LATEST COLUMN: A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PAY IS NEEDED

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, the brave men and women on the front lines of these catastrophic blazes are deservingly hailed as heroes. Unfortunately, federal wildland firefighters are frequently subjected to inconsistent compensation despite their essential role in saving lives.

The Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which just passed the House, increases wildland firefighter pay by over $330 million. This permanent pay fix accurately reflects the valued work the nearly 11,200 wildland firefighters do to protect communities nationwide. It also recognizes the need to enhance recruitment and stabilize retention of this critical workforce and will provide financial certainty.

The funding and provisions included in this legislation — most of which are part of bipartisan legislation previously introduced — fulfill Congress’s responsibility to maintain increased pay levels for our nation’s federal wildland firefighters. I joined Rep. Mike Simpson from Idaho, the Chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, in writing a guest column outlining the details. Read our full opinion piece by visiting my website or in the Bend Bulletin by clicking on the graphic below:

In addition to supporting firefighters, I’ve worked with the Oregon delegation to provide needed resources to communities that have been affected by the wildfires that have burned more than a million acres across the state.

We joined together in urging the USDA to approve the state of Oregon’s disaster declaration request, which would open more targeted federal resources to support impacted agricultural communities.

Learn more:

MEETING WITH REDMOND SMOKEJUMPERS AND GETTING A BRIEFING FROM USFS

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with firefighters at the Redmond Smokejumper Base who were preparing to go out and fight the many wildfires that are blazing across the state. I'm grateful for their brave and tireless efforts to protect our communities from these devastating fires.

I also received a briefing from the U.S. Forest Service and leaders on the ground. There are currently around 13,000 wildland firefighters operating in the Pacific Northwest, which is half of the total number across the country – demonstrating just how dire the situation is. I'll continue partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to keep Oregonians safe and provide needed resources to those who have been affected, including in the 5th District.

From there, I had the opportunity to visit PatRick Environmental, a Redmond-based wildland firefighter company. They are critical partners in fighting wildfires throughout the country!

PRESENTING THE CIVIL AIR PATROL’S HIGHEST HONOR

It was a privilege to present the prestigious Gill Robb Wilson Award to Major Carol Moseley, the highest honor the Civil Air Patrol gives to its members – recognizing exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Thank you for your service Major Moseley, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 🇺🇸

ATTENDING HAPPY VALLEY’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

I’ve loved being able to call Happy Valley home for over two decades – great to see so many friends and familiar faces Tuesday night at our annual National Night Out, and a huge THANK YOU to local law enforcement who work so hard to serve and protect our families!

VISITING CLACKAMAS FIRE’S TRAINING CAMPUS

🔥I enjoyed visiting Clackamas Fire’s training campus! I learned more about their new hiring practices to lower barriers for applicants. We also discussed their funding needs. Our brave firefighters run toward danger to keep us safe, and I’m deeply grateful for all those who step up to serve our communities.

SUNDAY SCENERY

🌊 For this upcoming weekend's Sunday Scenery post, we’re taking a trip to the coast! Take a look at this stunning view of Cannon Beach submitted by Tina from Happy Valley!

Thank you for the submission Tina – to submit your own picture, visit: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

Wednesday was Purple Heart Day, when we pause to honor all of our brave veterans who have been wounded or lost their lives while serving our country. We are forever indebted to them for their selfless sacrifice for our nation and 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,