INTRODUCING THE FIRE SAFE ELECTRICAL CORRIDORS ACT

I recently joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce legislation that would make it easier for utility companies to clear branches near electric equipment. By streamlining this process, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would help prevent one major cause of devastating wildfires.

Currently, the U.S. Forest Service requires utility companies to keep trees and branches away from power lines on federal land. However, fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow the clearing of hazardous fuel and potential triggers for wildfires on federal land.

The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would allow the Forest Service to provide standing permission for electrical utilities to cut and remove hazardous trees near power lines without requiring a timber sale.

Learn more:

BRINGING TRANSPARENCY TO THE LEGACY ROADS AND TRAILS REMEDIATION PROGRAM

This week, I also helped introduce a bipartisan and bicameral bill that seeks to improve transparency in the Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation (LRTR) Program. Specifically, our bill would ensure that the U.S. Forest Service considers public input when making important decisions on which Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation projects to fund. The legislation also requires the Forest Service to be more transparent in the selection process by publishing all projects that were considered for funding.

When a federal project could have a significant impact on local communities, I strongly believe transparency should always be a top priority. That’s why I was honored to help introduce this much-needed legislation. Learn more:

STANDING WITH ISRAEL

This week, the House passed a bipartisan resolution that I cosponsored to reaffirm the United States' support for Israel and condemn the appalling acts of violence and terror carried out by Hamas.

Specifically, the bipartisan resolution – cosponsored by over 400 of my colleagues – expressed that the United States:

Stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense, condemns Hamas’ brutal war against Israel, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal war against Israel.

Calls on Hamas to immediately cease the violent attacks and safely and unconditionally release all hostages, and mourns those who were killed and wounded. It also reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including through security assistance in accordance with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and urges full enforcement of preventing U.S. foreign assistance from benefitting terrorists, directly or indirectly.

Condemns Iran’s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas, and urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran.

STATEMENT ON NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives selected Congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana to serve as the next Speaker of the House.

To prevent the chaos and dysfunction of the last few weeks from repeating itself, I made it clear that the Republican Conference needed to find a consensus candidate for speaker. The American people, and our allies around the world, are relying on us to come together and demonstrate that we’re able to govern responsibly.

I’m hopeful that Speaker Johnson will work effectively with all sides of the Conference to advance commonsense, pragmatic legislation that is good for our state and our nation. Although I haven’t had the chance to get to know him well, I’ve made Oregon’s priorities very clear to him.

As for me, I’ll continue seeking consensus and will always put the best interests of the 5th District first. Let’s get back to work.

RECAP: PUMPING THE BRAKES ON TOLLING

Oregonians have already been paying more for gas, groceries, and utility bills. 5th District families shouldn't have to pay another tax just to get to work. That's why I've made pumping the brakes on tolling a top priority ⬇️

ONE MORE THING!

It was an honor to join my colleagues on the bipartisan Women’s Caucus to raise awareness for breast cancer at a press conference yesterday!

Early detection is key, so I encourage getting regular preventative screenings. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've cosponsored the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. The bipartisan proposal would help eliminate delays in access to care for breast cancer patients. It’s an honor to stand up for those who are fighting this difficult battle.

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,