BACKING BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO CURB DANGEROUS STREET RACING

From Bend to Portland, illegal street racing has caused a number of deaths and endangered Oregonians across the state. It disturbs the peace in our communities and drastically increases the risk of fatal accidents involving innocent pedestrians and drivers.

That’s why I’m backing the bipartisan They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act, which seeks to address reckless speeding and illegal street racing by establishing a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The task force would help coordinate local, state, and federal strategic responses to street racing and unlawful organized street shows.

While I’m glad Oregon has taken steps to deter this dangerous activity by implementing harsher penalties, I believe we can do more at the federal level to address street racing by taking a well-coordinated approach. I’m hopeful that this proposal would help bring safety back to our streets.

Learn more:

PREVENTING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

On Tuesday, the House passed a stopgap funding bill to keep the government open through early next year, and the Senate passed it late Wednesday night – averting the potential of a government shutdown on November 18.

I voted in favor of this legislation to avoid disruptions in government services for Oregonians. Additionally, it provides the House with an opportunity to make necessary improvements to the remaining appropriations bills, and it gives the Senate and White House more time to come to the negotiating table. Importantly, this stopgap measure also extended the Farm Bill through September of next year.

Moving forward, I remain committed to fully funding law enforcement, supporting workforce development programs, protecting our farmers and ranchers, and investing in our children’s future. I will always stand up for the 5th District and won’t hesitate to push back if our priorities aren’t met.

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS

I enjoyed meeting with Oregon City Chief of Police Shaun Davis last Friday. We discussed the department’s budget priorities, the fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and mental health services. I was also able to tour the new station.

In Washington this week, I met with several Oregon groups – including with representatives from Oregon credit unions to discuss issues related to financial services!

DENOUNCING ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUSES

The Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education held a hearing this week regarding increasing antisemitism on college campuses. I made it clear that antisemitism has no place on our college campuses, period. No person should ever fear for their safety on account of their race, color, or creed. Watch my remarks:

TWO OF MY BILLS PASS TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

My two bills to rein in spending on unused federal office space and address safety issues near public buildings passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.

The FOCUS Act would encourage federal agencies to share space to improve collaboration and rein in unnecessary spending on office space. Separately, the Impact of Crime on Public Building Usage Act would require the comptroller general to study the impact of crime, including the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, on workers’ utilization of public buildings.

Learn more about these bills by visiting my website by clicking here or on the graphic below:

RECAPPING VETERANS DAY WEEKEND

🇺🇸 Last Veterans Day weekend, I attended VFW Post 584’s 72nd annual Veteran of the Year banquet, recognizing this year’s distinguished veterans for their service to our communities and to our country. I also participated in Albany’s Veterans Day parade – the largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. I always appreciate having the opportunity to thank our nation’s heroes for their service and sacrifice!

ONE MORE THING!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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,