Although the draft decision was leaked a month in advance, it was still devastating to read the official decision overturning Roe vs. Wade and 50 years of abortion rights. I remember the days before Roe, when abortions done without medical care could have tragic outcomes – including death. It is tragic to think of how many people will have their lives disrupted and their health put at risk because of this disastrous decision.

Earlier this month, I visited the Lilith Clinic—a local reproductive care center. The caring and professional staff at Lilith, and at clinics across our state, are critical to making abortion care accessible to all who need it. As Oregon serves more people seeking help from states with restrictive laws, it is important that we do everything we can to support the medical providers on the frontline. I’m backing the Healthcare Providers Safety Act to give them the protection they need.

I also helped the House pass legislation to put Roe vs. Wade into law, and I will continue doing all I can to get it over the finish line. This court decision will not end our fight for reproductive rights.

Congress passes historic gun violence prevention legislation

A teacher told me that after Uvalde, she sat down with her students and told them she would take a bullet for them. Conversations like this are happening in classrooms across the country, but they shouldn’t have to.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a welcome step toward ending the tragedies we have seen far too often. The law incentivizes states to establish extreme risk protection order laws, enhances background checks for people under the age of 21, ends straw purchasing, and penalizes gun traffickers. It also safeguards survivors of domestic violence by closing the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” prohibiting people convicted of domestic violence crimes from possessing firearms.

As a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, I recognize the historic nature of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It is the most meaningful Congressional action on gun violence prevention since 1994. Much more needs to be done, however, and I will continue to advocate for comprehensive gun violence prevention reforms.

Traffic safety visits

This year members of the House of Representatives were invited to submit 15 community projects for consideration to receive federal funding. I evaluated projects, all of which were submitted by community members, based on eligibility, local support, job creation, equity, and geographic diversity. I recently toured two of the projects I selected for 2023, the Beaverton Downtown Loop and Hall Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Tigard.

On a tour with Mayor Lacey Beaty I saw firsthand how challenging it can be for people walking, biking, or using transit to travel between Old Town and Beaverton Central. The Downtown Loop improvements will increase access, mobility, and safety for the Beaverton community and all who visit this vibrant city.

The Hall Boulevard pedestrian safety improvements at Hemlock & Spruce will help transform what has been a historically dangerous stretch of road. Just last March, a woman was killed trying to cross the road not too far from where the tour took place.

The U.S. has experienced a staggering increase in traffic fatalities in recent years. Better pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, lighting, and curb ramps are all important to making our communities safer for everyone.

Essential school meal waivers extended

At the start of the pandemic, I successfully advocated for waivers that gave flexibility and extra funding to school nutrition programs. Millions of children have received free, healthy meals thanks to this program.

The pandemic waivers were set to expire at the end of June. Fortunately Congress passed the bipartisan Keep Kids Fed Act, a compromise that extends many important policies and gives extra funding to school nutrition programs. I will continue to advocate for a needed update of the comprehensive child nutrition law because no child should go hungry.

ICYMI

•  The House acted to lower food and fuel prices
• I received an honorary degree and spoke at the PSU commencement
• Children under 6 can now get their COVID-19 vaccine
• For the 10th anniversary of DACA, I invited several Oregon Dreamers to share their stories on my Instagram
• The Congressional App Challenge is open for 6-12th grade students! Submissions are due by November 1st.