CO-LEADING NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO SECURE THE BORDER, SUPPORT OUR ALLIES

Today, I joined several of my colleagues on the Problem Solvers Caucus to introduce the bipartisan Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. For one year, this legislation provides necessary authorities to secure the southern border and defense-only assistance to support Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

My focus hasn’t changed since day one – I’m always looking for opportunities to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions to the issues that matter most to Oregonians. My constituents are concerned about the flow of fentanyl across our broken border and into their communities. They’re also counting on Congress to protect national security by deterring international threats.

I’m honoring those concerns and working to be part of the solution by helping lead the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. The provisions in this bipartisan proposal are only active for one year because it’s not meant to be the ultimate fix – it’s a much-needed, long-overdue patch that will help secure the border while simultaneously supporting our friends and allies around the world. I’m honored to join this bipartisan group of my colleagues to take the lead on the most important issues facing our country.

Learn more about the specifics of the proposal by visiting my website:

NEW LEGISLATION WOULD ADDRESS THE CHILD CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

In a recent survey of Oregon parents, 40 percent responded that they had to change career plans because they couldn’t find child care. Part of the problem is a shortage of providers, which also drives up costs.

This week, I helped introduce bipartisan legislation that aims to address the child care workforce shortage. Specifically, the proposal would expand career and technical education (CTE) program investments and incentivize more students to enter the field of early childhood education – eventually helping establish more child care services in our communities.

Learn more about the Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act by visiting my website:

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE BOB’S RED MILL COMMUNITY

My deepest condolences to the Moore family and the entire Bob's Red Mill community. Bob successfully shared his passion for nutrition, helping families around the world eat more wholesome foods – and our communities are better off thanks to his generosity.

Learn more about his incredible life and legacy:

CONSTITUENT CALL TIME

Every week, I set aside time to call constituents who have sent in questions, concerns, or requests for federal agency help.

This week, one of my calls was with Shaila, a high school student with questions for her research project focused on our national debt. She has a very bright future ahead of her, and I appreciated getting the chance to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our country.

MEETING OREGONIANS

I had another packed and productive week of meetings, including with Oregon Farm Bureau and Oregonians from our state’s NAIOP chapter. I also had the pleasure of catching up with my friend, Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West.

If you plan on visiting our nation’s capital, I’d love to have you stop by my office. We can also help arrange tours and tickets – visit my website to learn more.

UPHOLDING “BUY AMERICAN” PROVISIONS FOR OREGON INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

When it comes to critical infrastructure projects like the I-5 Bridge, I want to ensure we're supporting domestic steel manufacturers and aren't turning to China or other adversaries. Watch my remarks from yesterday’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee hearing on Buy America provisions:

MY QUESTIONS FOR USDA SECRETARY VILSACK

This week, the Agriculture Committee held a hearing to receive testimony from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

I asked him about a potential federal response to illegal vehicular camping in Deschutes National Forest, keeping track of foreign-owned farmland, and more. Watch our full exchange:

ANNOUNCING A $7 MILLION GRANT FOR THE REDMOND MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

This week, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded $7 million in funding for the Redmond Municipal Airport’s terminal expansion.

As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I’ll always fight to support our municipal airports and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed moving forward.

SUPER BOWL POLL RESULTS!

Here are the results from our Super Bowl poll last week -- unfortunately, the winners didn't match, but I hope you all had a safe and fun evening!

ONE MORE THING – CELEBRATING OREGON’S BIRTHDAY

We’re from Oregon, of course we know February 14th is Valentine’s Day… but it’s also Oregon’s birthday! We put together a fun video to celebrate some of the unique things that make Oregon special:

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,