HOSTING NATURAL RESOURCES FIELD HEARING ON CENTRAL OREGON WATER SUPPLY

This week, I was honored to host several members of Congress in Redmond – including my Oregon colleagues, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chairman Cliff Bentz and Congresswoman Val Hoyle, along with Congresswoman Celeste Maloy from Utah and Congressman Dan Newhouse from Washington – for a Natural Resources Committee field hearing titled, “It All Depends on Water: Examining Efforts to Improve and Protect Central Oregon's Water Supply.” This was the first time in nearly two decades a congressional field hearing was held in Central Oregon.

Whether for farming, drinking, wildlife habitat, or fighting wildfires, protecting our water is of vital importance to our environment and quality of life. Tuesday's hearing demonstrated the value of collaboration in securing reliable access to our most critical resource.

I’m grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who joined this hearing. Water is not a political issue; it's a community issue. I also want to extend a special thank you to my constituent Pat Gaylord for serving as one of our witnesses!

REMEMBERING THE INNOCENT LIVES LOST IN ISRAEL ON OCTOBER 7

On October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists viciously attacked Israel. In the year since, the Israeli people have begun to rebuild and honor the memory of those lost. As an American, I will always proudly stand with our democratic ally, Israel 🇺🇸🇮🇱

I appreciated meeting with members of the Jewish community in Central Oregon on Monday evening to recognize this solemn day. The attack on Israel one year ago triggered a wave of disgusting antisemitism. I'll keep fighting against all forms of hate and stand proudly with the Jewish and Israeli people.

VISITING UA LOCAL 290 TRAINING CENTER

I enjoyed touring the UA Local 290 Training Center! We discussed the importance of supporting trades and apprenticeships, which are critical to our nation's infrastructure and economy.

UA Local 290 is a multi-craft union made up of more than 5,000 active and retired members specializing in the fabrication, installation, and servicing of piping systems. They offer well-paying jobs and retirement benefits that support hardworking families.

I'll always be a vocal advocate for our union members, including by leading bipartisan legislation like the National Apprenticeship Act and the PELL Act, which would expand Federal Pell Grant eligibility to short-term programs that prepare workers for skilled labor and high-demand fields.

HOLDING A ROUNDTABLE WITH SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Earlier this week, I held a roundtable with local small business owners and law enforcement to talk about the challenges they are facing. Businesses participating included Hollywood Beverage, Puddin River Chocolates, Naughton Dental, Society Hotel, and Geeks & Games.

We discussed high prices, how crime has been bad for business, and the need for a better tax and regulatory environment to help grow our economy.

In Congress, I’m working to back small businesses by supporting tax relief, leading bipartisan legislation to make child care more affordable, reducing crime by tackling the fentanyl crisis and homelessness, and helping them offer high-quality, more affordable health care plans to their employees.

I was honored to receive the “Hero of Main Street” recognition by the National Retail Federation and to be recognized as a “Friend of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Businesses for my efforts to support Oregon’s small business community. I’ll always work to create jobs and grow our economy.

JOINING ‘COFFEE CLATTER’ AT REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL

I enjoyed visiting with local Kiwanis, Rotary, and Chamber members for Coffee Clatter at Redmond High School this morning! It was great to chat about issues in the community, including the importance of supporting the Redmond School District’s renewal bond.

WORKING TO SECURE OUR BORDER AND FIX OUR BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

I'll continue working in a bipartisan manner to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. Watch to hear my thoughts on a topic that is important to so many Oregonians ⬇️

SUNDAY SCENERY

For this weekend’s Sunday Scenery, take a look at this beautiful picture from Powell Butte, featuring some wildlife friends!

Thank you to Peter from Bend for sending this in! Submit your own picture today: https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING!

Tomorrow, on Farmer’s Day, we recognize the men and women who work tirelessly to put food on our tables and power our economy. Thank you, farmers, and Happy Farmer’s Day!

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,