EXPANDING AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE FOR POLICE OFFICERS

I was honored to join my colleagues on the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which is a group of 64 members equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, to endorse the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act.

The bipartisan legislation seeks to combat the recent rise in law enforcement resignations and retirements by addressing the need for reliable child care. Law enforcement officers often work nontraditional hours, and accessible child care is a critical need for them and their families.

Our brave men and women in blue put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and they deserve to have reliable access to affordable child care. I’ll continue working on policies that support current law enforcement officers and encourage more people to join the field.

Learn more:

SUPPORTING OREGON BUSINESSES AND WORKERS

As a small business owner, a former mayor, and a mother of twin daughters, I understand how federal policies can have a significant – and sometimes unintended – impact on our communities and our families. I’ve been working hard to put my experience to work by advancing pragmatic legislation that supports businesses and workers, spurs job creation, and drives economic growth in Oregon.

Read my guest column for the Salem Business Journal:

$600 MILLION GRANT SECURED FOR INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

I'm encouraged to see the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project was recently awarded a $600 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation! I urged the DOT to approve this funding, but I also relayed Oregonians' concerns with the light rail and tolling aspects of the project. I'll continue pushing for more public outreach on these issues to ensure taxpayers’ concerns are being heard – you have the right to have a voice in how your tax dollars are being spent.

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS

Last week, I was honored to meet with service members from the Oregon Military Department. I was proud to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which included $79 million for the Oregon Air National Guard to improve our military readiness.

This Tuesday evening, I enjoyed stopping by meetings being held by Heart of Main Street and the Lents Neighborhood Association to provide an update on my work in Congress and answer questions.

I also enjoyed speaking with local press Thursday morning in Bend to update Oregonians on my accomplishments from the past year and discuss my goals for 2024 – this is one of several ways I’ll continue to remain transparent and accountable to the people I serve!

YEAR IN REVIEW: PUMPING THE BRAKES ON TOLLING

In my newsletters this month, I’ll be highlighting some legislative milestones from the past year. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in these last 12 months, and we’re just getting started!

From committee hearings with Secretary Buttigieg and the Federal Highway Administrator to introducing bills like the No Tolls on Oregon Roads Act, I’ve been working hard to sound the alarm on ODOT’s tolling proposal at the federal level.

In October, I was able to successfully secure language in a key transportation funding bill to prevent your tax dollars from being used to carry out tolling projects along I-5 and I-205. You shouldn’t have to pay an extra tax just to drive to work, and I’ll continue working to get this language signed into law.

Watch a recap of my work on tolling by visiting my Youtube page:

ONE MORE THING!

From my family to yours, I hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with time well spent with those who matter most!

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,