INTRODUCING THE BIPARTISAN RURAL HOMEOWNERSHIP CONTINUITY ACT

I recently joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to introduce the Rural Homeownership Continuity Act, a bipartisan proposal that would help families attain federal loans at lower interest rates. The goal is to make homeownership more affordable in our rural communities.

Oregon is ranked the fifth-most unaffordable state for local homebuyers, and all of our communities – urban, suburban, and rural – have felt the effects of this affordability crisis. Too many Oregonians are forced to work multiple jobs just to afford their mortgages.

That’s why I’ve been working to find bipartisan solutions that will make a direct, lasting impact. I’m honored to help introduce this much-need legislation, which will improve housing affordability and access in rural areas. Learn more:

VISITING LOCAL VINEYARD AND RECEIVING THE ‘FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU’ AWARD

In Marion County yesterday, I enjoyed stopping by a vineyard run by Marion County Farm Bureau President Dana Estensen and learning more about her operation! Dana is a first-generation farmer who has grown wine grapes for more than 20 harvest seasons.

With 21 full-time employees, they just wrapped up harvest on Wednesday, bringing in an impressive 3,000 tons of wine grapes. We talked about the equipment required for an efficient harvest, the need for additional research in this field, and how state and federal regulations have impacted their business.

After the tour, I was honored to be presented with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for my work during the 118th Congress. I’m proud to serve on the Agriculture Committee, where I’ve made it a priority to be an outspoken voice for Oregon agriculture.

In the bipartisan Farm Bill that passed our committee earlier this year, several pieces of legislation that I have led on behalf of our farmers were adopted – including the Specialty Crop Security Act to support the long-term success of specialty crop farms, the Smoke Exposure Crop Insurance Act to help develop new crop insurance policies related to wine grape losses due to smoke exposure, the Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act to support mechanization and automation projects to bolster efficiency for specialty crop growers, and many others.

STOPPING BY A LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

With leaves changing and a chill in the air, fall has definitely arrived in the 5th District, and you know what that means – Christmas is right around the corner! I enjoyed stopping by BTN of Oregon to speak with Ben and Lisa Stone about their family’s Christmas tree farm, which is in full swing getting trees ready for the holidays.

With 2,700 acres of trees and around 400,000 harvested every season, they employ 30 full-time workers to meet demand. Like so many others, their farm has faced some adversity in the past few years due to wildfires and extreme heat, but they are still running strong.

BTN of Oregon sells trees locally and also ships them as far as Hong Kong. During my visit, I got to see helicopters applying fertilizer and learn more about the manual labor required to produce high-quality Christmas trees, including the careful process of planting and shaping the trees starting after three years.

Finally, I want to extend a thank you to Oregon Farm Bureau President Angi Bailey and Executive Director Greg Addington for joining me on these visits! I appreciate their hard work and tireless advocacy on behalf of our ag community. They have been great partners in helping me ensure the priorities of our farmers, ranchers, and foresters are represented in Congress, including through ongoing Farm Bill negotiations.

RECEIVING AN “A” GRADE FOR MY BIPARTISAN EFFORTS IN CONGRESS

I’m honored to receive an “A” grade from Bridge Pledge for my bipartisan work in Congress! As the second-most bipartisan member of Congress, I’m committed to being an independent voice for Oregon on key issues like improving public safety, housing access, and child care affordability.

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

ADDRESSING THE BORDER CRISIS TO CURB FENTANYL OVERDOSES

The fentanyl crisis plaguing our communities is devastating proof that open border policies have turned every state into a border state. My colleagues and I have worked to secure our border and protect American families.

UPDATE ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT

I was an early cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act last year, and I'm proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in ensuring this critical legislation receives a vote to protect retirement for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public employees.

It’s now the most cosponsored bill in Congress and will receive a vote in the House when we return in November. I’m joining my colleague leading the push, Congressman Graves from Louisianna, in urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to schedule a vote in the Senate immediately so we can get this bill to the president’s desk after passing it in the House.

I have never voted to cut Social Security or Medicare, and I will always fight to protect retirement benefits for hardworking Oregonians.

Learn more:

DELIVERING BIPARTISAN RESULTS FOR OREGONIANS

When I speak to my neighbors, friends, and fellow Oregonians, they all tell me the same thing: They want common-sense, bipartisan solutions to the problems they see every day.

That’s why I’ve made collaborating with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle a top priority ⤵️

SUNDAY SCENERY

For this weekend’s Sunday Scenery, we’re switching things up and heading to Union Station!

Thank you to John from Oregon City for sending this in! Submit your own picture here: chavez-deremer.house.gov/sunday-scenery

ONE MORE THING – FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

🐶🦴For this week’s Feel Good Friday, we’re headed into Bend, where ‪KTVZ highlighted the Bend Fall Festival’s second annual Bark Bash. Featuring events like the “Running of the Bulldogs,” a costume contest, and the coolest tricks contest, the Bark Bash was fun for everyone involved!

Thank you to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, whose volunteers helped the event run smoothly.

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,