HOUSE PASSES TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES

I was proud to vote for a comprehensive tax relief package, which passed the House with broad bipartisan support Wednesday evening. Two of my top priorities have been giving families relief from the soaring cost of living and addressing the homelessness crisis. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act accomplishes both by enhancing existing tax credits, including the child tax credit and the low-income housing tax credit.

Expanding these credits will help families pay for things like child care, groceries, and other necessities, and the housing tax credit will boost the construction of affordable homes. This tax relief bill is a pragmatic proposal that will spur long-term economic growth by empowering workers and their families.

Learn more by visiting my website:

INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND SPECIALTY HEALTH CARE THROUGH TELEHEALTH SERVICES

I joined several of my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan EASE Act, which would increase access to specialty care services for patients living in underserved communities. Specifically, the proposal would utilize existing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation funds to test a virtual specialty network dedicated to providing a range of virtual modalities.

Too many Oregon families struggle to access high-quality health care, especially in our rural communities. Partnering with physicians to expand telehealth services is a commonsense solution that would help improve outcomes for Oregonians in these underserved areas, including for many Medicare beneficiaries.

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WORKING TO LOWER THE COST OF COLLEGE

As the cost of college continues to rise, it’s clear we must work to ensure transparency in financial aid and protect borrowers. That’s why I was proud to support the College Cost Reduction Act, which passed the Education and Workforce Committee this week. It takes important steps to ensure institutions are held financially responsible for overpriced degrees that leave students with unaffordable debt.

I’m also leading the bipartisan Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act to bring more clarity to the federal student loan process. It would require separate, monthly disclosures to student loan borrowers regarding their projected payments, accrued interest, total cost of attendance, and other personalized details in understandable terms. You can learn more about this bill by visiting my website here.

LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES PASSES COMMITTEE

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also held a markup on several bills this week, including the Wildfire Response Improvement Act. This bill would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to more accurately assess wildfire-related mitigation projects to ensure the most effective mitigation measures are considered to save lives and reduce future costs of disasters. I was proud to vote for this bipartisan proposal, which will now head to the House floor for consideration.

MEETING WITH BLUEBERRY GROWERS

Enjoyed catching up with Oregon blueberry growers and the North American Blueberry Council this week 🫐

ONE MORE THING!

February 1 marked the start of Black History Month, a month to reflect on the contributions that generations of Black Americans have made to our country. As we pause to honor their achievements, we also continue working to uphold the principles of liberty and justice for all.

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,