It’s an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. On day one, I promised to represent you with transparency, authenticity, and integrity, and I’m committed to upholding that promise. Every week, I’ll be sending “Lori’s Letter” to keep you updated on my work. If you know someone who would like to receive my regular updates, please have them visit this link to sign up today! Continue reading this week’s edition to learn more about a bill I'm leading to protect Oregon fruit growers, legislation that passed the House to streamline passport applications, and much more. | INTRODUCING THE SWAT ACT An invasive fruit fly species known as spotted wing drosophila (SWD) causes combined crop losses of up to 20 percent across strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, and cherry crops. Nationally, it is estimated that annual economic losses from SWD are over $700 million. I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation, known as the Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act, to fund research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects of SWD. Oregon is home to over 28,000 acres of berries, and my legislation will take important steps to help protect these fruit growers. Learn more: | WORKING TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR AIRPORT WORKERS One accidental ramp worker death is one too many, and tragically, there have been several in recent years. It’s clear we need to do more to improve safety protocols and ensure these workers have the resources needed to avoid hazardous situations. That’s why I recently joined my Oregon colleague, Congresswoman Hoyle, to help introduce the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act as an original cosponsor. This bipartisan legislation would require the FAA to develop training and safety standards to protect airport ground crew workers while on the job. This is a commonsense proposal that will keep our airport ramp workers safe. | CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT From incorrect IRS refunds to missing veterans' benefits, my office has helped many 5th District residents solve problems with federal agencies. If you have an issue that we might be able to help address, don't hesitate to reach out by giving my office a call or submitting a request through my website: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency You can also check out what some of your neighbors were able to receive assistance with by visiting my website here! | WORKING TO MODERNIZE THE PASSPORT APPLICATION PROCESS Last week, a bill I cosponsored to streamline passport applications – the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act – passed the House with bipartisan support! I've heard from many constituents frustrated by passport delays. As we work to pass this much-needed legislation, my office is here to help with passport problems. | ICYMI: FUNDING SECURED FOR 5TH DISTRICT TOPS $27 MILLION I'm happy to announce that I successfully secured over $27 million in funding for local projects that will improve transportation, infrastructure, and public safety across the 5th District. This funding was included in the two bipartisan appropriations packages that I voted for and have been signed into law: -
Learn more about H.R. 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, HERE. -
Learn more about H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, HERE. You can see a full breakdown of the projects by visiting my website here. | ONE MORE THING Wishing everyone a Happy Easter weekend! I hope it’s filled with joy, gratitude, and quality time with family and loved ones. | 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. | Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer | Washington, D.C. Office 1722 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5711 | Oregon City Office 621 High Street Oregon City, OR 97045 Phone: (503) 387-8651 | Redmond District Office 2757 NW 7th Street Suite D Redmond, OR 97756 Phone: (541) 604-3141 | Follow me on social media! | |