JOINING MY COLLEAGUES IN ADVOCATING FOR VICTIMS OF FOOD STAMP THEFT

I recently joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in urging congressional leaders to extend critical protections for victims of food stamp theft, which are set to expire at the end of September. Currently, states are required to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The requirement was adopted in recent years in response to a massive uptick in thieves using skimming devices to steal SNAP benefits distributed on electronic debit cards (EBT). The provision applied to benefits stolen from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2024.

At a time when millions of families rely on SNAP to put food on the table, we must ensure victims of benefit theft are made whole and don’t go hungry – especially as households continue paying higher prices for their groceries.

Read our full letter by clicking here or by visiting my website below:

I’ve helped lead several bipartisan efforts to improve SNAP. In the Farm Bill that passed the House Agriculture Committee, three bills that I’ve introduced or cosponsored were adopted:

The SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act, which would speed up SNAP application processing;
The SNAP Nutrition Security Act, which would improve access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients; and
The Training and Nutrition Stability Act, which would protect benefits for individuals participating in job training programs.

Learn more:

MEETING WITH LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS

Earlier this week, I had the honor of joining a roundtable discussion with local manufacturers and small business leaders at Miles Fiberglass in Clackamas. We covered a lot of ground, including the importance of empowering more women to pursue careers in manufacturing. As a member of the Education and Workforce Committee, I’m proud to lead legislation like the National Apprenticeship Act, which would help create nearly one million registered apprenticeship opportunities to help train more workers and fill good-paying and in-demand jobs.

Additionally, I learned more about priorities for the manufacturing industry, including the importance of tax relief to help create jobs and spur economic growth. Earlier this year, I was proud to support the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support but failed to advance in the Senate. By supporting innovation, the legislation would protect 3,428 Oregon jobs. Additionally, it would preserve $292 million per year in wages for Oregon workers in fields related to research and development.

Moving forward, I’ll keep fighting to empower small businesses and workers by pushing to advance legislation that will grow our economy.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT INFRASTRUCUTRE PROJECTS IN MARION COUNTY

It was great to be back in Marion County this week to receive an update on several key issues – including the North Santiam Sewer Project, which I’m working to support by advocating for federal infrastructure funding. Additionally, I joined Commissioner Kevin Cameron, the sheriff department, and additional local leaders on a tour of Detroit Lake, where we discussed Army Corps dam seismic mitigation and many other projects. I also heard an update on ongoing wildfire recovery efforts and received a wildfire briefing from USFS.

Finally, I met with first responders to learn more about plans to install a new emergency announcement system. I was honored to help secure $1.8 million for this project during the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2024!

ADDRESSING THE EVERYDAY ISSUES OREGONIANS CARE ABOUT

It’s easy to say that we’re a divided people. But when I look at my district – a unique blend of blue and red – it comes down to addressing the everyday issues impacting our families.

I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for the 5th District.

HONORING THE 13 SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWAL

Monday marked three years since 13 brave soldiers tragically lost their lives while evacuating American citizens and allies from the Kabul airport. We will always remember and honor their courage and sacrifice for our nation.

SUNDAY SCENERY

For this weekend's Sunday Scenery post, take a look at this picturesque view of the North Santiam River submitted by Donna from Oregon City!

Thank you to Donna for sending this in – submit your own Sunday Scenery by visiting: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend! I will always stand up for working families and will continue fighting to improve workers' rights and wages at the policymaking tables in D.C.

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,