NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION WOULD HELP CURB THE FLOW OF FENTANYL ACROSS OUR SOUTHERN BORDER

Oregon had the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in the nation last year, and Portland police have already seized more fentanyl-laced pills and powder this year than in all of 2023 combined. While we need more commonsense state-level policies to hold users and dealers accountable, it’s also critical to provide more support for Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents. The southern border is the first line of defense against this crisis.

This week, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act. It would increase funding for CBP to hire more personnel, improve fentanyl interdiction through updated technology, support existing efforts across the country to combat fentanyl, and strengthen current penalties for drug traffickers.

Just like my successful work in leading the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, I’ll keep pushing for commonsense solutions to tackle this crisis and protect our communities. Learn more:

CLACKAMAS COUNTY DEPUTIES BACK ON THE JOB

I’m glad to see that Clackamas County Deputies Dan Blair and Jeremy McKenna are back on patrol. On behalf of Oregon’s 5th District, thank you to these deputies and all of our law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe!

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Today, I joined Congresswoman Hoyle to introduce legislation that seeks to expand federal contract opportunities for women-owned small businesses.

Right now, women-owned small businesses do not have the same designation for VA contracts as they do with all other federal agencies. Our bill would simply require the VA to provide these businesses with similar priority consideration already granted by other federal agencies.

Women entrepreneurs fuel economic growth and success in our communities, and I’ll keep doing my part to support their hard work! Learn more:

SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS

During an Education and the Workforce Committee markup this week, I was honored lead an effort to ensure 911 dispatchers are classified as first responders.

Dispatchers are the first to respond to a crisis, making sure that necessary help is on the way. They work under intense circumstances, and it’s past time we appropriately recognize them for their selfless efforts.

Watch my full remarks:

COUNTERING COMMUNIST CHINA

As the Chinese Communist Party continues to threaten American allies and expand their power at our expense, we must be forward-thinking and act to deter aggression from our adversary.

That’s why I’ll continue to be tough on China and work to pass legislation – like this year’s National Defense Authorization Act – to protect our national security.

ONE MORE THING!

It was great to be with family last weekend to celebrate my Dad’s 80th birthday! 🎂🎉

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,