INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP FAMILIES AFFORD CLEAN WATER

This week, I helped introduce the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Establishment Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to help low-income families pay their water bills, access clean drinking water, and afford wastewater services.

The LIHWAP has already helped thousands of Oregon households afford their water bills, including in rural areas and communities that have faced steep rate hikes. As families continue to pay elevated prices for everything from gas and groceries to rent and utilities, now is not the time to cut off critical assistance for those who need it most.

Learn more about this bill by visiting my website:

HOLDING IRAN ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS DANGEROUS, DIRECT ATTACK ON ISRAEL

The House passed 15 proposals this week to hold Iran accountable after the regime launched hundreds of missiles and drones in an unprecedented direct attack on Israel. I was proud to support these bills, which included provisions to solidify and expand sanctions, prevent funding of terrorist activity, and require congressional approval before any sanctions can be lifted by the Biden administration.

Attacks on our allies cannot go unanswered – failing to respond would only continue to embolden our adversaries in the Middle East and around the world. That’s why the House acted quickly and forcefully this week to hold Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable. I’ll continue working to support Israel and ensure our close friend and ally has the resources needed to defend its right to exist.

CONDEMNING COLUMBIA’S FAILURE TO FIRE ANTISEMITIC PROFESSOR, PROTECT JEWISH STUDENTS

My message to Columbia’s president during Wednesday’s committee hearing was clear: No student should ever be harassed, threatened, or assaulted simply for being Jewish. I’ll continue working to address the blatant antisemitism on our college campuses and ensure the safety of all our students.

Watch a clip of my remarks or our full exchange.

MY THOUGHTS ON SUPPORTING OUR DEMOCRATIC ALLIES

With the House expected to vote on critical foreign aid tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, I wanted to share some of my thoughts as I prepare to cast my vote.

Since I’ve written about it multiple times in this newsletter previously, many of you are likely aware that I’ve been leading the bipartisan Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act since early this year. I even signed a discharge petition to bring this measure to the House floor because I strongly believe that one of our most important duties as members of Congress is to protect U.S. national security by deterring international threats and supporting democracy – especially when it comes under attack by terrorist groups and power-hungry authoritarian forces.

Although the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act isn’t what the House will be voting on tomorrow, I’m pleased that it served as a framework for the bills that will ultimately be brought to the floor.

The bills we are set to consider include $26 billion to support Israel and reimburse U.S. military operations; $60 billion to counter Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, with over half allocated to support the U.S. military, replenish our stockpiles, and conduct needed oversight; and $8 billion to continue efforts to counter the Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, a separate bill includes aggressive sanctions and provisions authorizing the REPO Act to seize Russian assets to help pay for the war effort.

The House will also vote on the End the Border Catastrophe Act, which is similar to the Secure the Border Act that passed the House last year. Border security is national security, and as we face the worst border crisis in history, it’s common sense that any national security package should contain provisions to secure our own border to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities.

It’s disappointing that supporting our democratic allies has become a contentious issue. As history has repeatedly taught us, failing to be forward-thinking in times of international instability provokes more violence, chaos, and unnecessary loss of life. I’m confident that those who show support for democracy during this tumultuous time will be on the right side of history, and I plan to continue standing with our democratic allies by voting in favor of these bills.

FEMA GRANTS OREGON DELEGATION’S DISASTER DECLARATION FOR ICE STORMS

I recently joined the Oregon congressional delegation in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve the governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the deadly ice storms that prompted a statewide emergency in January.

I’m happy to announce that FEMA approved our request this week, opening up federal resources to help our communities recover.

Learn more:

DISCUSSING BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS

The pharmaceutical industry's middlemen – pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – have created a compensation model that favors expensive medications.

I'm helping lead bipartisan legislation, the DRUG Act, that would improve transparency and reduce administrative burdens to lower prescription drug costs.

Watch my remarks from a committee hearing this week on rising health care costs:

WELCOMING OREGONIANS TO OUR NATION’S CAPITOL

Last week, I enjoyed meeting the 5th District’s Congressional App Challenge Winner Suhaani from West Linn High School! She was in D.C. for House of Code, an event recognizing this year's winners from across the country. Suhaani's awesome app "STEMental" is designed to support her STEM peers by providing them with mental health resources. Learn more about the app and Suhaani's inspiration by clicking here.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Emma Nordstrom, a National STEM Challenge champion from Bend! Her winning project, an app called “DermaSkan,” is designed to detect three types of skin cancer and help communities with limited health care resources. On behalf of the 5th District, congratulations Emma!

This week, I met with University of Oregon students who were in D.C. to speak with elected officials about legislation to make college more affordable. One of the first bipartisan bills I helped introduce was the Student Loan Disclosure Transparency Act, which would bring much-needed clarity to the federal student loan process. It's always a pleasure to speak with students and hear about their priorities and ambitions!

It was also great to visit with members of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Oregon Chapter of Military Officers Association this week!

ONE MORE THING

Wishing all those who recognize the beginning of Passover on Monday a peaceful and joyous holiday spent with family, friends, 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,