) process for imposing tolling. My letter outlined several areas of concern shared by local officials and residents, including the flawed environmental assessment, uncertainty surrounding the department’s plans for tolling, the department’s failure to conduct sufficient public outreach, and concerns that dozens of local infrastructure projects would be adversely impacted if tolling goes through.

Learn more by visiting my website HERE or click HERE to read the full letter.

Additionally, ODOT Director Kris Strickler testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee on Wednesday. This entire process has severely lacked transparency, so I appreciated having the opportunity to question the director on ODOT’s flawed process and future plans. I’ll continue doing my part to put a stop to this plan. Watch our exchange:

INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO PREVENT FENTANYL OVERDOSES IN OUR SCHOOLS

Fentanyl continues to pose a serious threat to our children and young adults. Since they spend a lot of time in the classroom, it’s the responsibility of local, state, and federal leaders to ensure schools have the resources needed to educate students on the dangers of these illicit drugs.

This week, I was honored to help introduce the bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act. It would provide schools with the resources needed to educate students on the dangers posed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.

To be clear, we must also do more to stop fentanyl from making its way into our communities in the first place. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized more than 24,109 pounds of fentanyl this fiscal year — enough to kill 5.4 billion people. As a member of the Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels, I’m working to prevent drug smuggling. Additionally, I’ve supported several bills that have passed the House, including the HALT Fentanyl Act, to supply law enforcement with the tools needed to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets.

Learn more about the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act by clicking below:

APPROVAL OF KEY ENERGY PROJECT WILL LOWER UTILITY BILLS FOR OREGONIANS

Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a certificate that will allow the Gas Transmission Northwest XPress Project (GTNXP) to move forward. This project was finally given a green light after I led a bicameral group of my colleagues earlier this month in urging FERC to act without delay.

GTNXP will support domestic energy production, which boosts our energy security while also helping lower utility bills for Oregon families. Additionally, utilizing natural gas will continue to be important as we work to meet carbon reduction goals. Although it’s overdue, this decision will improve America’s energy independence, lower costs for families, and help maintain a cleaner environment.

Learn more:

MY THOUGHTS REGARDING THE ONGOING PROCESS TO SELECT THE NEXT SPEAKER

Over the last several days, I’ve heard from a lot of you regarding the ongoing debate to select the next Speaker of the House. Even though we might not agree, I want to let you know where I stand.

Aided and abetted by every single House Democrat, just eight members of the Republican Conference chose to punish Speaker McCarthy for working in a bipartisan manner to avoid a debt default and a government shutdown. Some members then deployed similar hardline tactics to deprive Steve Scalise of the speakership. Then, allies of Jim Jordan resorted to threats against anyone who refused to back him. It's clear that the Republican Conference is still divided, and I was deeply concerned that the chaos of the last few weeks would only continue if Congressman Jordan becomes speaker.

Throughout this unprecedented process, my focus has been on working for the people of Oregon. Constituents don't want to see nonstop chaos coming out of D.C. Until we can find clear consensus among the Republican Conference, it's time to give expanded authority to Speaker Pro Tempore McHenry so the House can resume governing.

We must refocus on what really matters and get back to work. Israel is at war, our southern border is not secure, fentanyl is poisoning our children, and government funding is set to run out just before Thanksgiving. I'll continue doing what I believe is best for my district and being a champion for Oregon.

LEAGUE OF OREGON CITIES’ ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the closing panel at the League of Oregon Cities' annual conference. I enjoyed sharing some of my experiences from serving Oregonians as a city councilor, then as a mayor, and now as a member of Congress. Thank you to all of Oregon’s local officials who work hard to serve our communities!

ONE MORE THING!

I was proud to cosponsor a new bipartisan resolution this week condemning Hamas' appalling acts of violence and calling for the terrorist group to release all hostages immediately. The U.S. must continue to stand strong with our friend and ally, Israel! 🇺🇸🇮🇱

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,