HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE ADVANCES SEVERAL OF MY BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS IN FARM BILL

Since being selected to serve on the Agriculture Committee early last year, I’ve gathered Farm Bill ideas and priorities from Oregon farmers, ranchers, and foresters – including during two Farm Bill listening sessions. Now, I’m happy to announce that the committee’s Farm Bill includes over a dozen bipartisan bills that I helped lead to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to grow and thrive. The bill was approved by committee with bipartisan support last night and now heads to the House floor for consideration.

The priorities I secured would help improve workforce training opportunities in the forestry and timber industries; reduce wildfire risks; support specialty crop growers, including new and beginning farmers; strengthen broadband; expand child care options for families in rural areas; and bolster the farm safety net and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some of the bipartisan bills I secured include my Jobs in the Woods Act, the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act, the Specialty Crop Security Act, and the Expanding Child Care in Rural America Act.

Learn more by visiting my website here or clicking the graphic below.

I also spoke during the committee markup to highlight my priorities and the importance of passing an effective Farm Bill that will benefit Oregon farmers, foresters, and ranchers for the next five years. Watch:

WORKING TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR WILDFIRE VICTIMS

This week, the House passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act with bipartisan support. The proposal would retroactively exempt qualified victims from having to pay federal income tax on compensation for losses that were not covered by insurance.

The 2020 Labor Day Wildfires wreaked havoc on our communities, taking lives, destroying homes, and burning thousands of acres. While I continue working to advance commonsense legislation that will deter wildfire risks, it’s important to ensure Oregonians impacted by devastating fires are granted relief to help our communities build back with strength and resilience.

Even though several years have passed, I continue to hear from constituents who need more assistance. That’s why I was proud to support the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which would give a much-needed break to survivors who have already endured so much.

HOLDING UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ENABLING ANTISEMITIC ACTIVITY

By failing to end unlawful and antisemitic protests, too many universities have allowed hatred to spread on our campuses. During an Education and Workforce Committee hearing with administrators from UCLA, Northwestern, and Rutgers, I expressed the frustration felt by Jewish students across the country. I’ll continue working to hold university presidents accountable – their top priority should be getting hate off our campuses and protecting all students.

PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

I’m grateful to the thousands of Oregonians who dedicate their careers to public service. Research shows union members employed by a state government earn 17 percent more than their non-union counterparts, and union members employed by a local government earn 35 percent more than their non-union counterparts. Currently, many states prohibit their public-sector employees from engaging in collective bargaining to improve wages or working conditions.

With bipartisan legislation like the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, I’ll continue fighting to protect working families and ensure public employees receive fair wages and enjoy a good retirement. Learn more about the proposal by visiting my website here.

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL EMS WEEK

I’m proud to support a resolution recognizing the importance and dedication of our emergency medical personnel. Please join me in thanking these hardworking men and women for their selfless service to Oregonians!

LUGAR CENTER LISTS ME AS MOST BIPARTISAN MEMBER OF OREGON DELEGATION

I’m honored to be ranked the most bipartisan member of the Oregon congressional delegation by the Lugar Center! I came to Congress with a promise to be an independent voice for my constituents, and I’ll keep working across the aisle to deliver commonsense solutions for the 5th District.

ONE MORE THING

As we mark Memorial Day on Monday, we are reminded that our rights and freedoms are not guaranteed. We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend our nation, and we recommit ourselves to upholding the values these heroes fought to preserve. 🇺🇸

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,