HOUSE PASSES TWO BILLS THAT WILL BRING $56 MILLION TO THE 5TH DISTRICT

On Monday, the House passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes key programs that support and improve our nation’s water infrastructure. Efficient wastewater systems and clean drinking water are necessary for building strong, resilient, and healthy communities. That’s why I successfully worked to include several provisions that will directly benefit Oregon.

For example, the House-passed bill authorizes $50 million for Clackamas County to complete much-needed upgrades to wastewater treatment. Additionally, I secured language that would prevent communities like Sweet Home from experiencing water contamination from reservoir drawdowns, along with a provision that would support apprenticeship programs.

Visit my website here or by clicking on the graphic below to learn more!

The House also passed the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 this week. It included over $6 million for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the 5th District: $2.25 million for Sweet Home, $1.25 million for Molalla, $1.25 million for Stayton, $1 million for Marion County, and $1 million for Terrebone.

Bringing your hard-earned tax dollars back to the district will continue to be a top priority because these projects will help our communities continue to grow and thrive for decades to come. Learn more about the specifics of the projects funded here:

SUPPORTING WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION AS FIRES RAGE ACROSS THE STATE

Unfortunately, Oregon is experiencing an intense wildfire season that has scorched thousands of precious acres and threatened communities across the state. While I stand ready to assist when federal disaster relief is needed, I’ll keep working to protect and increase needed funding for wildfire mitigation and management.

The Interior Department appropriations bill included a $177 million increase to Wildland Fire Management at the U.S. Forest Service, including a $100 million boost to the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund. It also permanently addresses federal wildland firefighter pay by authorizing $330 million to support pay reforms.

Separately, I successfully worked to include several proposals in the Farm Bill, which has passed the Agriculture Committee, to reduce wildfire risks. The Fire Safe Electrical Coorridors Act would reduce bureaucracy to ensure electric utility companies can remove trees and branches around electrical lines to prevent fires from breaking out. It also includes a bill I cosponsored, the Wildfire Tech DEMO Act, to pave the way for new technological developments, such as artificial intelligence, to anticipate and help control wildfires.

Addressing the root causes of wildfires and supporting efforts to put them out quickly will continue to be top priorities. Visit Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery to learn more about how you can be wildfire ready:

MY THOUGHTS ON PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

With Americans still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, I appreciated hearing from Prime Minister Netanyahu on Wednesday about the importance of strengthening our alliance, countering terrorism in the Middle East, and rejecting antisemitism.

Earlier this year, I joined several of my colleagues to visit communities brutally destroyed on October 7 and saw the resilience of the Israeli people firsthand. The Jewish faith is strong, the Israeli people are strong, and the United States will continue to support and protect Israel and its right to exist.

JOIN MY NEXT TOWN HALL

My next town hall is this coming Wednesday, July 31 at 5:30!

Good representation requires two-way communication – I have a responsibility to let you know how I’m working for you each day, but I also need to know what’s on your mind. That’s what these calls are all about.

If you’d like to participate, all you have to do is pull out your phone and call this toll-free number anytime between 5:30 and 6:30 to join the conversation: 855-286-0292. Visit my website here to learn more.

DISCUSSING THE IMPACT OF CRIME ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS, FEDERAL EMPLOYEE SAFETY

This week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on the importance of securing public buildings and protecting federal employees.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, so it was concerning to learn that nothing is being done to protect federal employees from unknowingly encountering illicit drugs, which can quickly turn deadly. Earlier this year, a bill I'm leading to study the impact of crime around federal offices passed the House with bipartisan support. After this week’s testimony, it's clear the study is desperately needed to protect workers, and I'll keep pushing to get my bill across the finish line.

Watch my full remarks and questions:

THANK YOU TO MY AWESOME INTERNS!

Yesterday was National Intern Day, and I want to extend a big thank you to my D.C. interns Paola, Jasper, and Maddy, and our district intern Noah for all of their hard work on behalf of #OR05!

Interested in an internship with my office? Apply today: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/services/internships

SUNDAY SCENERY

📸 Check out this stunning view from Black Butte submitted by Madison from Lake Oswego!

Thank you Madison for your picture. To submit your own visit: chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

🐶 I loved stopping by the launch of the Congressional Working Dog Caucus earlier this week to meet some adorable pups!

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,