Supply chain issues and the rising cost of basic necessities are real problems, and this week the House will vote on comprehensive legislation to help. The COMPETES Act will strengthen the United States’ competitive edge and address many of the complicated economic issues that have arisen during the pandemic. I’m proposing a number of amendments that reflect Oregon priorities, and I’m working hard to get them in the bill.

Building Safer Communities

We keep getting good news about infrastructure funding for Oregon, including the announcement about $92 million for clean drinking water investments in the coming year.

Supporting Health Care Workers

Workers are the backbone of our health care system. I'm doing all I can at the federal level to make sure they have the training and support they need. Affordable higher education, including public service loan forgiveness, is an important part of the solution. Unfortunately, the pandemic has taken a toll. We need to invest in the well-being of everyone working in the health care field, and we need new people to enter these vital fields. It was wonderful to hear firsthand from Pacific University students who are studying to be the next generation of health care professionals.

Building Back, Building Housing

The housing crisis has severely affected families in NW Oregon. Many people in our communities do not have a home, which is especially concerning during winter weather. I recently visited a new affordable housing development and the Beaverton Warming Shelter to hear about how our cities and counties are stepping up to meet the need using federal resources. I’m also thrilled that Washington County is joining a federal initiative to increase resources to house homeless veterans.

I am still hopeful that Congress will pass a robust investment in affordable housing, along with important investments in climate action and child care, in the Build Back Better Act.

Child Care and the Child Tax Credit

Families with children in NW Oregon and across the country benefited tremendously from the expanded Child Tax Credit. Half of families spent the tax credit on food, and it lifted millions of children out of poverty. I am advocating for this critical benefit to continue for families.

My Oregon Child Care Advisory Board helps guide my efforts to secure a game-changing federal investment in child care. Families were already struggling to find and afford child care before the pandemic, and now it’s even harder. Funds in the American Rescue Plan made a difference, but there is no market solution to this problem: it requires public investment. Learn more about my work on child care here.

In Case You Missed It

• If you enjoy podcasts, please check out this great discussion with Inside Washington County.
• One year after the deadly attack on the US Capitol, we still have work to do to safeguard our democracy.
• Oregon is at the forefront of wave energy, thanks to a new $25 million federal investment!
• Days after the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I spoke with a high school student who is concerned about the future of reproductive freedom.
• Don’t forget, you can order free at home COVID tests from USPS! Order yours here.