VISITING WITH IRONWORKERS, LOCAL LEADERS, AND MORE

It’s great to be back home for a busy August District Work Period! Throughout the past week, I’ve hosted two of my colleagues from the Conservative Climate Caucus for energy-related discussions in the district, spoke at the Ukrainian Day Festival, stopped by Ironworkers Local 29’s annual picnic, visited with local leaders in Stayton and Lebanon, toured a transitional housing facility, and more. Keep reading for more details on each of these visits!

Last Friday, I enjoyed hosting Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa, and Congressman Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, in Oregon to discuss clean energy production and see it in action. As members of the Conservative Climate Caucus, we are focused on pursuing lower emissions and affordable energy through private-sector innovation and investments in research and development.

Our stops included:

📍Hopworks Brewery, which runs on 100% renewable energy

📍NW Natural to discuss hydrogen production and challenges facing the energy sector

📍ESS, Inc. to discuss production of safe and sustainable batteries that can be used in emergencies

On Saturday, I had the honor of attending the Ukrainian-American Cultural Association's Ukrainian Day Festival. The gathering was a wonderful celebration of Ukrainian culture, as well as the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people in these challenging times. I expressed my continued support for Ukraine's fight for peace after Russia's unprovoked and brutal attack.

Later that day, I stopped by an annual picnic held by Ironworkers Local 29. From registered apprenticeships and infrastructure investments to project labor agreements and contract negotiations, I've backed several efforts to support our dedicated ironworkers and will always fight for working families.

I kicked off the week by visiting Crossroads Communities in Lebanon to learn more about their services. Across the state, homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health issues affect countless Oregonians who have been left behind. I’m grateful for organizations like Crossroads Communities for working to uplift those in need by providing essential resources, support, and opportunities for personal development. To solve these problems, I’ll continue partnering with community groups on legislation like my DIRECT Care for the Homeless Act to ensure our most vulnerable are receiving the care they need.

Then I headed over to Stayton to meet with local leaders – including Mayor Quigley, City Manager Hajduk, and City Councilors Patty and Sims – to learn more about their plans for several infrastructure projects. Throughout the appropriations process, I’ve advocated for over $7 million in investments to help Stayton complete much-needed roadway and wastewater improvement projects. It’s great to see Oregonians’ tax dollars coming back to the district to help our communities grow and thrive!

This week, I also stopped by Veterans Village in Clackamas, which serves as a transitional housing community for veterans in need.

My HOME Act, which has passed the House with bipartisan support, would provide financial support for these transitional housing services to prevent homelessness among our nation's heroes. Our veterans stepped up to serve our country, and it’s our responsibility to care for each and every one of them in return. I’m grateful for the hardworking men and women who make Veterans Village possible – bringing us one step closer to ensuring all veterans have a place to call home.

I also enjoyed stopping by the Clackamas County Emergency Operations Center after I worked to secure $750,000 for much-needed upgrades to the facility! This funding will support our hardworking 911 dispatchers, improve emergency response operations, and protect public safety.

INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP COMMUNITIES PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH DURING HEAT WAVES

The heat wave that swept across Oregon last month, which included five consecutive days of record-high temperatures, was responsible for at least 10 deaths and hundreds of ER visits. As we face more frequent extreme heat events, Oregonians need to be able to rely on prompt federal assistance to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths.

I helped introduce the Heat Management Grant Assistance Act, which would create a special federal grant program for local communities to access needed resources for heat response and recovery. If a locality reaches the “extreme heat event” threshold, it can request funding through the Heat Management Assistance Grant Program (HMAG) and receive timely federal assistance.

Learn more about this bill, which has been endorsed by the National League of Cities and the National Recreation and Park Association:

RECEIVING ‘HERO OF MAIN STREET’ RECOGNITION

I’m honored to be named a 2024 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation. The recognition is given to lawmakers who work to advance policies that help create a vibrant and healthy retail sector. In Oregon, retail directly supports more than 420,000 jobs and contributes over $27 billion in economic activity.

Small businesses, including retailers, drive economic growth and success in Oregon by supporting thousands of good-paying jobs. Moving forward, I’ll keep standing up for our main streets by working to improve public safety, expand health care options, and reduce regulations.

NEW GRANT FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO IMPROVE REDMOND AIRPORT

The FAA recently announced over $1.2 million for Redmond Municipal Airport’s terminal expansion project.

As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I’ll continue working to ensure our municipal airports receive the resources they need to serve Oregonians.

NEW OSHA STANDARD COULD HINDER LOCAL SEARCH-AND-RECOVERY EFFORTS

During my recent roundtable with local sheriffs, I heard concerns that a proposed OSHA Emergency Response Standard could risk public safety by imposing unrealistic requirements on their agencies, which are responsible for carrying out search and recovery on federal lands.

I joined several of my colleagues from the region in urging the Labor Department to reconsider this potential rule and pursue a more tailored approach, ensuring our responders and those visiting national parks are kept safe.

Read the full letter by clicking on the graphic below:

CONDEMNING THE VIOLENT D.C. PROTESTORS WHO BURNED THE AMERICAN FLAG

Last week, Americans watched as violent pro-Palestinian protestors ripped down and burned U.S. flags at Union Station.

I strongly condemn this disrespect for our country, and I will always fight to defend our flag and our nation.

ONE MORE THING!

For this week's Sunday Scenery, take a look at this amazing view of Silver Falls submitted by Terry from Stayton!

Thank you Terry for sending this in – submit your own picture today: Chavez-DeRemer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

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,