WORKING TO DISRUPT HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORKS

I recently joined Congressman Morgan Luttrell from Texas to help introduce the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act. The proposal would expand the definition of a federal grant program to include human trafficking – opening up additional funding opportunities for local law enforcement to carry out anti-human trafficking efforts.

The Interstate 5 corridor places Oregon at the heart of sex trafficking activity, but convictions in the Pacific Northwest have not kept pace with an increase in identified victims. We must explore all options available to help local law enforcement tackle the heinous crime of human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable.

By expanding federal grant opportunities for state and local governments, this commonsense proposal will provide law enforcement officials with additional resources to disrupt trafficking networks and keep our communities safe. I appreciate Congressman Luttrell’s leadership and look forward to working together to pass this critical legislation.

INTRODUCING A NEW BILL TO UPGRADE MILITARY DISCHARGES FROM “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed 13 years ago, but the Department of Defense (DOD) has failed to make things right for veterans who were discharged solely based on sexual orientation. Of the thousands of veterans expelled from the military under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, only about 10% have been able to update their discharge status.

That means thousands of veterans are still living without the benefits they earned – and having a “general” or “dishonorable” discharge status can also adversely impact their ability to find work and housing. The current process for requesting a repeal is often burdensome and costly.

The Recover Pride in Service Act, which I introduced this week, has two main components. Within 5 years, it requires the DOD to automatically upgrade all discharges that were solely based on sexual orientation – making things right without these veterans having to lift a finger. It would also require DOD to establish an outreach program to identify and inform impacted veterans of their right to request a discharge status review if sexual orientation was a reason, but was not the only reason.

I’m grateful to have strong support from a dozen of my colleagues, including several veterans. I’ll continue working to build a strong coalition of support so we can get this overdue fix signed into law.

BIPARTISAN PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS ENDORSES CHILD CARE INVESTMENT ACT

The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 64 members evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, has endorsed the Child Care Investment Act that I’m leading with Congressman Carbajal. The legislation would improve three existing child care tax incentives to ensure the federal tax code adequately addresses the current realities of child care costs and availability.

The soaring cost of child care has left it out of reach for too many families, which forces parents to make difficult financial and career decisions. I’m glad that my Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues see the value in this critical legislation, and I’ll continue working with Congressman Carbajal to garner support for our much-needed bill.

VISITING THE OREGON CAPITOL AND PACIFIC SEAFOOD

I stopped by the statehouse earlier this week to provide a federal update to legislators and discuss ways we can work together to help Oregonians. A special thank you to House Minority Leader Jeff Helfrich for the kind introduction on the House floor. I also had the pleasure of chatting with several hardworking pages – the ones who really keep the state capitol running!

I also enjoyed touring Pacific Seafood’s HQ in Clackamas on Tuesday. We discussed their Farm Bill priorities, including the importance of seafood in nutrition programs. Negotiations on the Farm Bill are continuing between the Senate and the House Agriculture Committees, and we are also continuing to engage in discussions with USDA to receive technical assistance. I’m hopeful that we will get this five-year reauthorization done by the September 30 deadline.

NEW USDA FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR AUMSVILLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT

This week, the USDA awarded $15 million in funding to help Aumsville upgrade its wastewater treatment plant. I was glad to reach out to USDA about this project and will continue working to secure federal funding for critical infrastructure upgrades that benefit Oregon families!

ONE MORE THING!

National FFA Week was celebrated over the past several days. This year, I was proud to highlight 5th District resident Jael Cruikshank! Born and raised on a small farm in Bend, Jael is the president of Oregon FFA and travels across the state to visit schools and teach students about agriculture.

We asked her to share a little bit more about her FFA experience, and she said, "I wouldn’t be the person, leader, or advocate that I am today without FFA, the largest student-led organization. High school agricultural classrooms are one of those places that feels like home."

Thank you for sharing your experience, Jael, and congratulations on your success. With leaders like you, it’s clear that the future of Oregon agriculture is bright!

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,