INTRODUCING THE MILITARY FAMILIES NATIONAL PARKS ACCESS ENHANCEMENT ACT

This week, I testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources to advocate for my new legislation, the Military Families National Parks Access Enhancement Act.

The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) codified free, lifetime national park passes for active-duty service members, veterans, and next-of-kin of service members who lost their lives in qualifying situations like war or military operations outside of the United States. My proposal would expand this to include any service member who passes away due to active-duty service.

I drafted this bill after speaking with a Central Oregon constituent whose son tragically perished during a U.S. Marine Corps combat training. Since it was a training exercise, the family is not currently eligible for free national park access.

This bill would ensure Gold Star family members like Peter can freely access our beautiful national parks to reflect on their loved ones and find moments of peace. This is a small but meaningful way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen and their families. Learn more by visiting my website by clicking HERE or below:

Watch my full committee remarks on Youtube here:

MY PROPOSAL TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSES AND POISONINGS HEADS TO PRESIDENT’S DESK

Earlier this year, I introduced the bipartisan Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act to ensure critical overdose and poison prevention programs would continue past the September 30 deadline. I’m happy to announce that my proposal passed the House this week and is now heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law!

Poison control centers play a vital role in preventing accidental deaths and offer important educational resources to raise awareness about dangerous substances, including fentanyl. Earlier this year, the Oregon Poison Center sounded the alarm on rising fentanyl overdoses among children. There were 16 children younger than six who were poisoned by fentanyl in Oregon in 2023 – up from zero in 2020.

Extending these key programs will help save lives while reducing pressure on emergency rooms across the country.

SUPPORTING TRANSITIONAL HOUSING SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

I introduced the bipartisan Transitional Housing Protection for the Homeless Act this week, which would ensure people experiencing homelessness can access the resources they need to get back on their feet.

To help our homeless population transition into stable housing, we must make sure the floor doesn’t fall out from underneath them while they take concrete steps to get back on track. This legislation would redefine the meaning of chronic homelessness in current law to include individuals residing in transitional housing for fewer than 90 days – ensuring short-term residents of transitional housing are not excluded from critical assistance.

Learn more about this bipartisan proposal by clicking HERE or below. You can also check out my efforts relating to affordable housing and homelessness by visiting my website HERE.

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Wishing everyone across the 5th District a happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanics and Latinos are the fastest-growing demographic in Oregon, and it’s an honor to represent our shared values in the halls of Congress.

MEETING WITH OREGON TEAMSTERS

It was great to meet with Oregon Teamsters who were in D.C. this week! I remain committed to standing up for workers and protecting their right to fair wages and safe working conditions.

SUNDAY SCENERY

📸🍂 As the smell of warm apple cider floats in the breeze and sweater weather begins, it’s time to submit your OR-05 fall pictures!

Visit chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery to submit your picture today!

ONE MORE THING

🇺🇸 Today, on POW/MIA Recognition Day, we pause to remember our service members who have been prisoners of war or have gone missing while selflessly serving our nation. These brave heroes will never be forgotten.

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,