I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of good food in the company of friends and family. It’s one of my favorite holidays and I always enjoy the cooking and the conversation.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give back to our community. My office volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank this year, a tradition that was put on hold during the pandemic. We helped pack enough beans and potatoes to provide 4,940 meals!

I’m grateful for the work of the Food Bank, and the work of everyone striving make our world a better place.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

As Native American Heritage Month comes to a close, it’s important to recognize the vibrant traditions and many contributions of Indigenous communities in Oregon and across our country. Our lands and waters have benefited enormously from Indigenous stewardship. Indigenous communities continue to advocate tirelessly for responsible management of our natural resources.

We also recognize their resilience in the face of grave injustices and the lasting harm of colonization.

During Native American Heritage Month and beyond, I will work alongside our Indigenous communities to rectify these historic wrongs and to be their advocate in Congress.

Attending COP27

Attending the UN convention on climate change, COP27, this year was different from previous conferences because—unlike other years—the U.S. was able to deliver real progress made toward reducing carbon emissions. Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act is a good start, but we can and must do more.

Every degree of global warming above pre-industrial levels puts us on a path toward further destruction, and developing nations and marginalized communities face the greatest risk. We have the technology, the know-how, and the talent to prevent the worst climate outcomes and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. We only need the political will to get it done.

Although I am disappointed that a stronger agreement on emission goals was not reached at the negotiations, it is promising that the global community—especially wealthy nations like the U.S.—will help scale up public finance for climate adaptation and resilience.

Addressing Homelessness

Everyone who is homeless has unique needs and a unique story. In addition to affordable housing, we also need the facilities and workforce to offer a full spectrum of resources and care.

This month, I visited the new Multnomah County Behavioral Health Resource Center (BHRC) in Portland and HomePlate Youth Services’ renovated building in Beaverton. The BHRC will offer peer-led, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed care to people experiencing homelessness with behavioral health needs.

In HomePlate’s renovated building, which was partially funded through the American Rescue Plan, youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness will find a safe place to gather, engage in activities, do homework, and stay warm and dry.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to homelessness. I’m thankful for the partners in our community and local government who recognize this and are working to meet people experiencing homelessness where they are. I will continue to advocate for effective policies and investments to address homelessness in Congress.

ICYMI

An 8th grade team won this year’s Congressional App Challenge!
I introduced legislation to help states like Oregon address the shortage of public defenders
The pause on student loan repayments was extended to June 30, 2023
Enroll in health insurance by December 15 to have coverage in 2023
Veterans and Gold Star families can get a free lifetime pass to public lands
I expressed my gratitude to Speaker Pelosi for her historic leadership

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