SECURING OVER $25 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

On Wednesday, the House passed a bipartisan package of six appropriations bills that will fund several government agencies through fiscal year 2024. I successfully secured nearly a dozen community project funding requests, which adds up to a $25.9 million investment for the 5th District!

This funding bill was the first of two appropriations packages that must pass to fund the government through the rest of fiscal year 2024, which ends September 30. My requests that were adopted include everything from $1.8 million for a new emergency announcement system in Marion County to $1.25 million for Redmond to help complete its constructed wetlands project.

View the full list by visiting my website:

MY THOUGHTS ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

After last year’s State of the Union address, I highlighted several areas where both sides of the aisle needed to come together and find common ground in the year ahead. I urged the Biden administration to develop a concrete, timely, and bipartisan plan to address the fentanyl crisis. Unfortunately, little progress has been made, and it only received a passing mention in his speech last night.

Oregon had the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in the nation in 2023. While Measure 110 lit the match to start the fentanyl crisis, open-border policies have thrown fuel on the flames. Now, this crisis has sadly bled into our schools and taken the lives of our children. Every day we fail to act, Oregon families suffer. Since the president has failed to do his job and secure our border, I’m co-leading the only bipartisan solution currently on the table: the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act.

I urge my colleagues from across the political spectrum to join us and be a part of the solution – we must act and meet this issue with the urgency it demands to curb the humanitarian crisis and protect our communities from fentanyl.

ADVOCATING FOR THE ONLY BIPARTISAN SOLUTION CURRENTLY ON THE TABLE TO SECURE OUR BORDER AND SUPPORT OUR DEMOCRATIC ALLIES

I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues at a press conference this week to advocate for the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act. This is a commonsense, consensus proposal that tackles border security and foreign aid with the urgency these issues demand.

Watch my remarks:

I also joined my colleague from across the aisle and across the river, Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, to discuss this legislation with CNN:

JOIN MY NEXT TELEPHONE TOWN HALL THIS TUESDAY!

📞 My next telephone town hall is this upcoming Tuesday evening!

Our past town halls have averaged 4,284 participants from every corner of the 5th District, and I hope you will consider joining your neighbors and being a part of the conversation. Dial in any time between 5:30 and 6:30 to ask questions and hear updates about my work in Congress.

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MEETING WITH OREGONIANS

Having the opportunity to meet with Oregonians who are visiting D.C. always brightens my day! This week, I visited with the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, the Oregon Association of Broadcasters, the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and many other groups who popped by my office.

I also had the pleasure of welcoming Milwaukie Behavioral Health Specialist Glen Suchanek as my guest for the State of the Union! Glen works closely with law enforcement staff to assist people who are facing challenges like addiction find a path toward healing and resilience. I’m grateful that he accepted my invitation and was willing to share his story! Learn more here.

NOW ACCEPTING ARTWORK FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

My office is now accepting artwork for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition! The deadline to submit artwork for high school students in the 5th District is Monday, April 29, 2024 at 5 p.m. PT.

I strongly encourage high school students from across the 5th District to apply. It’s a great chance for students to showcase their artistic talents, and I look forward to seeing their submissions and recognizing the creative capabilities of the bright young students in our district!

One winner will receive two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a congressional reception honoring artwork from across the country. The winner will also have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year.

Learn more about the rules, requirements, and how to submit your art by visiting my website HERE.

ONE MORE THING!

This Women's History Month, I’m proud to recognize courageous women who have served our state in law enforcement. Thank you for your service to Oregonians and commitment to our state!

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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,