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.

ADDRESSING THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

As homelessness continues to rise in Oregon, I’m committed to finding ways to address this crisis. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that would support behavioral health and addiction treatment, as well as another bill to reduce homelessness among veterans ⬇️

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.

PORTLAND POLICE ALREADY EXCEED FENTANYL PILLS SEIZED IN 2023

In the first few months of this year, Portland police have already seized more fentanyl pills than in all of 2023. I appreciate their efforts to disrupt the trafficking of these dangerous pills, and I'll keep doing my part to provide federal support to combat the worsening fentanyl crisis by passing legislation like the HALT Fentanyl Act.

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.

Sincerely,