Please join me for a telephone town hall meeting this Saturday, May 15, at 11 am. Click here to sign up for a call.

Vaccines are safe and effective, and everyone over 16 in Oregon is now eligible! Some sites are even welcoming walk-ins with no appointment necessary. Please do your part and get vaccinated. You can find more information HERE.

As the House prepares its annual spending bills, each member of the House was given the opportunity to submit specific requests for Community Project Funding and for Transportation & Infrastructure projects. I am pleased to advance ten terrific projects from NW Oregon for Community Project Funding. My office received more than 70 proposals, which shows that our communities have significant infrastructure and other needs that would benefit from targeted federal investment. I looked for projects with strong community support that would create jobs and help our economic recovery. I will continue to advocate for NW Oregon throughout this highly competitive process. Separately, I’m also advancing nine transportation projects from across the region that will help Oregonians travel safely and efficiently to school, work, and home.

Federal investment in infrastructure needs to be paired with federal investment in the people building our infrastructure. As our economy recovers, we can do more to connect the millions of people who are unemployed with good-paying infrastructure jobs.  My bipartisan BUILDS Act will support workers who have historically faced barriers to employment and provide them with the skills and support services they need to access millions of good-paying jobs.

Standing With and For Moms

Child care is an investment in our kids, our families, and our future. The $39 billion of support I helped secure in the American Rescue Plan is already making a difference for families and child care providers, but for a robust economic recovery we will need additional, sustainable support.

Mothers and caregivers have been stretched and stressed for too long and need our help as the pandemic pushes our child care crisis to the brink. I hope everyone had a very happy Mother’s Day, and to the moms out there; please know that I am advocating for you and for the support and opportunities  you and your family need to thrive.

Andrea Paluso of Family Forward Action has been a tireless advocate for families and caregivers, advancing legislative solutions and making a difference in the lives of women and families. I was honored to have her as my virtual guest for President Biden’s first joint address to Congress, when he unveiled the American Families Plan to finally invest in child care, elder care, and all of the essential infrastructure that sustains our families and our economy.

Finally, if you haven’t seen my conversation with Dr. Myra Jones-Taylor, a brilliant expert on what babies and families need, you can watch it here. 

Support for Our Seniors

The pandemic has hit our seniors especially hard, jeopardizing their health and increasing isolation. I’ve heard from older individuals in NW Oregon who are deeply worried about being able to stay safe, keep food in the cupboard, and access the services they need to stay healthy and age with dignity. At the same time, I have heard troubling reports of scammers taking advantage of seniors during this difficult period.

The incredible support organizations we have in Oregon and across the country worked with me to identify what is needed to protect our seniors. I’m thrilled that I was able to secure an additional $18 million in aid for Oregon programs. Thank you to the many wonderful Oregonians who are working hard every day to help seniors.

Climate Progress

Scientists at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport first told me about how blue carbon ecosystems can store significant amounts of carbon. I saw the tremendous potential of protecting and restoring these ecosystems. Thanks to OPB’s Think Out Loud for giving me the opportunity to discuss my bipartisan Blue Carbon for Our Planet Act.

This year we celebrated Earth Day with a climate champion in the White House. President Biden committed the U.S. to reducing our country’s greenhouse emissions by at least 50-52 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. This target is achievable, will create millions of good-paying jobs, and meets the urgency of the moment to tackle the climate crisis. I’m also grateful that the Biden-Harris Administration is establishing an interagency working group to work with Tribes, forest owners, farmers, and fishery management councils to protect thirty percent of our lands and waters by the year 2030. Conservation efforts must be collaborative, with all stakeholders at the table.

In Case You Missed It

-        During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I introduced my bipartisan bill to strengthen NOAA’s response to sexual assault and harassment.

-        I’m working with Senators Wyden and Merkley to preserve housing for 15 staff people at Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria and prevent reductions to this life-changing program.

-        We need equal pay for equal work, and I’m thrilled to have helped the House pass the Paycheck Fairness Act!

-        As a graduate of community college, I always appreciate the chance to hear from community college students about what they need to succeed. Portland Community College President Mitsui and some PCC students joined us at an Education and Labor Committee hearing to elevate the many issues facing students.