This July is expected to be the hottest in recorded history, with states and communities around the world seeing record high temperatures. We’ve thankfully been spared the triple-digit weather in Northwest Oregon so far, but the unseasonably hot temperatures still pose a significant threat to vulnerable communities. Low-income and marginalized communities face the greatest threats from extreme heat, and outdoor workers and workers in other industries—like warehouse packing—also experience high rates of heat illness and deaths.

Extreme heat kills more people in our country than any other natural disaster. I’ve advocated for the Biden administration to do more to protect against extreme heat, like finalizing federal heat protections for workers. I’ve also introduced the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act to mobilize federal resources to address extreme heat. It’s encouraging to see the Biden Administration announce new actions related to extreme heat, but Congress can do more.
As climate change continues to fuel hotter temperatures, I am committed to cutting climate-warming carbon emissions and helping communities build resiliency against heat.

Making Our Streets Safe

It was great to have Secretary Buttigieg in Portland to tour 82nd Avenue and learn more about the city’s vision for the street. 82nd Avenue is the economic and cultural heart of a thriving and diverse community, but it’s sadly one of Portland’s deadliest stretches of road. I’m glad that TriMet just received a federal grant to introduce rapid transit on this important avenue, and that we’re working toward more safety improvements.

Building better, more livable streets is important for both public health and the environment. This month I also toured TV Hwy in Forest Grove to view firsthand the need for safety improvements like sidewalks, crosswalks, and better lighting. The area is growing, and the infrastructure has not kept up with the increasing number of people walking, rolling, and using transit along this corridor.

The TV Hwy safety project is one of the 15 requests I submitted for federal funding, and I will continue to advocate for these investments throughout the budget process.

Visiting Tillamook County

I appreciated my visit to the Nehalem Bay Health District to hear about plans for a new clinic and other projects like workforce housing development. NBHD’s services are critical for rural coastal communities where access to health care is limited.

I also had a great tour of the Port of Garibaldi’s facilities, including a seaweed farm, Oregon Seaweed. My SHELLS Act would help grow aquaculture farms like Oregon Seaweed and promote healthy blue carbon ecosystems. There is a significant need to repair and replace aging infrastructure at the Port like the South Jetty, and I’ll continue to look for ways to support Garibaldi.

I ended my day on the coast at Jencks Farms, where I learned more about the work that goes into the Tillamook products we enjoy across Oregon and the country. Tillamook’s cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products are some of Oregon’s most delicious and recognizable, and it starts with dairy farms like Jenck’s.

Kicking Off the Women’s World Cup

As representative of Soccer City USA, I was thrilled to join fans at Pioneer Courthouse Square to cheer on U.S. Women’s National Team as they defend their World Cup title. The example set by the players is inspiring, on and off the pitch!

Participation in sports is valuable—even if you don’t end up playing for a national team. Sports help foster a sense of belonging, teach teamwork and collaboration, build relationships, and keep us healthy. I’m grateful for the people and organizations like the Sports Bra and Portland Community Football Club who are working to make sure all kids, including trans and LGBTQI+ youth, have a place in sports.

ICYMI

I spoke out against the GOP’s latest discriminatory education bill
I helped deliver food with Meals on Wheels
I met with community members at the Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro
I saw innovative shoes and apparel at Hilos and Oros
Portland will be the site of a new center for urban farmers
Veterans must apply by Aug 9 to receive backdated PACT Act benefits

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