HOUSE PASSES SEVERAL BILLS TO SUPPORT LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS

This week was National Police Week, and I was proud to support several proposals to continue demonstrating unwavering support for our local police departments. As the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and many other local law enforcement agencies face staffing shortages, and after violent and property crimes recently landed Oregon on a list of the top 10 most dangerous states, it’s more important than ever to support the recruitment and retention of police officers.

Commonsense, bipartisan proposals like the Recruit and Retain Act will ensure law enforcement have the resources needed to staff up and protect Oregon families while keeping themselves safe. I also voted for resolutions denouncing efforts to defund police and condemn violence against officers. Learn more about the bills that passed this week by visiting my website:

I also sent out a personal note to recognize the courageous men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Thank you for your service to Oregonians and dedication to our state!

QUESTIONING HHS SECRETARY ON EFFORTS TO HELP OREGONIANS AFFORD WATER UTILITY BILLS

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program has helped thousands of families across Oregon afford their water utility bills amid rising prices and steep rate hikes. That’s why I recently helped introduce bipartisan legislation to permanently reauthorize the program. During an Education and Workforce Committee hearing this week, I discussed the importance of this program with HHS Secretary Becerra. Watch our exchange below:

INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR THE DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY

This week, I introduced a new bill to continue federal funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC), which has helped improve water quality along the Deschutes River Basin since 1996.

I’m grateful to all those who have been a part of the Deschutes River Conservancy over the years. For decades, the collective efforts of the DRC have helped promote sustainable water management practices, improving water quality and supporting recreational activities for generations of Oregonians. I’m honored to lead the Deschutes River Conservancy Act and will continue working to support their efforts at the federal level.

HOUSE PASSES FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL, IMPROVING AIR TRAVEL AND PASSENGER SAFETY

As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, I was proud to work on and vote for the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act this week.

Like many Oregonians who fly out of PDX, I was surprised and alarmed earlier this year when a door blew off a plane shortly after leaving Portland. The incident, and a few other concerning mechanical issues that followed, demonstrated the importance of modernizing and maintaining strong safety standards across the aviation industry.

This FAA reauthorization bill will require the aviation industry to take important steps to strengthen safety protocols, upgrade airport technology, and improve passengers’ flying experience. Additionally, this legislation will protect flight and ground crews while making critical investments in our local airports – helping connect more Oregonians to destinations across the country and around the world.

The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Learn more:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION!

🎨 I’m excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the 5th District:

1️⃣ Rachel Khalili, Lake Oswego High School (left)

2️⃣ Emma Ross, Mountain View High School (top right)

3️⃣ Anwesha Chowdhury, West Linn High School (bottom right)

Rachel will have her artwork displayed in the Capitol complex for one year, and Emma and Anwesha’s artwork will be displayed in our district offices. Congratulations and thank you to all the schools and students who participated this year!

MEETING OREGONIANS

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation to discuss my efforts to support federal funding for the I-5 bridge and other transportation needs impacting the Portland metro area.

During the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process, I helped secure $1.847 billion in advance appropriations for the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program, which is critical for completing projects like the I-5 bridge replacement. I also just led a bipartisan coalition of 17 of my colleagues with Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez in support of funding for the Bridge Investment Program for the upcoming fiscal year. I’ll keep fighting to bring home federal dollars to invest in this critical project.

ONE MORE THING

Saturday is Armed Forces Day, a day to honor and recognize the brave men and women who selflessly serve our nation in the military. On behalf of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, thank you for your commitment to service and willingness to defend our freedoms. 🇺🇸

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,