HOUSE PASSES FIX OUR FORESTS ACT, A BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE WILDFIRE RESILIENCY

On Tuesday, the House passed bipartisan legislation that I’m proud to cosponsor: the Fix Our Forests Act. The proposal would restore forest health, improve wildfire resiliency, and protect communities by increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects.

As you know, we have gone through an extremely devastating wildfire season. Costing more than $250 million, the Oregon Department of Forestry has stated this is the most expensive wildfire season in our state’s history. More than 1.9 million acres have been scorched.

I’ve worked to ensure that impacted communities are receiving the federal assistance they need. I’ve also advocated for better pay for wildland firefighters, who run toward these dangerous flames to keep our communities safe. This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting with Redmond Smokejumpers and received a briefing from the U.S. Forest Service and leaders on the ground.

While supporting our brave firefighters and providing relief to affected Oregonians are both important, it’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent another record-breaking wildfire season from occurring. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.

It’s a comprehensive proposal that would improve forest management in areas at the highest risk for wildfires by using advanced science and technology – including by supporting public-private partnerships. In addition, it would promote federal, state, tribal, and local collaboration by creating a Fireshed Center to streamline access to data to improve timely decision-making.

Providing needed resources to those affected – and working to prevent wildfires from starting in the first place – will continue to be top priorities.

SECURING PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF SNAP THEFT

This week, the House also passed a stopgap funding bill to prevent the government from shutting down on September 30. Included in this bill were extensions for several critical programs, including one to protect victims of SNAP theft. Last month, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to urge congressional leadership to extend these protections for low-income families and seniors.

At a time when millions of low-income families rely on SNAP to put food on the table, especially as grocery prices remain elevated, we must ensure victims of benefit theft are made whole and don’t go hungry. I’m glad our message was heard and this critical program was extended.

HONORING OUR VETERANS THROUGH A NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HIGHWAY

11 years ago, a Central Oregon veteran, Dick Tobiason, set out on a mission: to name Highway 20 in honor of our courageous Medal of Honor veterans. Last week, legislation I cosponsored to do just that passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support!

Please join me in thanking Mr. Tobiason for his dedication to ensuring Medal of Honor recipients get the recognition they deserve. I’ll keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation signed into law.

FOCUSING ON LOCAL ISSUES

Whether it’s through my work in committee or collaborating with my colleagues on bipartisan legislation, I’m committed to addressing the everyday issues affecting Oregonians.

As your representative, I’ll continue working to pass good, bipartisan policies for the people of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

MEETING WITH OREGONIANS VISITING D.C.

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Gold Star families from Oregon. I appreciated hearing their stories and having the opportunity to express my deep gratitude for their loved one’s service and sacrifice 🇺🇸

I also had the opportunity to meet with constituents who were in D.C. with the American Coalition for Ukraine. I’m committed to supporting Ukraine in their fight for peace after Russia’s unprovoked attack. 🇺🇸🇺🇦

RECOGNIZED AS A FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU

I’m honored to be recognized as a Friend of Farm Bureau for advocating for Oregon ag!

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ll continue serving as a strong voice for the priorities of Oregon’s hardworking farmers and ranchers.

SUNDAY SCENERY

📸 For this week’s Sunday Scenery, take a look at this beautiful picture of a farm in Stayton, submitted by Richard!

Thank you for your picture Richard! To submit your own, visit: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

Remember – you are not alone!

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,