John –

I was proud to join Sen. Ron Wyden for two town hall meetings over Memorial Day weekend – and encouraged seeing so many folks come out to get involved at our stops in Coos and Curry counties.

Sunday's stop marked my 14th town hall so far this year – and reminded me again how important it is to protect our first amendment rights to free speech and assembly.

These town halls are conversations, and they are always open to everyone.

And this weekend, Sen. Wyden and I heard from seniors dealing with long lines at Social Security offices and soon-to-be-retired folks wondering if it's actually going to be there for them when they take the plunge.

Fishers and farmers along the South Coast told us tariffs are eating into thin profit margins and new customer markets are drying up.

Just as Oregonians have been rallying to save Medicaid from devastating cuts, the Congressional Budget Office revealed that House Republicans' and Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" adds so much to the deficit that it would trigger major cuts to Medicare as well – something every single older American relies on.

Unlike many of my far-right colleagues, I'll keep going to towns and cities across my district to hear from you. And I'll keep an open, transparent dialogue going as we push forward on legislation that matters – strengthening Social Security and protecting Medicare and Medicaid.

If we are going to fight back against the Trump Administration, we must show up to town hall meetings, marches, and D.C. offices to demand funding for our Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Never underestimate the power of free speech – and bad publicity – to force President Trump and Republican leadership to back down from their dangerous proposals.

I'll see you out there,

Val